Recently, the City of Chicago made public its plan to implement an exclusive franchise system for the collection and disposal of waste generated by commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings.

The Chicago-area members of the National Solid Wastes Management Association – who provide service for more than 85% of the Chicago market – believe the City’s plan will not achieve its stated goals and will have a negative impact on the tens of thousands of customers we serve on a daily basis.  

The proposed measure will eliminate the competitive market as well as tailored or specialized waste services.  This will result in increased costs, a hidden tax and reduced options for the hauling needs of our customers.

The City is claiming an exclusive commercial franchise is not only a national “trend,” but it will also improve recycling.  These claims are simply false.  The facts are:

• Not one of the 10 largest U.S. cities has an exclusive franchise system.
• Seven of the 14 municipalities Chicago is claiming have exclusive commercial franchise systems actually don’t. 
• The City can increase recycling under its existing Ordinance, and/or licensing authority – a franchise system will only limit recycling options.

If you concerned about how the City’s waste franchise plan will affect you or your business, please contact Peggy Macenas at (630) 848-1101 or peggym@nswma.org for more information.