What are my payment options?
- In person at Town Center - 375 W. Briarcliff Road
- Drive-up Dropbox in front of Town Center
- Via Mail
- Online at www.bolingbrook.com/refuseonlinepay
Why can't garbage costs be kept on the property tax bill?
Most households generate about the same amount of waste. Therefore, a house worth $500,000 would pay five times as much as the $100,000 homeowner for the same service. The Village will now do direct billing and all households will be invoiced the same monthly charge. In addition to the “fairness issue” just mentioned, residents have expressed concerns about high real estate taxes for years and don’t want their property taxes to go up. The trend in government is to go to user fees. With the current “cap” on SALT (sales and local taxes) deductions on federal income taxes, people can no longer write off property taxes in excess of the cap. Only one other suburban city out of over 286 suburbs, have garbage on the tax bill.
Can't a flat rate charge be added to the property tax bill?
No, real estate taxes are based on levies and assessed valuations. There is not a way to levy a flat charge on the property tax bill.
When was the garbage fee removed from my tax bill?
The garbage fee was removed (last year) from the 2017 tax bill payable in 2018. Last year, the Village absorbed the $5million charge. Garbage collection costs are not on your current tax bill.
How much is the refuse charge per month?
The refuse charge per month is $20.19 per household. This is the amount Groot charges whether the bill is paid through taxes or direct billing. It is the same amount it was when it was on your tax bill.
Is there a service fee?
There is a $2.00 service fee per billing cycle. This service fee is to cover additional personnel and administrative costs such as invoice and mail processing.
I would like to rent out my property. Are there any requirements/guidelines for this?
The Bolingbrook “Good Neighbor” Rent Lease Program requires all landlords to have a valid license from the Village of Bolingbrook. All requirements can be found at www.bolingbrook.com/code_enforcement
Is there an opt-out option?
No. Groot is the contracted refuse provider for the Village of Bolingbrook.
How do other communities charge for garbage pick-up?
The vast majority of communities have garbage charges included on the water/sewer bill. Other communities have the waste hauler bill the resident direct. There is only one other suburb that the Village is aware of that has garbage collection on the real estate tax bill. Whether garbage collection provided by a 3rd party is deductible is subject to debate.
If I live part of the year elsewhere can I get a discount?
No. The waste charge is a flat monthly fee.
Can I prepay the annual charge?
Yes, you can prepay the monthly/quarterly charge. If a resident prepays the year in advance only one administrative fee will be applied. The total amount for 1 year is $244.28.
Will my garbage servce have any changes?
No. Your pickup day will remain the same.
Can a resident purchase their own toter for recycling?
Residents can purchase their own toter for recycling. It must be 32 gallons or less and it may only be used for recycling. Lids for the blue bins are available at no charge and can be picked up at Village Hall.
Do I have the option to get a recycling toter from Groot?
Residents can rent a 32 gallon recycling toter from Groot for $3 month. Groot will then maintain/replace the toter when needed and the resident will be billed directly from Groot for the rental fee.
How will this affect apartment renters?
Each apartment complex owner will decide how they want to handle waste hauling for their renters.
When will I recieve my bill?
You will receive a bill quarterly. The Village of Bolingbrook has been divided into 3 districts. The West District will receive the 1st bill in May. The East District will receive a bill in June and the Central District will receive a bill in July.
When is my payment due?
The payment will be due 30 days after your billing date.
Is there a senior citizen or diability discount?
No, there is not a discount.
Will I be able to use auto pay to pay my bill?
Not initially, but the Village will be working to make it available.