Following Pekin's change from monthly to biweekly recycling pickup that began as planned March 2, the city intends to roll out steps in the coming weeks that aim to calm those who oppose the switch.
City Manager John Dossey outlined those mitigations at Monday's city council meeting, many of which will require council approval.
One step that's underway is offering residents a 96-gallon recycling tote for free until May 31. The limit is one per household. The tote will cost $60 starting June 1.
Residents who want the 96-gallon tote should call the city hall. The tote will be delivered to residents' homes.
Dossey asked residents to request the free larger tote only if they need it.
"If you won't be filling your 64-gallon recycling tote every two weeks, please don't ask for a 96-gallon recycling tote because it's being offered for free," he said. "We're offering the 96-gallon tote to help people who fill their 64-gallon recycling tote every week."
Residents who do get a 96-gallon tote have the option of continuing to use their 64-gallon recycling tote or repurposing it as a landscape waste recycling tote by getting a free sticker from the city.
A discount on recycling pickup of $1.50 or $2 for senior citizens age 65 and older also is being considered.
Dossey said seven residents who were billed for a 96-gallon recycling tote will receive a refund. About 20 residents requested the larger tote before they were offered for free.
No discussion
The city council didn't discuss the recycling change during any meetings before the decision was made.
This caused a lack of information for council members to relay to residents who contacted them, according to council member Jake Fletcher.
"Whether you believe it or not, when something like this happens, the brunt of the public wrath comes to seven people," Fletcher said. "My inbox blew up after this [recycling change] was announced. I was getting more emails about recycling than the [proposed] data center."
Dossey apologized for communication issues with the council and residents, but also had good news regarding the change: It's expected to save the city between $90,000-$130,000 annually through reduced overtime, and fuel and mechanical costs.
"Thank you for those savings numbers," Fletcher said. "Now I have an answer for people who ask me about that."
The loss of a solid waste department employee to the street department and two solid waste employees needing to take time off made this the "opportune" time to make the switch, Dossey said.
Fliers with details about the switch are being placed on garbage and recycling totes this week, Dossey said.
Dossey said many communities near Pekin like Peoria, East Peoria and Washington collect recycling twice a week.
