The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) completed a successful first week of grid garbage collection on the city’s north side—the first step in rolling out a citywide garbage collection grid system that will maximize efficiency while saving millions in operations costs.

"By implementing efficient service delivery strategies, we can cut costs while providing the same great service to taxpayers," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "I will always choose efficiency over politics. A grid for garbage collection saves money without affecting the quality of service in our neighborhoods."

On Monday, June 11, the City rolled out the grid garbage collection system in Chicago for the first time in wards 40, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50. The new grid system, widely used by other municipalities and private refuse haulers, changes collection routes from non-linear ward geography to a system of routes bordered by main streets and natural boundaries. The service model concentrates sanitation workers in targeted areas of the city each day and creates balanced service regions to improve daily collection performance.

"I am committed to this innovative and cost-saving plan," said Alderman Ameya Pawar, 47th Ward. "Commissioner Byrne and the entire team at the Department of Streets and Sanitation have done a wonderful job implementing this program."

In the weeks leading up to the roll out, the City of Chicago worked closely with aldermen and community groups to educate residents about potential garbage collection day of service changes related to the roll out. As a result of the outreach combined with the hard work of DSS crews, the City’s 311 Call Center has received less than 10 service-related inquiries this week from the 55,000 households impacted by the grid garbage roll out.

"Thanks to a lot of careful planning by the Department of Streets and Sanitation and my office, the new grid garbage roll out has been remarkably smooth," said Alderman Debra Silverstein, 50th Ward. "We have received minimal comments from residents and our ward superintendent has helped residents who need special attention. Everyone is behind this initiative that will save taxpayer dollars and improve efficiency, and I commend all of the people involved for working together on behalf of the residents of the 50th Ward and the whole city."

"I am extremely pleased with the success we achieved during our first week," said Commissioner Thomas G. Byrne, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. "Our crews rose to the challenge of implementing this significant operational change, and we will continue to monitor our progress and levels of service to ensure we provide residents with the best services possible."

Phase two of the roll out will include wards 30, 33, 35, 38, 39, 41 and 45, and is expected to begin later this summer.

Residents who would like more information about the grid garbage collection system and related service changes are encouraged to visit the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation website at www.cityofchicago.org/dss, call 311 or contact their local ward office.

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