Why is the Village eliminating the garbage sticker program?
The Village’s initial 5-year contract with Groot expired on May 31, 2023. At which point, the Village renewed for one year with Groot. The Village conducted a survey in May and June of 2023 and survey responses indicated that the current sticker program with Groot was more expensive than neighboring communities. As a result, the Village issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on refuse, recycling, and yard waste services. The RFP requested that each vendor submit an option to continue the sticker-based program the Village currently uses as well as a cart-based service option. The Village received responses from two companies: Groot and Lakeshore Recycling Systems. However, none of the companies proposed a strictly pay-as-you-throw sticker program. Therefore, a cart-based service through Groot was selected as the most cost-effective option over the course of the five-year contract.
What is the cost of this new program and how do I sign up?
Residents are billed a pick-up fee of $19.70 per month for a 35 gallon toter, $23.70 per month for a 65 gallon toter, or $25.70 per month for a 95 gallon toter. Toters will be provided to customers based on pre-selected sizes. A standard 64-gallon recycling container will be provided to all customers. Any household refuse that does not fit in the toter, and all yard waste bags, will no longer require a sticker. One bulk item is included per week in the monthly subscription price.
Sign up by calling: 888-485-0900 or visiting https://www.groot.com/waste-management-chicago/village-of-woodridge
What is the price difference between the old program and the new program?
With the old Refuse and Recycling Program, customers paid $4.00 per sticker and garbage, yard waste, and bulk items required these stickers. With 52 weeks in a year, a customer who used one sticker at $4.00 per week would pay about $208 a year for refuse and recycling disposal. With the new program, customers will pay by the month. If a customer selected the 35 gallon toter at $19.70 per month, they would be paying approximately $236.40 a year which is a $28.40 price difference. Unlike the old program, customers will be able to dispose of an unlimited about of refuse rather than having to place individual stickers on bulk items, yard waste, or additional bags of garbage. The new program also includes a 15% Senior Discount for any customer who is 65 years of age or over.
How does the unlimited cart service work?
Residents will choose from three different refuse cart sizes and will receive their selected refuse cart size as well as a 65-gallon recycling cart. Residents can place additional garbage and recycling out in a separate container (garbage should be sealed in bags) not to exceed 50 pounds each, which can be collected by one person. There is no additional cost for the excess garbage and recycling. Yard waste will also be collected in an unlimited capacity.
How does the Senior Discount work?
Seniors 65 and over qualify for 15% discount. To request enrollment in the senior discounted program, contact Groot at Woodridge@groot.com and provide your name, address, phone number, and proof of age. You may also contact Groot by phone at 888-485-0900.
How do I dispose of yard waste under the new program?
Yard waste will be collected in an unlimited capacity. You may put yard waste in either a 33-gallon Kraft paper bag or an unlined 33-gallon rigid container. Brush should be packaged in bundles no more than 4 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter. Each of these cannot weigh more than 50 pounds. Yard waste is grass, leaves, tree trimming debris and any other plant material. Yard waste does not include sod, landscaping timbers, mulch or any type of rock. These items must be placed in with regular refuse. Landscape timbers must be cut into 4 foot lengths and put out as refuse. Yard Waste season runs from April 1 until December 15.
How can I find additional information and program details?
Will there still be Clean-Up Day (Amnesty Day)?
Clean-Up Day will take place on your regular collection day during the first full week of October (October 7 through October 11, 2024), customers of Groot's single family garbage collection service are allowed to dispose of an unlimited amount of refuse, furniture, carpeting, bulky items and just plain junk. All items must be properly bundled, bagged and otherwise prepared for pick-up as they would on any regular collection day. Building materials, railroad ties, tires, hazardous waste and yard waste are not included in this program. Electronics items (anything with a plug) are prohibited from landfills and cannot be picked up as part of the Clean-Up Day (Amnesty Day) program. If you have any questions, please call 630-719-2905.
Will there still be Free Leaf Collection in November?
- The Village and Groot offer a free, bagged leaf collection program that occurs on your first six (formerly four) regular collection days during November and December, starting on Friday, November 1 and ending on December 12. Based on survey feedback, an additional two weeks of free leaf collection was added to the new contract.
- This program is available to all single-family residences within the Village's incorporated boundaries. During the program, an unlimited number of leaves may be placed in biodegradable paper bags and brought out to the curb for collection. The bags may be a maximum of 30 gallons in capacity and weigh up to 50 pounds. The bags may contain only leaves. Groot will not pick up leaf bags with comingled landscape waste, such as sod, brush, or grass clippings.
Will there be a special pick-up for my Christmas Tree?
Yes, on your first two scheduled pick-up days in January (starting on Thursday, January 2 and ending on Tuesday, January 14), residents may leave live Christmas trees up to 6’ tall at the curb. Trees must be cleaned of any decorations, wire and lights and not placed in plastic bags. Wreaths and evergreen garland will not be accepted.
Will the new program include Composting?
Yes, based on survey responses indicating support for composting, the new Groot program will include an optional composting program. At the request of the customer, Groot will provide an optional Landscape Waste/Compost Waste monthly cart service during the landscape season. Groot will supply a Compost Waste specific cart for an annual fee of $60 to be used for compost during the landscape waste season.
What do I do with Groot Stickers after September 1?
Customers are encouraged to only buy stickers that they will need as stickers will no longer be needed starting on September 1. If a customer has stickers remaining after their last collection date in August, they can return them to Groot for a full refund within 60 days of August 31, 2024.
Will the new Groot Program impact my current collection day?
No, all garbage collection dates will remain unchanged.
I am a current flat rate customer; do I need to make any changes to my current account?
If you have a current flat rate (monthly) account, you do not need to make any changes. If you would like to changes sizes of your refuse container, you can make changes by calling: 888-485-0900 or visiting https://www.groot.com/waste-management-chicago/village-of-woodridge
I am a flat rate customer who owns their own refuse cart, what do I do with it?
All Groot customers will receive a Groot issued refuse container in their preselected size. If an existing flat rate customer owns their Groot toter (or formerly a Waste Management container) they have the following options:
- Customers can use their old container for any additional refuse that does not fit into their new Groot issued toter.
- Customers can keep their old container for personal use.
- Customers can recycle their old container during recycling collection if they no longer a have need for their old container.
I am a flat rate customer who owns their own refuse cart, can I continue to use that cart and not have a new cart issued to me?
Only new Groot issued carts can be used as the primary container for refuse.
How do I dispose of a bulk item?
You may dispose of one bulk/large item (6-foot size limit) per week on your regular collection day. You must notify Groot Industries 24 hours prior to your pick-up day for any additional bulk/large items.
Can I share garbage services with my neighbor?
Customers cannot share garbage services with their neighbor as each residence will need their own service.
I am a sticker customer, what if I do not want to sign up for garbage service with Groot?
If you do not sign up for garbage service, Groot will issue you the default sized container, the 95 gallon refuse cart. Residents are encouraged to sign up and select their preferred size option and if eligible, enroll in the senior citizen discount program for seniors 65 and older.
Can a customer request that their bill be sent monthly or does it have to be a quarterly bill?
Groot bills customers quarterly. However, if a customer needs to set up a payment plan, they can contact Groot directly at: 888-485-0900 to set up a payment plan.
What are the dimensions of the toter sizes?
