Public Works Department 

Garbage

By Village Ordinance (Chapter 58 Article II Sections 58-34), all residents must have garbage collection at least once per week. If you live in a single-family detached home on a dwelling with two or less units attached, call (800) 244-1977 to set up your account. (Unincorporated areas and multi-family properties with three or more units are not covered under the Groot contract.) Groot collection hours are between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Other information:

• Collection schedule. As of July 1, 2010, Groot will only collect refuse and recycling once per week. The twice per week option will be eliminated. Groot doesn't pick up garbage on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. When a holiday falls on a week day prior to your scheduled service day, collection services will be one day late that week only.



• Curbside collection. As of July 1, 2010, pick up for all customers will be curbside (or, in some cases, alley), unless they already have backdoor collection or they qualify for hardship status. The service will not be available to any new property owner.
• Backdoor Collection. As of July 1, 2010 backdoor collection will no longer be a service option. However, customers who currently have this service may keep it as long as they reside at their current address (although there will be an increase in the service fee). The service will be eliminated if they move and will not be available to any new property owner.
• Hardship Status. Households in which all inhabitants are physically unable to move refuse or recycling containers to the curb may qualify for hardship status, which permits top of the drive collection. For more information, call (847) 657-3030. There will be no extra charge for this service.


• Garbage Containers. Under the terms of the new contract, as of July 1, 2010 all Groot customers must use standardized containers (with lids and wheels) provided by the Village for refuse and recycling. Late in June, 2010, Groot will provide 95-gallon refuse and 65-gallon recycling carts to all households included in the franchise agreement (it will also collect any previously leased carts). Residents are asked to try both containers for 30 days before requesting a smaller cart. Refuse carts are available in 95-, 65-, and 35-gallon sizes; recycling carts are available in 65- and 35-gallon sizes. They are to remain with the property. Mark the cans and lids with your address.



• Collection Procedures. Con­tainers for curbside service shall be placed no closer than two (2) feet nor more than five (5) feet from the street between your lot lines after 7 p.m. the night(s) before service day(s). Containers must be returned to the house by the end of the service day(s). Household waste must be stored at an accessible outdoor location for backdoor service. Groot also picks up bulky items upon request. Building materials from home remodeling and repairs will be accepted, provided such items are put into disposable containers or in tied bundles not exceeding five feet in length and not weighing over 50 pounds per container or bundle. The total of such materials shall not exceed one (1) cubic yard per collection. Small amounts of bricks, sod, earth, concrete, and rocks will be accepted, provided such items are put into disposable containers not weighing over fifty pounds per container.



• Senior Discount. As of July 1, 2010 residents must be at least 65 years of age to qualify for a ten percent senior discount. if you already receive a senior discount regardless of age you will continue to do so, however, your discount will be adjusted to reflect the new contract. To sign up for a senior discount, contact Groot.



• Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC). If you're cleaning out your garage, remodeling your kitchen, or doing a lot of spring cleaning, SWANCC can provide a large roll-off container (10 feet in Lenght, 7 feet in width, and 4 feet deep) that holds about two-four tons. Cost is $299 and this service is only available to residents. To order, call (847) 724-9205. You can find out more at www.swancc.org.



• Vacation Policy. Residents may temporarily suspend waste pick up for a maximum of four months.

Recycling

Recyclable materials include clear and colored glass containers; aluminum/steel/bi-metal cans, plastic containers labeled #1,2,3,4,5, 6 and 7; newspaper, magazines, catalogs, phone directories, household papers, computer printouts, and junk mail; corrugated cardboard (cut in 2'x 2' pieces); and flattened dry chipboard boxes (cereal, tissue, shoe, pasta, cookie and gift boxes.)

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous wastes (oil-based paint, sludge, chemicals, etc.) must be disposed of through a licensed waste disposal company. If you have questions regarding the disposal of hazardous waste materials or electronics recycling, SWANCC (see above) is a good resource. It will even pick up electronics from your home for a reasonable fee. Call (847) 724-9205 or log onto www.swancc.org.

Landscape Waste

Landscape waste is collected weekly by Groot from early April through late November/early December. Residents have four options for disposing of yard waste:

• Grasscyle. The most environmentally friendly option is not to dispose of yard waste at all! Grass clippings make excellent fertilizer, add nutrients to your lawn and reduce evaporation. Mow regularly with sharp blades when the grass is dry. Leaves can be composted cleanly and without odor.



• Pay-By-The-Bag. If you plan to bag your yard waste for pick-up, each 30-gallon bag must have an official landscape waste sticker attached. As of April, 2010 stickers are $2.90 each. Purchase them at:
• Village Administrative Services Department, 1225 Waukegan Road
• Dominick's, 1340 Patriot Boulevard
• Jewel, 2775 Pfingsten Road/2502 Waukegan Road
• Weiss Ace Hardware, 1560 Waukegan Road
• Online at Groot


• Seasonal Subscription. You can make a one-time payment for pick- up of residential yard waste. Fee for the 2010 April-November season is $141.90, regardless of when you sign up. With the purchase of a seasonal subscription you may lease a 95-gallon tote from Groot ($7.20 for the entire season) or use 30-gallon bags. Between April-October you may place the tote or four unstickered bags of landscape waste out each week during November, there will be unlimited weekly pick up. Call (800) 244-1977 to pay by credit card, sign- up on line at www.groot.com, or send payment to Groot at 2500 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (include your Groot account number and 2010 Landscape Waste Program on your check.)

• Private Landscaper. You can contract with a private landscaper for yard waste services at their expense. Keep in mind that Groot won't pick up un-stickered items that your landscaper may put out on your curb.

Remember: dumping, burning (even in a fireplace), scattering or burying any type of waste material is prohibited.

Monthly Refuse and Recycling Fees as of July 1, 2010

Questions or Complaints

Please contact Groot at (800) 244-1977 regarding your service or visit www.groot.com. Complaints about excess garbage, pests/rodents or other health hazards can be directed to the Village Inspectional Services Department at (847) 904-4340.