Pekin, Illinois (WMBD) – Pekin residents who have already paid their trash collection fees may be surprised to learn that getting rid of old sofas and mattresses costs a little extra.
In April, the Beijing Municipal Council passed an ordinance excluding bulky items such as furniture and mattresses as part of regular garbage collection.
Pekin Public Works Director Justin Reeise said:
The new rule requires citizens to pay $20 per month for regular pickups and an additional $10 per bulk item after that.
According to Reeise, garbage truck drivers make between 600 and 800 stops per shift. He said the change in pick-up rules will improve time management.
“This allows us to actually track when the product is coming out so we can schedule properly,” he said.
Reeise said he usually receives the goods by the next day, but regulations can take up to two weeks.
Kirstin Starr from Pekin gets rid of an old sofa. She said it was frustrating to have to pay her extra.
“We figured we could put it on the curb and they would pick it up because we already paid for the trash.
Instead, I received a sticker from City Hall informing me to pick up a mass disposal sticker.
“It was a bit of a hassle to have to do that, but the process was so easy. It was only $10, and it was pretty cheap, so I thought it would cost more,” she said.
Reeise said the only way to get the stickers is to go directly to Beijing City Hall. Although there is no online portal yet, anyone with a question can contact the Department of Public Works and they will respond, he said.
