SWALCO pitches commercial waste-hauling franchise to Lindenhurst board; director cites possible 20% savings

Walter Willis, executive director of the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO), presented to the Lindenhurst Village Board on Oct. 9 on the possibility of the village acting as agent to franchise commercial solid waste and recycling hauling.

Willis said Lindenhurst was previously found eligible to begin commercial franchising after a three-year study completed before 2019 and that experiences in Round Lake Beach, Volo and Lake Bluff indicate franchising can lower commercial hauling bills. He cited a prior survey of Lindenhurst businesses and said an updated survey and direct outreach would be necessary to understand potential local savings; Willis estimated a minimum of 20% savings for businesses and property owners but recommended staff-led outreach before the village pursues a formal procurement.

Village staff indicated outreach would begin with local businesses in November at the new Lindenhurst Center, led by Economic Development Specialist Anita Archambeau, and that the overall implementation could take roughly two years because of statutory and contractual timelines, including a 15-month incorporation window for businesses after a final contract is awarded.

Trustees did not commit to immediate action but signaled interest in further study. No formal motion was taken at the Oct. 9 meeting.