CITY COUNCIL PASSES EXEMPTION PROVISION FOR COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-FAMILY WASTE AND RECYCLING FRANCHISE
On August 10, 2009, the Highland Park City Council approved exemption protocols for the Commercial and Multi-Family Unit Waste and Recycling Franchise. The criteria to qualify for exemption under the Franchise in Highland Park include:

1. A corporate contract with provisions outside the person's or entity's control;
2. The person or entity in question is subject to a written and binding contract with a scavenger licensed by the City that was entered into prior to the effective date of the amended ordinance, but only until the remaining term, without renewal, of such contract;
3. A specialized solid waste or recycling service that cannot be provided by the franchised hauler; or,
4. Exceptional hardship.

To apply for an exemption, please contact Will Jones, Assistant City Manager, at wjones@cityhpil.com.

HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-FAMILY WASTE AND RECYCLING FRANCHISE
In 2007, the City of Highland Park, in cooperation with the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), began to study new methods to increase recycling opportunities for businesses and multi-family housing, while maintaining or reducing costs. A survey conducted of the Central Business District (CBD) in late 2007 indicated a desire amongst business operators to increase recycling opportunities while reducing costs, if possible. Further research found that cities with a commercial refuse franchise agreement, where a single waste hauler is permitted to collect all commercial and multi-family unit waste and recycling, have in some cases experienced a reduction in costs while enhancing recycling collection. A franchised hauler also may contribute to lessened greenhouse gases and traffic congestion.

City staff held meetings at Highland Park High School with business owners on June 25th, 2008, and met with residents and owners of multi-family residences on June 30th, 2008. After soliciting input from businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, and residents, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to waste haulers in July. Four companies, which include Groot Recycling and Waste Services, Lakeshore Waste Services, Veolia Environmental Services, and Waste Management, submited proposals in August to the City of Highland Park.

On September 22, 2008, the City Council of Highland Park approved the contract for Waste Management to be the City's franchised hauler. The program commenced on January 1, 2009, with full implementation occuring January 1, 2010. Waste Management is in the process of contacting businesses and multi-family housing units. For additional information, please contact Chuck Meyer at (847) 926-1043.

For questions regarding service or to initiate an account, please contact Waste Management.