Frequently Asked Questions

In 2012, the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) recommended that the Village Board consider awarding a franchise for garbage and recycling services for businesses and multi-family buildings. The recommendation followed a survey that indicated most businesses could realize significant rate savings when all businesses are served by a single waste hauler.

After requesting proposals from solid waste haulers, the Village selected the lowest price proposal from Groot Industries, Inc. and began negotiating the terms of the franchise.

In addition to lower garbage and recycling rates for most businesses, the benefits of a franchise include:

• uniform rates for garbage and recycling services
• rate increases limited to once a year and restricted to the rate of inflation
• no additional fees or surcharges
• less truck traffic resulting in less wear and tear on streets
• reduction of greenhouse gasses with trucks powered by compressed natural gas (CNG)

All businesses, except home-based businesses, and multi-family buildings with eight (8) or more units will receive garbage and recycling services under the franchise.

• What is a franchise?
  A franchise is an exclusive contract awarded to a private company to provide a service; in this case, garbage and recycling services for all commercial and multi-family accounts.
• When would the proposed franchise begin?
  The franchise would begin on or about February 1, 2015. State statute (65 ILCS 5/19-11-1) requires a 15-month waiting period between the award of the franchise and the start of the franchise.
• What is that term of the proposed franchise?
  The term of the franchise is seven (7) years (2015 – 2022).
• Who is included in the proposed franchise?
  All businesses and multi-family buildings with eight (8) or more units are included in the franchise; home-based businesses are not included in the franchise.
• What services are included in the proposed franchise?
  The franchise includes garbage and recycling services as well as an organic material (food scrap) collection option.

Free Recycling Included

One (1) recycling container (96-gallon / 1.0 cubic yard / 1.5 cubic yard) picked-up once a week (1x week) is included in your garbage rate at no additional charge. Additional recycling containers and/or pick-ups are available for a monthly charge.

• Why Recycle?
  Recycling reduces the amount of material you throw in your garbage container. Less garbage may allow you to reduce your container size and/or pick-up frequency. The result is lower costs. For example:

  With or Without Recycling	Cost	Savings
  Without Recycling	2.0 cy @ 2x week = $80.00 per month	N/A
  With Recycling	2.0 cy @ 1x week = $41.00 per month	Savings = $468 per year

  Additional recycling services beyond the free recycling container may further reduce your overall monthly costs. A representative from Groot will work with each business to determine the potential cost savings associated with recycling.
• How do I establish service under the proposed franchise?
  Prior to the start of the franchise, a representative from Groot will meet individually with each business to determine the most cost-effective combination of container size and pick-up frequency as well as the potential cost savings associated with recycling.
• Can I select my container size and pick-up frequency?
  Yes; each business will be able to select the container size and pick-up frequency that best meets its individual needs.
• What are the rates for garbage and recycling service under the proposed franchise?
  Rates
  According to the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), the franchise rates are the lowest of any commercial franchise to date and are below "market" rates.
• Will I save money?
  Based on the Chamber of Commerce survey, it is anticipated that 90% of businesses will save money with the franchise rates.
• What if my rates for garbage and recycling are lower than the proposed franchise rates?
  If your rates for garbage and recycling at the start of the franchise are lower than the franchise rates, Groot will freeze your rates for the first year. After the first year, the current franchise rates will apply.
  
  Under the franchise, however, you will receive the benefits of uniform rates for garbage and recycling services, rate increases limited to once a year and restricted to the rate of inflation, and no additional fees or surcharges.
  
  The free recycling container (96-gallon / 1.0 cubic yard / 1.5 cubic yard) may allow you to reduce your container size and/or pick-up frequency and lower your rates below your current rates.
• Will I still have a contract?
  Yes; each business will enter into a contract with Groot. The terms of the contract, including the rates, services offered ( garbage /  recycling / organics), free recycling container, and customer service standards, are established under the franchise.
• Who will bill me for service?
  Groot will bill you monthly for garbage and recycling services. Your bill will NOT include any additional fees or taxes from the Village of Grayslake.
• What are the billing terms?
  Groot's standard billing terms are Net 30 days. Please contact Groot directly at (877) 40-GROOT to discuss other billing terms.  Groot reserves the right to suspend service to accounts with a past due balance of sixty (60) days.
• What if my current contract expires before or after the start of the proposed franchise?
  Until the franchise begins, businesses may contract with any hauler for garbage and recycling services. Haulers will be required to terminate any existing contracts without customer penalty at the start of the franchise.
• What if I have a contract with Groot?
  If you have a contract with Groot, that contract will remain in effect until the start of the franchise. Groot has agreed to freeze existing customers' rates through the start of the franchise.
• Will I receive a new container?
  Prior to the start of service, Groot will coordinate the delivery of containers for garbage and recycling. Your current hauler will remove their container(s).
• Who do I call with service problems?
  You will call Groot at 877-40-GROOT to report any service problems, request an additional pick-up, or modify your garbage and recycling services including container size and/or pick-up frequency.
• Will this franchise affect the current franchise for residential service?
  No; the rates for residential garbage and recycling service will not increase due to the franchise for commercial garbage and recycling service.
• Who is Groot? 
  Groot Industries, Inc., headquartered in Elk Grove Village, is the largest independent solid waste management services provider in Illinois. Family owned and operated since 1914, Groot has nearly 100 years of experience serving municipalities and businesses in northern Illinois.
  
  Groot has been an industry leader in recycling and alternative fuels and has received numerous awards for its environmental stewardship. Groot's fleet servicing Grayslake will consist entirely of trucks powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
  
  In addition to providing commercial garbage and recycling services, Groot has committed to provide additional community resources including two (2) shredding events per year as well as an annual grant for recycling education.

For more information, please contact Groot at 877-40-GROOT.

Please refer to this webpage for additional information in the coming days.