Arlington Hts. approves garbage contract, but debate lingers

The Arlington Heights Village board Monday gave final approval to a new five-year contract with Groot Industries for garbage removal and recycling from single-family homes.

But the debate over garbage pickup wasn't over, as three residents argued again that Arlington Heights should reduce its pickup to once a week, and let residents pay for a second pickup if they want one.

Joseph Farwell, the only trustee who voted against the contract, estimated each residence would save $300 over the life of the contract if the village had opted for once a week pickup. Village Manager Bill Dixon, however, said under the new contract Arlington Heights' fees are 7.4 percent lower than the average garbage fees of communities in the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County.

Comparing contracts is complicated, he said, pointing out that one SWANCC town pays extra for pickup at municipal buildings, which is free for Arlington Heights. Groot will provide each Arlington Heights household with a free recycling cart of the requested size, and residents who want to can rent garbage carts for $2.50 per month.