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First Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 (“Public Health”), Article 7 (“Garbage, Weeds and Littering”) of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding 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 in Fiscal Year 2026. These services are provided by Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS) to owners of single-family residential property containing one to five units. These new rates reflect the charges for collection per the contract with LRS and for disposal at the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency’s Regional Disposal Project (RDP).
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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, 2024, which were approved by the Village Board on November 20, 2023 (ORD 23-109) and based on the estimated Consumer Price Index.
Background
2026 will be the fourth year of the five-year contract with LRS for refuse, recycling, and food scrap/yard-waste collection. The contract ends March 31, 2027. Disposal costs, Village administrative costs, Village-wide leaf pickup, and an alley improvement fee are included in the proposed rates in addition to the collection costs.
The proposed monthly rates for 2026 include the following highlights:
2025 rate/mo. 2026 rate/mo. Proposed % increase
96 gal trash cart $30.22 $31.13 3.01%
64 gal trash cart $27.45 $28.27 2.99%
Compost Cart $16.31 $16.80 3.00%
Yard Waste Stickers $3.25 $3.25 0.00%
Refuse Stickers $3.25 $4.00 23.08%
The monthly refuse rate includes charges for:
1. Refuse Collection by LRS
2. Disposal Cost (a separate cost from LRS’s collection fees)
3. Villages Administrative Costs
4. Leaf Collection Program
5. Alley Improvement Fee
6. Refuse Sticker Disposal Cost
Notes:
1. Refuse and sticker rates were held flat for 2025.
2. The 2025 rates for LRS’s waste hauling services increased by 3.9% per contract. See attached letter.
3. The disposal rates per the agreement with the Regional Disposal Project are projected to increase by 3% in 2026.
4. Refuse cart rates for the 96- and 64-gallon trash carts are proposed to increase by 3% to $31.13/month and $28.27/month, respectively, to keep up with LRS’s fees, disposal costs, and Village administrative costs. This increase is based on the average % change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the previous 12 months, which is 3.4%.
5. The Compost cart rate is proposed to increase by 3% to $16.80/month. To encourage participation in the compost program, it is recommended to keep the same incentive that provides the “first three months free” for first-time customers when agreeing to 12 months of service. The expected 2026 compost cart cost to the Village is $17.41 per unit. In an effort to increase organics diversion in Oak Park, the Village is subsidizing this service.
6. Green yard waste stickers are proposed to be held flat for 2026, but pink refuse stickers are proposed to increase by $0.75 to help cover differences in disposal costs. Approximately 45,000 yards of waste and 30,000 refuse stickers are sold annually. While the sticker price has historically been the same for both types, the costs to the Village are not. For every pink refuse sticker used, the Village must pay the disposal cost ($1.60 per sticker). Sticker rates were held flat in 2025.
Timing Considerations
The Village is currently planning for the 2026 fiscal year. Estimated refuse fee and sticker revenues for the 2026 fiscal year are used during the budget planning process to assist with key decisions surrounding operating budget and environmental programs.
Budget Impact
Raising the refuse rates by 3% will ensure that the Environmental Services Enterprise Fund balance covers all estimated 2026 contractual costs to the Village for residential refuse, recycling, and food scrap/yard-waste services.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
While these proposed increases could have an impact on affordability for some residents in Oak Park, the refuse rates that were held flat in 2025 are not estimated to adequately cover Village costs for refuse collection and disposal in 2026. The new rate increases have been fairly calculated using regional CPI data. The Village will continue to subsidize the Compostable Program to encourage diversion of organics in Oak Park and extend the usable life of Illinois landfills.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• Refuse Fees will be adjusted to cover the cost increase associated with providing refuse services.
Disadvantages:
• This action will result in a cost Increase to the Residents
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board can delay action to gain additional information
Advantages:
• The Board would be provided with the requested information.
Disadvantages:
• Estimated refuse fee and sticker revenues for the 2026 fiscal year are used during the budget planning process. Delay could impact staff’s ability to make key decisions surrounding the operating budget and environmental programs.
Alternative 2:
The Village Board can vote down the Ordinance.
Advantages:
• Rates will remain unchanged for 2026.
Disadvantages:
• Cost increases associated with providing service will have to be covered by the Environmental Services Enterprise Operating Reserve.
Anticipated Future Actions
The contract with LRS ends on March 31, 2027. Staff will be discussing next steps regarding the contract with the Village Board in the first quarter of 2026.
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. 2026 Refuse Ordinance