Western Springs Trash Fees May Rise 20%

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs is expecting increased garbage fees, but officials say they are comparable to those in other towns.

Western Springs is negotiating a five-year contract with Rosemont-based Lakeshore Recycling Systems, or LRS.

The village first hired the company four years ago. The village did not undertake a competitive process this time around.

Under the proposed contract, the cost of monthly curbside service would increase by 10 percent to 20 percent next year, with the hikes steeper for those with larger containers. For the following four years, the contract includes 4 percent annual increases.

For instance, using a 65-gallon container would cost $25.15 a month in 2029, compared with $17.96 now.

According to a village memo, the company's prices are a lot lower than neighboring towns for most categories of service. The costs were set before the pandemic and recent historic inflation.

As a result, the current pricing is well below the market, the village said.

"(T)he proposed fees would bring Western Springs rates closer to the comparable communities, and still the lowest with the premium menu of services being offered to residents," the memo said.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, Bill Kenney of LRS said the company saw a steep cost increase in its contract with Teamsters Local 731, which represents the company's workers.

"They're hardworking guys, and they deserve it," Kenney said. "They don't work cheap, nor should they for the work they do."

A recent community survey found a 95 percent of respondents were satisfied with local garbage service.

Village officials praised the service from LRS.

"I find your prices very reasonable," Trustee James Tyrrell said. "I've been in this community for over 20 years, and you've been with us the last four. I would say that I'm paying at least half of what I used to pay before, and the service is excellent."

Village President Heidi Rudolph agreed, saying the village gets few complaints about the service.

Meanwhile, Trustee Nicole Chen wanted to know what percent of recyclables are considered acceptable for processing.

Kenny said 75 to 80 percent.

The Village Board took no vote on the proposed contract, but is expected to do so in the coming weeks.

The current agreement expires at year's end.