THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
Recycling Containers Approved
By RICHARD MAYER
Journal Reporter
Beginning tentatively July 1, residents in unincorporated Maine Township will receive a 65-gallon recycling container replacing the 18-gallon bins currently in use following Maine Township board members' unanimous approval Monday night of a new contract.
Affected seniors can exchange the 65-gallon container for a 35-gallon container if so desired.
The new containers will feature wheels and handles, so residents can roll them, along with a cover. The current bins have no covers and residents have to pick them up and carry them to the end of their driveway, according to Township Supervisor Carol Teschky.
Currently, residents pay $12.71 per unit per month for curbside refuse and recycling collection. Beginning July 1, residents will pay $16.40 a month through Mar. 31, 2009. Beginning Apr. 1, 2009 through Mar. 31 each year through 2016, residents will pay an annual increase of 4.5% in monthly fees. ARC Solid Waste and Removal Services will provide curbside collection of refuse one time per week for single-family residences and multi-family residences of eight units or less within the township.
ARC will collect all refuse materials defined as all waste materials, including organic household or kitchen waste, inorganic and noncombustible household waste. ARC will also provide recyclables collection every other week on the same day as trash collection for single-family residences of eight units or less within the unincorporated areas of the township and collect all recyclable materials.
ARC will bill each residence in advance at the beginning of each quarter for services rendered that quarter.
Township trustees talked about offering a discounted rate to senior citizens, but it was turned down because non-senior residents would be required to make up the difference in cost.
"As minute as it is, if we want to save people money, we need to cut back on spending," said Robert Provenzano, highway commissioner. "The economy right now is not in good shape and we don't need our residents to pay additional money if they don't have to. If the economy turns around in a year, then we as a board can go back and look at the contract again and possibly offer seniors a discount. Right now we need to be fiscally responsible."
Trustee Laura Morask agreed. "We would love to give discounts, but we just can't give everyone a discount."
All of the board members were satisfied with the contract and expect residents to be satisfied as well.
"This is a wonderful thing for the community and important as well," said Trustee Susan Moylan Krey. Krey also suggested displaying the new program during the township's Annual National Night Out program in August.
Maine Township serves residents of Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Glenview, Morton Grove, and Rosemont.