Some DuPage County Board commissioners want more information before agreeing to fund another year of helping cover expenses at Naperville’s household hazardous waste collection facility.
Commissioners Tuesday tabled a vote on the intergovernmental agreement until June 25. Commissioner James Zay, R-Carol Stream, questioned the $100,000 expense and why the issue was not brought before the finance committee before moving to the county board for a final vote.
The facility, located at 156 Fort Hill Drive in Naperville, is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and accepts a variety of household hazardous waste material from residents who live across the state.
The total cost of operations is expected to be about $261,155, of which DuPage County would contribute $100,000. The remaining costs are covered by the city of Naperville, $106,155; Will County, $25,000; Kane County, $10,000; and the city of Aurora, $20,000.
Zay noted he raised concerns last year about the expense, noting that it seemed to benefit primarily residents in Naperville.
In 2018, there were 22,485 cars that used the facility, of which 13,886 came from DuPage County. Naperville residents comprised the largest user group, with more than 6,600 cars coming from the city. The facility also drew 3,795 residents from Will County and 2,722 residents from Kane County. The remaining cars came from other parts of Illinois, according to county documents.
The facility collects a variety of hazardous waste items, including florescent light bulbs, aerosol spray cans, automotive fluids, household cleaners, pool chemicals propane tanks, thermostats, oil-based paints and stains, and fertilizers. Last year, the facility collected 78,355 gallons of household hazardous waste.
Zay questioned if one-day collection events held in different communities throughout the county would be more beneficial. The cost of a one-day collection event starts at $50,000 and can exceed $100,000, said Joy Hinz, an environmental specialist for DuPage County.
Zay also pointed to Naperville’s reluctance to back a hotel/motel tax because it would not benefit them directly but support a measure that appears to benefit the city more than the rest of the county.
“There’s got to be give and take here,” he said, adding that it’s nice to be a team player but that it should not happen “just when it benefits you personally.”
Commissioner Elizabeth Chaplin, D-Downers Grove, noted the resolution regarding county funding for the facility has passed with little discussion in recent years.
“This is a really important service that’s provided,” said Chaplin, who chairs the county board’s environmental committee.
During the board meeting Tuesday, County Board Chairman Dan Cronin noted he did not believe the issue was that anyone was opposed to the facility, but rather the process used to bring the resolution forward. He said he believed the issues could be resolved after discussion at the finance committee level.
