When did the new extended contract go into effect?

May 1, 2022

What are the benefits of the new contract?

• Free 95-gallon toter for all homeowners
• Free 35-gallon toter for all senior citizens, if registered for Oswego’s senior utility discount
• 3 free household clean-up days, one in the spring and two in the fall.
• $75,000 annual Groot contribution to help offset costs to the Village’s leaf collection program, including new equipment and leaf disposal
• Landscape waste stickers will remain at $2.50 for the next 8 years
• Unlimited refuse and recycling

What else is new?

All homeowners, except registered seniors, will receive the free 95-gallon toter. Once the 95-gallon toter is full, residents may leave other unlimited waste in secured garbage bags or other covered containers. **Note: You must first completely fill the 95-gallon container from Groot. Then, if your non-Groot container is 35 gallons or less and does not weigh more than 50 pounds, you may set it out with the new Groot toter.  

What else?

• The new contract includes a first-year savings over the previously negotiated contract, increasing rates in May 2022 by 2.99% instead of 4%.
• **The cost of taking away white goods, such as fridges, stoves, and other appliances has been reduced to $35.00 from $38.63. You must still contact Groot to arrange for pick-up of these items.  

**Wait! I’ve been renting my cart? How will I benefit?

All homeowners who have been renting a toter will no longer be billed by Groot for rental, as of May 1, 2022. 

I bought my container from Groot. Will I get a new one? Can I use both?

Yes. Groot will automatically drop off a new 95-gallon container so you will now have two containers. If you don’t want one of the containers (new or the one you purchased), Groot will pick up one of the containers upon request. 

I’m a senior and don’t get the senior garbage discount. How can I get my 35-gallon cart delivered?

Apply and if you qualify for the senior discount (ages 65+), you will receive 20% off disposal services, and a free 35-gallon toter. For more information and to apply, visit the Village’s Senior Utility Discount webpage or call the Finance Department at 630-554-3618.

**I’m a senior and I want to keep my current size toter. What should I do? 
You can keep you current Groot cart. To confirm your request, please contact Public Works 630-554-3242 or Groot 630-892-9294.

**Do I have to use the Groot waste container? 

Yes. You must use the provided Groot waste toter. Once the Groot container is full, residents may leave other unlimited waste in secured garbage bags or other covered containers. **Note: You must first completely fill the 95-gallon container from Groot. Then, if your non-Groot container is 35 gallons or less and does not weigh more than 50 pounds, you may set it out with the new Groot toter.  

**I bought a non-Groot container from a retail store. Can I still use it?

You must first completely fill the 95-gallon container from Groot. Then, if your non-Groot container is 35 gallons or less and does not weigh more than 50 pounds, you may set it out with the new Groot toter.  

How much are landscape waste stickers?

Landscape waste stickers cost $2.50. This is the same amount as 2021, which was part of the 2016 contract. Great news! The $2.50 sticker price will not increase for 8 years, through 2030, the end of Oswego’s contract with Groot. 

**Is there a landscape waste subscription program? 
Yes! As an alternative option to the sticker, the subscription program allows residents to place both yard waste and food scrap compost in a 95-gallon cart designated for weekly collection. This optional program is available at a rate of $141.00 per season.  To request this service, contact Groot online or 630-892-9294.

How about recycling?
Nothing has changed! Continue to use the 65-gallon cart provided by Groot for recyclables. Now is a good time to check what’s accepted and what’s not.

What about electronics recycling?

By appointment-only, electronics recycling will still be provided for free, and televisions may be recycled for a fee. Before you put your items out,  review the Electronics Recycling list and be sure to make an appointment at least 24 hours in advance with Groot online or by phone at 630-892-9294.

I still have questions! What should I do?

If you can’t find an answer, please visit the Village’s website for Garbage and Recycling information and Groot’s customized webpage for Oswego. Still need assistance? Call Public Works at 630-554-3242 or Groot at 630-892-9294.

**Revised
9-12-22