Praise for council on recycling bid

Commendation is due the Wheaton City Council for recently directing the city staff to prepare a residential solid waste and recycling program contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Veolia.

This program will provide every resident a larger- wheeled recycling cart with a tightly fitting lid, the cost of which is incorporated in the pay-as-you-throw refuse sticker pricing. By doing so, the program promises to reverse the declining recycling rate in the city and minimize refuse waste, while at the same time decreasing litter, adding greater ease in getting recyclables out to the curb, and improving safety conditions for the hauler because the carts can be lifted automatically.

This decision comes at the end of a 17-month study of Wheaton's program options thoughtfully and diligently pursued by a team of both city staff and citizen volunteers.

The study incorporated analysis of the programs used by many different communities both in Illinois and nationwide, as well as a review of trade journal articles and local brainstorming.

The decision also reflects one of the Wheaton City Council's priorities of improving the environmental quality of our city.

Please join me in thanking Mayor Mike Gresk and coucilmen Liz Corry, John Prendiville and Dave Johnson for their responsible leadership and support in this effort to improve what is already a model program for handling recyclables and solid waste. Hopefully, Councilman Phil Seuss will join them in awarding the contract at an upcoming city council meeting.

Mary Vieregg

Wheaton