New Garbage Cans: Thumbs Up? Or Thumbs Down?
As part of its new contract that begins March 1, NuWay Disposal delivered new garbage cans to Oak Forest residents—and some seem to prefer the old. What about you?
Last week, NuWay Disposal dropped off new garbage toters to Oak Forest residents at no extra cost. The 95-gallon garbage toter, which are on wheels and have lids, are part of NuWay's new fuel efficiency program, which includes a compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet that will pick up the carts in Oak Forest.
But some folks are wondering: What was wrong with the old garbage cans?
NuWay might have left the new cans, but residents don't have to use them, Ald. Chuck Toland wrote to Patch readers.
If it's too big to store:
You don't have to keep it. Give NuWay a call and they'll come pick up the newer, larger toter. You can still use your old cans or plastic garbage bags if you prefer.
If you're renting an older one:
You can switch it out for the newer one and return the rental.
If you have additional questions:
Call City Hall, or your alderman. Or contact NuWay at 708-532-8787 or visit www.mydisposal.com.
If you don't know who your alderman is, because you don't know which ward you live in:
Patch can show you, using Oak Forest 101. Check out the ward maps, then visit the city's website to unveil your alderman or woman.
READ: Residents Will Pay More for Trash Pickup
Also, the city's new garbage contract goes into effect on March 1. The cost for general refuse service will be $20.60 per month while senior refuse service will be $15 per month. Additional garbage carts will cost $33 per year for residents and $25 per year for seniors.
A few Oak Forest Patch Facebook fans were confused and bothered by the new toters.
- Ruth Ensing: They're way too big to handle especially in the snow. Gave mine back.
- Kathleen Bard Richmond: Not here. Don't want one. Have never used the monstrous recycle can they left on my property. Would rather have a cut in the cost. Have only one bag per week so paying $3.46 for each bag. Bring back the sticker program, Oak Forest!
- Jeff Szymczak: I have to wonder if the new cans are to save money on labor costs altogether, not so much workmans comp. These new cans are designed to be hoisted & dumped into the truck remotely from the cab, hence the clearance label on it. Pretty much eliminates the need for the man or two riding on the back, making an honest wage. Sign of the times...
What do you think of the new toters? Take our poll.
Darnell
7:09 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jeebus ! Seriously people, whining about a damn garbage can? A serious sign of what's wrong with our society today. Get a life people!
Carolyn Marie
10:42 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
couldn't agree more...
Dutch Oven Chef
7:44 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I found it funny that I got a sticker on my garbage can that it was "too heavy" because of what I put in it! The guy dumping it doesn't even touch it anymore! That's almost as bad as when we had the "old fashioned" cans and my 10 year old kid hauled it to the curb and the trash collector left it there because it was too heavy for him several years ago!
NANCY GRACE
7:49 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thumbs up! A lot of residents (like my neighbors) feel the need that using lids wasn't needed as seen with their old cans-maybe it's too hard to put a lid on? With the new cans lids attached-we don't have to smell or see their ugly waste. For the lady above crying about the recycle can being to big-it is great for the majority with families. They only get picked up bi-weekly, she can wait a month to fill her can and boom! Wheel it out. WE NEED WEEKLY RECYCLE PICK UPS!!
Richard A. Paulas
8:26 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I agree that we need weekly recycling pick ups. I have MORE recycling materials now than trash....
Joe
9:15 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I'd take weekly recycle pick-up over weekly garbage. The wife and I have 1, maybe 2, regular kitchen garbage bags a week, but our recycling bin is always overflowed by the time recycling day comes around. I really have no opinion whether the news cans make a difference. I've got bigger things to worry about...like property tax increases and the phasing out of exemptions.
OF Donna
9:50 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I need weekly recycle pickups too or a bigger recycle bin!
NANCY GRACE
10:02 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
@Richard,Joe& Donna well said! I already sent an email to my alderman regarding weekly recycle pick ups...it has been weeks and I'm still waiting for a response. My family fills two large totes and we still have to throw recycles in the trash. Why should we have to wait 2 weeks storing this crap and trying to figure what to do with the extras. I believe the city make some profit on recycling?
John Barker
11:03 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I like the larger garbage cans - I've been renting one from NuWay for the past couple years. I now have in big garbage cans instead of 3 smaller cans. And, they are on bigger wheels making it easy to roll across the grass or even in the snow. And, now that I don't have to rent it anymore, my garbage bill will actually go down!
As for recycling, NuWay gave me a second green recycling bin - I usually fill both within the two week pickup cycle.
Lauren Traut
11:58 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Reader and Oak Forest Patch Facebook fan Jill Stokes tells us you can call NuWay and request an additional recycling bin!
NANCY GRACE
5:25 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thanks Jill but I have 2 large green totes already...really don't want a 3rd in my driveway. Weekly pick ups would just make more sense. Right?
Laura
6:46 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I did not get a new garbage can. I really don't need one....I need a bigger recycle can. I am in the 4th ward.
Richard DeVries
7:25 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I love them. Holds a lot of bags. The rest of you people crying about should stop.
chuck toland
11:02 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012
I want ot confirm that you can call NuWay and get additional or larger recycle toters for your use. If we went to a weekly recycle pick up, NuWay would charge an additional $1.50 a month plus 3%/year increase. We found that the majority of the residents do not use more than the toter made availlable to them, and passing this cost on to everyone when it will only benefit a small portion of the residents needed to be recognized. That is why we chose the bi-weekly instead of weekly pick-up. This choice can be changed at any time during the contract, and we can go to a weekly pick-up, but we would have to see a majority of the residents wanting this increase. If you would like us to visit the increase and weekly pick-up, please contact your alderman so we can get an idea of how many people would like it.
Lauren Traut
11:09 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thanks, Ald. Toland! I appreciate you interacting with the readers!
Lauren Traut,
Editor,
Oak Forest Patch
Laura
2:56 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
This is, as far as I can see, a forum to express your concerns and opinions. I don't see anyone whining or complaining....just expressing. Thank you very much!
Lauren Traut
3:10 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
You're correct, Laura. Everyone should keep it clean and try to respect others' opinions.
NANCY GRACE
4:18 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
$1.50 may seem like a lot of money to some but in the scheme of things it's like one rebox rental...We can pay disgusting taxes in OF but when it comes down to taking the trash out(well recycles)-it is a debate! Anyways-Lauren Traut for Alderman!
Mike F.
5:33 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
I don't have to worry about it. I live in a condo complex and all my garbage goes into a dumpster.