Arlington should bid out refuse collection

Arlington Heights has a reputation for being at the forefront of many of the most important issues of our time. The village was one of the early leaders in residential recycling in the Chicago area and because of its leadership in this area, residents continue to improve and increase their recycling. This is laudable!

But other communities are surpassing us in other ways: We are still collecting garbage twice a week -- even though the amount of garbage has shrunk -- while other communities have weekly pick up. We continue to leave our multifamily residents, businesses, schools and churches on their own to negotiate recycling/garbage contracts rather than securing a villagewide franchise contract.

We are still using carry-able recycling bins rather than the 35-65-95 gallon rolling carts (toters) used in neighboring suburbs.

Studies done at universities and at the Solid Waste Agency of Northwest Cook County have repeatedly confirmed that moving to weekly collection, franchise contracts and toters save money, improve recycling and contribute to cleaner, neater streets.

It is often said by village officials the status quo in garbage collection in Arlington Heights is supported by both residents and business. However, it has been over seven years since surveys have been done showing the desire for our current practices.

Times have changed! We are living in a time of heightened environmental awareness and the need to save resources, especially financial ones. It is time the village put out RFPs and consider competitive bids with several companies before signing on to the same old contract for another year.

Putting out RFPs is the best, most affordable way to compare the status quo with new options.

When extending the current contract with Groot comes before the board in July, I urge you to say NO and instruct the staff to put out RFPs with the options suggested above.

Arlington Heights cannot afford to pass up this opportunity to discover just how much it can save -- and how much greener we can make our community -- for the village, residents and by extension, for schools, churches and businesses, too.

Jim Valentine

Arlington Heights