Naperville Putting Lid on Recycling Program

Naperville is putting out a bid for larger, rolling recycling carts in an effort to keep trash out of landfills and promote sustainability. 

The new recycling program would extend the city's contract with hauler Resource Management and lock in pricing until 2021. Residents would have the option to choose from a 32-, 65- or 95-gallon cart, which would have a lid and also be much larger than the current recycling bins.


A recent survey conducted by the city showed that 64 percent of citizens want a recycling cart program. Naperville residents currently recycle less than 30 percent of their household trash, but the city hopes to increase that number to 40 percent by implementing the new program.   

"The goal here is to reduce trash," Public Works Director Dick Dublinski told City Council during Tuesday's council meeting.

Dublinski added that residents could opt out of the program and bring materials to the city's recycling center, use a neighbor's cart, or not recycle at all.

"We can lead a horse to water, but we can't make them drink," Dublinski said of those who choose not to recycle.   

Councilman Steve Chirico said the main goal of the program is to reduce the amount of household trash from ending up in landfills.   

"I think the diversion rate, diverting 30 percent to 40 percent is a great goal and one that we should all embrace," Chirico said Tuesday. "We do have a responsibility, you know, to do this efficiently." 

The carts are estimated to cost between $50 and $55 per cart and the total cost of the program would be roughly $2.3 million.

To pay for the carts, City Council discussed the idea of charging residents who use the carts $4 per month for one year. Only residents who choose to use the recycling carts would be charged, but the idea of issuing a $4 fee was tabled by council until a bid is awarded for carts.