Lindenhurst approves seven‑year amendment with Groot, modest rate increases and expanded leaf pickup

The Village of Lindenhurst on Feb. 14 authorized staff to execute a seven‑year amendment to its refuse, recycling and landscape waste contract with Groot Recycling and Waste Services, Inc., approving modest monthly rate increases and expanded seasonal leaf pickup.

Staff presented the negotiated terms, which set monthly residential rates at $21.00 for a 95‑gallon cart, $18.50 for a 65‑gallon cart and $16.00 for a 35‑gallon cart. The agreement provides a 0.7% increase in the first two years; after Year 2 increases will follow the consumer price index with a floor of 2% and a cap of 4% annually. Landscape waste collection tags drop from $3.40 to $2.50 for the full term, and the contract adds unlimited bagged leaf pickup for six weeks from mid‑October through November. Subscription services will increase $5 annually under terms consistent with the current contract.

Trustee Pat Dunham moved to authorize the Village Administrator to execute the amendment; Trustee Ron Grace seconded and the motion carried 5‑0.

Why it matters: solid waste contracts are recurring municipal expenses that directly affect household bills and village sanitation operations. The contract’s CPI language with a 2% floor and 4% cap limits multiyear volatility while the reduced yard‑waste tag price and temporary unlimited leaf pickup increase value for residents during peak seasons.

What’s next: staff will finalize signatures and implement the new rate schedule and service changes according to the amended contract schedule. The motion record shows unanimous approval; no dissent or conditions were recorded.