New containers will simplify recycling, save money

Both the environment and resident pocketbooks will be a little more green in Crystal Lake, thanks to a few changes in the city's residential curbside garbage pickup plan.

Starting today, MDC Environmental (formerly known as Marengo Disposal) will start delivering new 96-gallon refuse containers and 65-gallon recycling containers to all of the city's residential curbside collection customers.

The containers will make recycling much simpler and more convenient. Existing recycling containers are considerably smaller -- only 12.6 gallons -- and do not have lids. These new recycling container are 65 gallons and will have a lid to prevent recyclables from littering the community.

The service is free. Delivery is expected to be complete by the end of April.

Residents will not be required to use prepaid bags, stickers or the hauler-supplied containers. MDC still will collect an unlimited amount of household refuse, recyclables and yard waste from resident-owned containers.

Residents who choose not to use the containers or who would like to exchange the larger containers for a smaller refuse container and a 35-gallon recycling container should call MDC at (815) 568-7274 after May 1 for details.

The free containers aren't the only perk for residents; the city of Crystal Lake also has negotiated a stable pricing schedule for residential disposal services. New service rates will be effective May 1.

Residents will see increases of about 4 percent per year; 3 percent per year for senior citizens 65 and older.

For many residents, the plan will bring a rate decrease.

For example, residents who were renting one refuse container will pay $16.25 per month under the new plan -- about 10 percent less than the current cost of $17.99 per month. That's a savings of approximately $20 per year.

Senior citizens and multi-family housing residents will receive similar rate decreases.

Regular service costs $16.25 per month and includes disposal of unlimited refuse in resident-owned containers, recycling and yard waste, as well as two the free containers. The cost is $18.25 for two additional 96-gallon refuse containers and $2 each for extra yard waste containers.

Service for seniors 65 and older costs $14.76 per month, $16.76 for two additional 96-gallon containers and $2 each for additional yard waste containers.

For multi-family housing residents who use curbside collection instead of a Dumpster, service costs $10.64 per month and $12.64 per month to add two 96-gallon refuse containers.