Sugar Grove considers extending garbage contract

Sugar Grove trustees are so pleased with how Waste Management picks up trash, they are inclined to extend its contract another five years.

Trustees praised the courtesy and appearance of the firms’ workers, and one trustee mentioned how carefully the garbageman places the lid back in the empty can so it doesn’t blow down the street. Police Chief Brad Sauer led the audience in applause for the firm because it supplied a free rollaway trash Dumpster to a family whose house and belongings were damaged in a fire caused by lightning.

The current contract expires Aug. 31, 2012. Under the extension, the monthly charge to residents would remain the same until Aug. 31, 2013. Then rates would increase 3 to 5 percent per year, indexed to the rate of inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index.

A big change, however, would come in how people would put their garbage out at the curb. Waste Management would give everyone a 96-gallon wheeled toter to use instead of the customers’ own private cans. The toters can be picked up and emptied robotically so the garbageman doesn’t have to leave the truck. Senior citizens who produce less garbage could get a 64-gallon toter.

Residents now pay $20.11 per month. That covers unlimited trash, recyclables and yard waste pickup, one large item a week and two appliances per year. It also covers the cost of having Waste Management sweep the streets eight times a year, and provides portable toilets, sinks and garbage cans for the Corn Boil.

The new contract would also offer three Big Belly solar-powered trash compactors for placement at public sites.

Village administrator Brent Eichelberger said a discounted rate for seniors was considered, but rejected. The cost to run garbage trucks out around Sugar Grove isn’t lessened appreciably by seniors’ reduced garbage, and other customers would be subsidizing the lower rate, he said.

Village staff will prepare a contract extension.