Elgin to change trash collection companies after 30 years with Waste Management

After nearly 30 years of contracting with Waste Management, Elgin City Council members have given preliminary approval to change waste removal providers.

The new contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems would remove the existing tiered pricing system and eliminate the need for stickers for yard waste while adding new organic recycling options. The council will take a final vote on the switch at an upcoming meeting.

The new citywide flat-rate price of $24.95 per month for single-family homes and townhouses would be all-inclusive, adding a third cart for yard waste and organics for those who request one. Residents no longer would need to buy the $3.47 stickers for additional yard waste.

The move to a new provider was endorsed by Public Works Director Aaron Neal, who said the price would rise for residents no matter which company the city selected.

Residents of single-family homes currently pay $20.58 per month for the services provided by Waste Management, while those in condominiums and townhouses pay $15.38.

With the previous contract with Waste Management ending, the city asked the company about renewing at the same rate. But the provider said it couldn’t hold the line on the pricing.

The city then put out a request for proposals and received four bids, which were narrowed down to Waste Management and Lakeshore Recycling Systems as finalists.

Neal said it was “crucial” that the new contract includes “organics” recycling in the base price.

Nearly 60% of respondents to a 2023 resident survey said they were interested in an organics program that combines food scrap with yard waste, though 80% said they wouldn’t participate if there was an additional cost.

“We think that’s important, we think that’s innovative, we think that’s in line with our strategic goals,” Neal said.

Mayor David Kaptain and council member Tish Powell voiced concerns about a Lakeshore Recycling Systems truck fleet that primarily uses biodiesel fuel, as opposed to the renewable natural gas used by the majority of the Waste Management trucks.

“I think going back to diesel fuel is a big step backward for this community,” Kaptain said.

Ultimately, both approved the switch to Lakeshore Recycling Systems after a motion proposed by Powell to select Waste Management failed 7-2.