The Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) rates for refuse, recycling, and compost material collection effective September 1, 2025, reflect both the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and the end of the Village subsidy.  

The next LRS bill will reflect the new rates (LRS rate table can be found here). A more detailed explanation of the rate increase can be found at this link.  

The Village Subsidy
In 2024, to ease the impact of Northbrook’s new refuse, recycling, and compost Franchise Agreement, the Village Board approved a $690,000 subsidy to offset rate increases for residents during the first year of service with LRS. This subsidy saved individual households up to $60 between September 2024 and August 2025.
 
As the subsidy period ends on August 31, 2025, residents will see adjusted rates starting September 1, 2025. 

Tips to Manage (or Lower) Your LRS Bill
To discuss options, contact LRS Customer Service at 844.633.3577 or email Service@LRSrecycles.com.

• Right-size your service – Track how much trash, recycling, and compost you set out each week. If your trash bin is rarely full, consider downsizing to a 65-gallon or 35-gallon trash bin. 
• Recycle and compost more – Diverting materials from your trash bin can help reduce refuse needs, benefiting both the environment and your household costs.
• Consider pickup frequency – Households with twice-a-week refuse pickup may save by switching to once-a-week service.
• Senior discount available – Residents age 65 and older can sign up for a senior discount. 

Expanded Services 
Residents have access to expanded programs through the LRS Franchise Agreement. These services are designed to improve convenience and increase waste diversion in alignment with the Village’s long-term sustainability goals.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Pickup. At no additional cost, residents have access to curbside Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection through LRS. This service allows you to safely dispose of items like automotive fluids, pesticides, oil-based paints, and cleaning agents without having to leave home. Collection takes place multiple times a year. Residents must submit a request through the online HHW portal found at this link. 

All-In Composting Program. Northbrook residents benefit from enhanced waste diversion programs that support sustainability and improve service convenience. One key feature is the All-In Composting Program. All households in incorporated Northbrook are eligible to receive a 35-gallon compost cart (with a yellow lid) at no additional cost for year-round curbside collection of food scraps and yard waste. This program advances goals in the Village’s Climate Action Plan by reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more about composting, click here.

Recycling. Residents are provided with the benefit of curbside recycling as part of the enhanced waste diversion program supporting sustainability and improving service convenience. Information about curbside recycling and other recycling opportunities can be found at this link.  

Background on the LRS Agreement 
The Village’s previous refuse Franchise Agreement with Waste Management expired on August 31, 2024. In preparation, the Village sought bids in 2023 and received proposals from both Waste Management and LRS. Rising costs for labor, fuel, and equipment across the industry led to higher rates from both vendors.

After evaluating service quality and pricing, the Village selected LRS as the lowest bidder. To reduce the impact of increasing costs to residents, the Village Board allocated surplus funds for a subsidy that reduced first-year rates. With the subsidy ending August 31, 2025, rates will now reflect the full cost of service along with the annual CPI adjustment.