Unincorporated Winnebago County residents to pay increased fee for yard waste removal

From news release
Rock River Current
Download our app

ROCKFORD — Residents who live in unincorporated parts of Winnebago County will no longer have yard waste removal services included in their weekly waste and recycling pick up starting next month.

Instead, residents who live in those areas must pay $175 per season to continue receiving the service. The fee increase goes into effect Aug. 3.

Rock River Disposal said the change was necessary because of increased costs, labor shortages and other economic pressures. It sent notice to residents July 15 that the service would end.

Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli and County Board Member Kevin McCarthy then worked on an agreement with Rock River Disposal for the $175 fee, which includes a 95-gallon tote from Rock River Disposal for residents to place their yard waste in to make pickup easier on haulers. It was initially going to be $250.

Related: Winnebago County Board OKs landfill waste-to-energy project

“By working with (Rock River Disposal), we were able to come to an agreement to lower the additional cost for yard waste removal for our unincorporated residents,” Chiarelli said Thursday in a news release. “Our goal is to always assist our residents in reducing cost burdens while maintaining an expected level of  service.” 

Customers who have already signed up for the subscription have been notified of the date the fee increase goes into effect.

“We thank Rock River Disposal for coming to the table and listening to its customers’ concerns,” McCarthy said in the release. “Moving forward, we will continue to make it our mission to advocate for our county residents and partner with local businesses to best serve the community.” 

County news: Nearly $3M development deal brings ‘Project Dolphin’ to Winnebago County

The amount of yard waste allowed per customer will not change. If residents have yard waste that will not fit into the designated tote, they are limited to two bundles of sticks outside the tote. Bundles should be cut down no longer then 4-feet long, sticks no larger than t2-inches in diameter, and bundled by twine or string weighing under 50 pounds.

“Our company worked closely with the county in finding a reasonable solution for all of us,” said Kiel Pennington, Midway Division Vice President for Rock River Disposal. “Our company and our employees take pride in the jobs we do every day. We have been, and will continue to  remain, the only company that offers yard collection services to every resident in Winnebago  County.”

Anyone with questions about the change or who needs to sign up for a subscription to the yard waste service can call 815-965-2489.