Waste and Recycling Hauling Models

Currently, unincorporated homes subscribe on an individual basis with a waste and recycling hauler of their choosing (referred to as a subscription model). Another method of service-delivery used by cities/villages in the County and three townships (Downers Grove, Lisle, and Naperville) is the single-hauler model, in which the municipality or township contracts with one hauler to provide services to residents. See below for a breakdown of the two hauling models.

Subscription Model

Homeowners choose which waste/recycling company they want. This individual choice promotes competition (six companies currently provide subscription service).
Since homeowners individually choose their hauler, multiple waste/recycling trucks may pass down your street and on different days of the week.
Homeowners generally receive the same level of basic service (trash, recycling, and yard waste) that municipalities receive.
Costs to homeowners vary widely, from $15/month ($45/quarter) to more than $100/month ($300/quarter). On average, subscription homes pay $38/month ($114/quarter), although most homes (75%) pay around $27/month ($81/quarter).

Single-Hauler Model

A survey of single-hauler contracts in the region found an average homeowner cost of about $21/month ($65/quarter), which is lower than subscription-pricing for most homes in the surveyed unincorporated areas. A single-hauler contract would lock in a set rate for all homeowners. However, cost savings to homeowners are estimates; the Township will not know potential savings until it receives bids from the waste haulers.
Homeowners do not choose their waste/recycling company. Instead, if a single hauler model were to be selected by referendum, your Township would select the hauler based on a competitive bidding process.
Service to homeowners would be on one day, which means fewer trucks passing by your street during different days of the week.
Overall truck traffic could be reduced resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gasses.
Some service enhancements that are typically not available to subscription-service homeowners, including food scrap composting or vacation holds, could be provided.

DuPage County Waste and Recycling Hauling Surveys

d Recycling Hauling Models