Extended Groot Contract Includes Decrease In Garbage Can Rental Fee

OSWEGO, IL — The Oswego Village Board unanimously approved to extend its contract with Groot Industries at Tuesday's meeting, and the deal comes with a few perks for residents.

By extending the contract with the village's current waste hauler for eight years, residents who rent wheeled garbage cans will see a 7 percent decrease in their bills as the toters will be included in the program for residents for free, officials said. Residents can expect to receive the new carts at the end of May or beginning of June.

Once delivered, officials said residents will need to use the free 95-gallon toter. Once it fills up, people can leave unlimited secured bags or containers of waste at the curb.

Contracted rates for the village will also increase by 2.994 percent, instead of four percent, in the first year. Groot will also support Oswego's leaf and waste collection program with a $75,000 annual contribution that will offset the cost of new equipment and leaf disposal.

Through the new contract — set to go into effect May 1 — free spring and fall clean-up collections will still be offered but with a third free week in the fall, according to Oswego officials.

"Groot has provided a high level of service to the community and has been receptive to our changing needs over the previous contract terms," Village President Troy Parlier said in a statement. "We were pleased to reach a deal that continues their great service and brings so many additional benefits to the community."

Oswego senior citizens will continue to receive the same 20 percent discount as well as a free 35-gallon wheeled garbage can. The price for landscape waste stickers will remain the same at $2.50 per sticker for the entire eight-year contract, officials said.

In an announcement Thursday, officials answered a few frequently asked questions about the contract. Here's a look at the answers.

What are the benefits of the new contract?

• Free 95-gallon toter for all homeowners, except seniors
• Free 35-gallon toter for all senior citizens, if registered for Oswego’s senior garbage service discount
• 3 free household clean-up days, one in the spring and two in the fall.
• $75,000 annual Groot contribution to help offset costs to the Village’s leaf collection program, including new equipment and leaf disposal
• Landscape waste stickers will remain at $2.50 for the next 8 years
• Unlimited refuse and recycling

I’m a senior and don’t get the senior garbage discount. How can I get my 35-gallon cart delivered?

Apply and if you qualify for the senior discount (ages 65+), you will receive 20 percent off disposal services and a free 35-gallon toter. For more information and to apply, visit the Senior Utility Discount webpage or call the Finance Department at 630-554-3618.

How can I recycle electronics?

By appointment-only, electronics recycling will still be provided for free, and televisions may be recycled for a fee. Before you put your items out, check out the Electronics Recycling list and be sure to make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance with Groot online or by phone at 630-892-9294.