KANKAKEE – Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong, the City Council and residents expressed concerns regarding access to recycle service following a presentation made to the full City Council by Ernie Lopez, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services.  Mr. Lopez reported that the City of Kankakee played a significant role in contaminating approximately 80 percent of the recycle loads with materials that are not intended for recycling.  His recommendation and plan was to pull all recycle bins effective September 1, 2018 and put 1-2 large dumpsters in each of the wards.

“I found this solution to be unacceptable as the City of Kankakee has a contract with Republic Services through 2022.  The contract should be honored and the City is more than willing to partner with Republic Services to provide the proper education to the residents.  With proper education, I believe the partnership between the City and Republic Services can be strengthened without changes to the current service.  Limiting access to 1-2 dumpsters per ward makes recycling inconvenient and burdensome; particularly for our seniors and residents with mobility issues,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.   

Following discussions between the Mayor, City representatives, and Republic Services the parties reached a satisfactory agreement.  “There will be no disruption to recycle services for residents in our City.  I am pleased with the outcome,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.  

For more information, contact Mayor Wells-Armstrong’s office at (815) 933-0500.

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