St. Charles likely to switch garbage pickup companies

St. Charles aldermen on Tuesday night indicated they would support hiring a new garbage pickup company at a lower cost, though several officials voiced concerns over the risk of switching vendors.

Lakeshore Recycling Systems offered the lowest price of three vendors that responded to a joint request for proposals issued by St. Charles, Batavia and Geneva. All three towns have contracts with Florida-based Advanced Disposal expiring June 30.

St. Charles aldermen said they've heard resounding support from community members for sticking with Advanced Disposal, the city's refuse contractor for 13 years. But amid a nearly two-hour discussion Tuesday night, the government services committee voted 7-2 to award the five-year contract to Lakeshore, a Chicago-area company.

Aldermen also unanimously agreed to stick with a volume-based sticker program, rather than switching to a toter option that would require residents to choose between 35-, 65- and 95-gallon garbage cans.

With the current Advanced Disposal contract, residents can use their own 32-gallon cans or bags and attach a $3.40 sticker for each pickup. Larger toters are available to rent for a monthly fee.

In initial proposals opened May 7, Advanced Disposal offered to lower the sticker price to $3.10, said Tim Wilson, the city's environmental services manager. The company in recent days submitted an alternative proposal that would lower the price by another 15 cents, company representatives said.

Lakeshore proposed charging $2.60 per sticker. Both contracts included a free recycling tote, as well as some additional services.

Groot was the third vendor to submit a proposal.

Aldermen questioned whether they should consider Advanced Disposal's most recent proposal, with some officials saying the bids received May 7 should be considered the company's final offer. Alderman Dan Stellato, who voted against awarding the contract to Lakeshore, said he would rather solicit proposals again to ensure residents were getting valuable service for the best deal.

Alderman Todd Bancroft, who favored hiring Lakeshore, said he had concerns over whether the cost savings were worth transitioning to an unfamiliar vendor.

"The question is, what's the risk by having a new vendor relationship when universally everyone that has contacted me has been positive about Advanced?" he said.

But Alderman Steve Gaugel said hiring a new company could offer an opportunity to receive even better customer service, while also saving residents money.

Geneva decided earlier this month to sign with Lakeshore. Batavia decided to stick with Advanced Disposal after the company offered a cheaper rate than its initial proposal.

The St. Charles city council will consider the proposal at an upcoming meeting.