As part of the new 5-year contract with Republic Services, the City of Elmhurst is offering two new options for residents, a 35-gallon refuse toter and a 65-gallon organic waste toter.  Residents will be receiving a postcard in the mail within the next week briefly describing the options.

Residents have the option to use a 35-gallon toter for their refuse, in addition to the currently offered 65 or 95-gallon options.  The initial cost for the 35-gallon toter is $16.50 per month which will be billed as part of their regular water bill.  Residents who wish to switch to a 35-gallon toter are asked to call City Hall at 630/530-3020 by October 19.  They will need to provide their name, address and phone number.  New toters will be delivered in early January.  Residents will not be billed for this service until the corresponding water billing period.  This toter is available for refuse only.

In addition, residents now have the option to rent a 65-gallon organic waste toter from Republic Services at an initial cost of $17.50 per month.  The toter can be used for leaves, grass and other organic waste (including fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.) as listed below.  The organic material will be taken to a composting facility and will not be landfilled. There is no need to purchase yard waste stickers for the toter each week.  If residents wish to utilize this service, they need to call Republic directly at 708-345-7050. Residents will be billed directly by Republic Services for this program.

The City of Elmhurst adopted a Sustainability Plan in March 2018, in which one of the goals was to “Increase composting of biodegradable waste.” The option for residents to compost their organic material is one way

The City would also like to remind residents of recent changes to the recycling program. In an effort avoid contaminating recycled materials and having them sent to the landfill, residents are asked to please take extra care with what is placed in the recycling containers. All items must be empty, clean and dry. No plastic bags or wrappers including plastic grocery bags or garbage bags should be placed in the recycling bins.Click here for more information about the City’s Refuse and Recycling Program.