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First Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 (“Public Health”), Article 7 (“Garbage, Weeds and Littering”), of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding the Rates for Garbage, Refuse, Yard Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services
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Introduction
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This Ordinance proposes the fees charged for refuse, recycling, and yard-waste collection and disposal for the 2026 35-gallon Garbage and Composting Pilot Program. These services are provided by Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS) to owners of single-family residential property containing one to five units.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the ordinance.
Prior Board Action
• Fees for refuse, recycling, and food scrap/yard waste collection and disposal were last increased on January 1, 2026, and were approved by the Village Board on November 11, 2025 (ORD 23-109) and based on the estimated Consumer Price Index.
• The Village Board approved a two-year contract renewal on March 24, 2026, with expanded terms including a pilot program to introduce smaller bin options for residents (RES 26-170).
Background
The Village's 2025 Residential Waste Characterization Study showed that Oak Park generates significantly less garbage per person compared to the national and suburban Cook County averages. While the compost stream showed very little contamination, the 2025 Residential Waste Survey indicated that the 96-gallon organics bin size and monthly cost of $16.80 are common barriers to participating in the composting program.
2026 rate/mo.
35-gal trash cart $20.33
35-gal compost cart $10.80
The monthly refuse rate includes charges for:
1. Refuse collection by LRS
2. Disposal Cost (a separate cost from LRS's collection fees)
3. Village Administrative Costs
4. Fall Leaf Collection Program
5. Alley Improvement Fee
Timing Considerations
During National Food Waste Prevention Week from September 28 - October 4, 2026, LRS will deploy one hundred 35-gallon garbage bins and one hundred 35-gallon compost bins to participating Oak Park residents.
Financial Impact
These additional rates will sufficiently cover all estimated 2026 contractual costs to the Village for residential refuse and food scrap/yard-waste services.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
This pilot program introduces affordable rates that will allow smaller and/or lower-income households to participate in the compost program and/or reduce their refuse fees
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• The Ordinance allows for new expanded services.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• The Village Board would be provided with the requested information.
Disadvantages:
• Implementation of the program could be delayed.
Alternative 2:
The Village Board can vote down the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• Rates will remain unchanged.
Disadvantages:
• This action can lead to a lack of financial incentives and affordable options for Oak Park residents to divert organics from their landfill waste through the composting program.
Anticipated Future Actions
The 35-gallon Garbage and Composting Pilot Program will be evaluated in January 2027 to determine success and identify next steps.
Prepared By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance