Open-market system best for trash picku

Recently, the village of Grayslake announced it’s considering a municipal franchise contract for the collection and disposal of waste generated by commercial, industrial and multifamily buildings. The proposed plan will have a negative impact on the community and the thousands of customers we serve on a daily basis.

Currently, business customers in Grayslake benefit from free choice, competitive pricing as well as tailored waste removal and recycling programs. The present open-market system gives customers the opportunity to negotiate the best price for the best service surrounding their specific needs. The proposed measure will wipe out the competitive market and allow the village to grant an exclusive franchise to one waste hauler. Essentially, the village will dictate a specific service provider to implement collection, determine how much collection fees will cost as well as service parameters for businesses including the time and frequency of collection. A commercial waste franchise will also make it impossible for customers to terminate their contract if unhappy with the mandated waste hauler’s service.

The village board will be considering this matter at a public meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Too often, government is getting involved in operational decisions private business should be making for itself. Affording local business a choice to work with the hauler that can provide the best service and program to meet recycling and disposal needs encourages open-market competition and allows for competitive pricing and is best approach for businesses in the community.

Peggy Macenas

Executive director

National Solid Wastes Management Association, Illinois Chapter