Elmhurst Panel Splits On Garbage Contract; City Council To Decide

ELMHURST, IL – Aldermen on an Elmhurst committee split this week over which garbage company would be best for residents.

The city bid out the service for the first time in eight years.

Two public works committee members, Emily Bastedo and Mike Baker, recommended sticking with Phoenix-based Republic Services. It has served Elmhurst for 17 years.

The other two, Michael Bram and Rex Irby, went with Rosemont-based LRS.

The five-year contract totals for Republic and LRS are about $20.5 million, with LRS' total $46,000 more expensive.

Bastedo and Baker cited Republic's lowest overall cost over five years and a seamless continuation of service.

They also said Republic did the best job of responding to the committee's desire to see a greater difference between rollout container prices to encourage less waste.

Additionally, they said, Republic offered first-year rates that are 2 percent lower than they currently are for the 65-gallon container, which is the most popular.

Bram and Irby said the total cost comparison is negligible over five years. They said LRS offers significantly lower prices for 65- and 95-gallon containers, along with an attractive organics container price.

The aldermen also said LRS will provide every household with brand-new containers for free.

Another advantage, they said, was LRS' communications, including printed container instructions and digital communications with customers.

City staff recommended Republic.

On Monday, the City Council plans to decide. It meets at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.