New Arlington Heights garbage contract is cheaper, but service is less frequent

Arlington Heights plans to retain Groot as the village waste hauler in a new 7-year contract that calls for cheaper rates, but less frequent pickup service.

Following a request for proposals, Groot offered the lowest price for basic weekly curbside collection: $11.30 per month, which is 8% less than the current $12.33 fee.

But village officials recommended elimination of the optional twice-a-week garbage pickup service since only 7% of households utilize it, and they say the participation rate does not justify the additional traffic, noise and air pollution, and wear and tear on the streets.

Among new services Groot will offer, residents will be able to place two electronic waste items at their curbs every week, such as old TVs. They'll also get to place five free bags of yard waste during the first week of April.

Village trustees Monday endorsed the recommendation for a new contract, which still must be finalized and wouldn't go into effect until next April.