Unincorporated Downers Grove Township Votes 'Yes' to Single Waste Hauler

Residents of Unincorporated Downers Grove Township voted “yes” to an advisory referendum to authorize the township to seek a refuse collection program, according to the DuPage County Election Results webpage.

“Shall Downers Grove Township be authorized to contract, administer or license a refuse collection, disposal and recycling program on behalf of the residents of the unincorporated areas of the Township, pursuant to Section 85-13(f) and Article 210 of the Township Code?”

The vote was 3415 “yes” to 2047 “no” for the referendum, with all 49 precincts reporting.

The issue will affect approximately 5,000 to 7,000 residents. Downers Grove Township trustees unanimously approved putting the referendum question on the Nov. 4 ballot during their board meeting in July, according to meeting minutes.

Town Supervisor Frank Wurster said he’s heard from many residents in the unincorporated areas for the township to do something about the number of waste haulers who charge different prices and come at different times.

Wurster said the township is not mandating, but rather asking residents to help the board decide whether it should explore refuse collection services for unincorporated neighborhoods.