Garbage and Recycling
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eginning November 1, 2010 the Village instituted a new Garbage and Recycling Program for our residential community. The new program will provide a basic level of service at no additional cost with optional “direct pay” services available from Waste Management.
The Village Board approved the change in service after reviewing the results of our recent Refuse and Recycling Survey conducted on our website. Village officials sought input from our residents regard- ing their current garbage and recycling habits, as well as their choice in maintaining unlimited garbage removal for an additional fee or instituting a basic level of service at no additional cost with optional services paid only by those households requiring them.
Approximately 84% of the households responding to the survey supported the idea of establishing a basic level of service rather than paying to continue unlimited garbage removal for the entire community.
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e new basic level of service will include weekly pickup of unlimited recycling, one 35-gallon container of garbage (up to 50lbs), and one large item per household. This change represents a cut in spending that will enable the Village to continue providing residential garbage and recycling service without imposing an “across the board” cost increase to our residents. While there may be some households who will still require more garbage pickup than what is provided under the new plan, most will find they are able to greatly reduce their volume of garbage by familiarizing themselves with all the materials that can be recycled and maximizing their recycling efforts.
Keep in mind that with our unlimited recycling program you are not limited to using the 18 gallon square recycling container provided by Waste Management. To learn more about what materials can be recycled and what containers may be used, please see Recycling Guidelines.
If you exceed the 35-gallon container (50lb) garbage limit, options are available. See chart for more information regarding garbage options to determine which one best suits your needs.
By instituting the new Garbage and Recycling Program we also hope to achieve another Village goal widely supported by our survey respondents which is to increase our community’s recycling efforts in support of a Green initiative to reduce Johnsburg’s carbon footprint.
YARD WASTE PROGRAM Q&A
Q: Why is the Village changing its residential garbage and recycling program?
A: The Village simply cannot afford to keep paying for unlimited garbage pickup. Due to the ongoing financial crisis and continued decreases in revenues, Johnsburg, like other municipalities, businesses and individual homeowners, has been forced to make deep cuts in spending. Village wide reductions have been instituted effecting all departments, personnel and every area of Village operations. Rather than requiring all residents to begin paying for unlimited garbage pickup, the Village board voted to cut spending by providing a basic level of garbage service at no additional costs to residents.
Q: What does a basic level of garbage service include?
A: The basic level of service includes weekly pickup of unlimited recycling, one 35-gallon container of garbage (up to 50 lbs.), and one large item per household.
Q: What is included in the “one large item” per pickup?
A: “One large item” is considered to be an item such as a chair, couch, mattress or desk. It does not include the removal of appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers. Separate arrangements need to be made for the pickup of appliances and residents must pay to have these items removed. If you need to have an appliance removed, contact the Village Hall at 815-385-6023 for information regarding companies that can pickup and dispose of these items properly. You can also go to www.comed.com and click on the Home Savings link, and select Programs and Incentives or call Com Ed at 888-806-2273 to get more information regarding their appliance recycling program.
Q: What were the results from the garbage survey?
A: Approximately 84% of the survey respondents said they do NOT support the idea of invoicing all residents the additional cost to maintain unlimited residential garbage removal. (PDF)
Q: What do i do if i currently put out more than a 35-gallon container of garbage?
A: First, familiarize yourself with all the materials that can be recycled. Most households will find they are able to greatly reduce their volume of garbage by maximizing their recycling efforts. If you still find you require a higher level of garbage service than that provided by the Village, you can contract directly with Waste Management for the use of a 96-gallon container or purchase stickers from the Village to cover the cost of the occasional need for additional garbage pick up. You are not required to limit the amount of recyclables to the 18-gallon container. Unlimited recycling is included in the basic level of garbage service provided by the Village of Johnsburg.
Q: if i rent the 96-gallon container for garbage pickup but never fill the container, can i continue to rent the container at the current cost of $1.75 per month?
A: No. Continued rental of the 96-gallon garbage container will cost $8.00 per month. The increase in cost covers the additional garbage that could be placed in the container above the 35-gallon limit. If you like the convenience of a garbage container on wheels and do not have more than 35 gallons of garbage per week, we recommend that you purchase a 35 gallon garbage container on wheels from your local hardware or home improvement store.
If you have a 96-gallon container and do not wish to keep it, please contact Waste Management at 800-796-9696 to arrange for removal so that you are not billed $8.00 per month.
Q: How much are the garbage stickers and when do i use them?
A: Residents who occasionally have extra garbage can purchase stickers from the Village at a cost of $3.00 per sticker to cover the cost of an extra 35-gallon container or bag of garbage. Place the sticker on the extra container or bag and place it along side your other garbage for pickup.
Q: can i have more than one container for recyclables? i thought i could only recycle an amount that can be contained by the 18-gallon square container provided by Waste Management.
A: Yes, you can have multiple containers as large as a 35-gallon garbage container so long as they are clearly marked “recycling” and do not weigh more than 50 lbs. You are not required to limit the amount of recyclables to the 18-gallon container. Unlimited recycling is included in the basic level of garbage service provided by the Village. As an option, Waste Management will provide a 64-gallon recycling container on wheels that can be rented at a cost of $3.00 per month.
Q: Our waste hauler picks up both recyclables and garbage with the same truck. Are they really recycling our recyclable materials?
A: Yes. Waste Management utilizes a “One Pass” vehicle that enables them to pickup both recyclables and garbage with the same vehicle. Garbage and recyclable materials are separated from each other within the truck and are taken to a transfer station to be sorted and directed to the appropriate recycling facility or landfill.
Q: How do i subscribe to a yard waste program?
A: You can contact Waste Management at 800-796-9696 to learn more about and subscribe to a yard waste program.
Q: When is yard waste service provided?
A: Yard waste service is provided from April through November.
Q: Do i have to subscribe to a yard waste service even if i only occasionally have yard waste that needs to be picked up?
A: No, you can cover the cost of removing one 35 gallon can or “kraft” paper bag of yard waste by purchasing a $3.00 sticker at the Village Hall and placing the sticker on the can/ bag. Note: Stickers may only be used for yard waste pickup during the months of April through November.
For more answers to your questions contact the Village Hall at 815.385.6023. You can also get great recycling tips at www.recycleamerica.com or view the 2010 McHenry County Green Guide at www.mchenry.edu/recycling.
Garbage & Recycling Program Brochure (PDF)
