'Many Positives' In Darien Trash Pact

DARIEN, IL — Darien aldermen this week unanimously approved a new garbage contract that features unlimited pickup of garbage, yard waste and recycling. It takes effect April 1.

The agreement with Morton Grove-based LRS includes no stickers, an idea to which smaller users have long objected.

But some of that opposition seemed to have melted away recently. That was after all three bidders for the contract included sharply higher prices for stickers than the current fee.

Under the new agreement, a resident can get a 65- or 95-gallon rollout cart for $20.95 a month. The price for residents 65 and over would be $10 for a smaller 35-gallon cart.

"I just think there are so many positives with this," Mayor Joseph Marchese said at this week's City Council meeting. "When we get into this and make the transition, (the residents) are really going to appreciate all the work the staff put into bringing this."

Alderman Thomas Belczak said the unlimited yard waste will help a lot of residents, noting that just this week, his family filled up four bags of such waste. The unlimited feature should be a cost savings, he said.

Alderman Eric Gustafson said the unlimited recycling may curtail the illegal dumping of yard waste at the collection box near Walmart for AMVETS, a nationwide group that helps veterans. He has spoken about this problem before at a council meeting. He also said it may reduce dumping of yard waste along Manning Road.

Gustafson said he most liked the benefit for older residents in the contract.

"A neighbor of mine who is over 70 years old puts out five to six bags of yard waste every week. He's going to be dramatically, positively affected by this. He said this is the first time the city did something to save him money," Gustafson said. "We don't do enough for seniors, and I think this is a great thing."

City Administrator Bryon Vana said any unused stickers under the existing contract can be refunded at City Hall within a month or two after the agreement expires.

The city plans a campaign to educate the public about the new contract. Houston-based Waste Management is the city's current waste hauler.