Arlington Heights prepares for switch to weekly garbage pickup
Arlington Heights will officially switch to once-a-week garbage collection starting April 4, but residents still have time to opt for a twice-a-week pickup.
A number of changes are coming under a new contract between Arlington Heights and Groot Industries. Since the village board decision in December, Arlington Heights has been educating residents on the upcoming changes to their refuse, recycling and landscape waste collection.
"People are excited about the opportunity to have different choices they haven't had before," said James McCalister, director of building and health services.
People who still want twice-a-week garbage pickup must contact Groot to sign up. Twice-a-week curbside pickup will cost $24.50 a month, while once-a-week will cost $17.50, according to a village brochure.
All single-family homes will be given a 95-gallon garbage cart for no charge. Residents who want a smaller cart - 35- or 65-gallon - must contact Groot before March 1 at vah@groot.com or (800) 244-1977.
Some Arlington Heights residents avoid the carts entirely, and put their trash bags directly on the curb. McCalister said the industry is moving toward standardized carts because it is faster, and safer for garbage collectors who use an automated arm on their trucks to lift the carts.
Therefore, every household in Arlington Heights will be given a cart for free.
Residents who already have refuse carts and are charged $2.50 a month will no longer have to pay for them. New carts will be delivered to Arlington Heights homes the last two weeks of March.
Landscape waste will still be collected in bags and bundles, on which stickers will still be required. The price for a sticker will increase to $2.60 starting April 1.
Collection season for landscape waste has been extended through the second week of December, and Christmas trees will be collected the first two weeks of January.
During leaf collection season, Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, one sticker can be used for every two bags of leaves.
The village is instituting a new program for food scraps, to allow fruits, vegetables, cereal, coffee grounds and other foods that can be composted to be included with landscape waste.
That option will cost $165 per year for a 95-gallon landscape waste and food scrap collection combined cart, or $150 for a 65-gallon cart.
Billing has also changed for Arlington Heights residents, who may already have noticed in January that Groot is now sending bills quarterly.
It's a lot of changes, but McCalister said the village has gotten a lot of feedback from its public education efforts.
"There seems to be a lot of interest. I think that's a good thing," he said. "I think it will all go smoothly."