City Generates Less Garbage Than Before

SWANCC disposal fees – the fee paid by the City to dispose of its solid waste – appeared before City Council on Jan. 13, and aldermen approved lower disposal fees to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County, the agency that disposes of Evanston’s garbage.

Over the past several years, according to a memo from City staff, Evanston has reduced its annual garbage output from 15,390 tons in 2011 to an estimated 12,700 tons in 2013. The 2014 goal is 11,500 tons. In 2008 the figure stood at 17,742 tons.

The disposal fee has retreated as well, from $993,000 in 2008 to about $681,000 in 2013. While the City hopes this trend will continue, Council budgeted about $1.1 million in SWANNC fees. Alderman Ann Rainey, 8th Ward, asked about the smaller garbage carts and their lesser monthly pickup fee.

 Public Works Director Suzette Robinson said there had been a slight increase in requests from residents for the smaller garbage carts. Smaller carts means less garbage, more recycling and lowered SWANCC fees.