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Emanuel: Save $60 Million By Picking Up Trash On Grid System

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the city would save $60 million if garbage trucks pick up on a grid route instead of one following complicated ward boundaries.

But he did say he'd keep the ward superintendents who can respond quickly to neighborhood residents with problems or concerns.

He said Chicago pays $225-235 a ton for trash removal, while other major cities like Philadelphia do it for $135 a ton.


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"They're not smarter or better than us," he said.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, many aldermen said they were dead set against the idea for fear that it would deprive them of their ability to respond to special requests for services.

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) told the Sun-Times that he has no problem switching to a grid "so long as there is still an ability to have a staffer or superintendent who can handle unique situations" which happen "a dozen times every day."

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