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As of June 1, will be Belvidere's sole source for residential garbage collection.

Earlier this month, the city reached a five-year agreement with the waster hauler for exclusive rights to collect and dispose of garbage, refuse, residential waste, recycling materials, bulk items, large appliances and yard waste within Belvidere city limits.

Here's what residents need to know.

Do I have to use Rock River Disposal?

Yes. Rock River Disposal will be the only residential solid wast hauler wtih the city. According to the city, residents must utilize Rock River Disposal for their garbage hauling needs and may not utilize other garbage services.

More:Rockford's new garbage cans are coming. Here's what you need to know about how to use them

How much will Rock River Disposal charge?

The base fee for residential garbage service will be $25.35 per month. There is a $3 per month discount for senior (65 and over) heads of households.

Will the city handle the billing?

No. Billing will be handled directly by Rock River Disposal. Any questions regarding billing or services should be directed to Rock River Disposal.

Do I need to register with Rock River Disposal for service?

Most residents should be automatically enrolled with Rock River Disposal via the city's water billing information. In the event a residential address is not carried over or the responsible party for the water bill is different than that for garbage services, residents have been asked to call Rock River Disposal (815-965-2489) directly to establish the proper billing account.

Will I get new garbage and recycling containers?

Residents will receive one garbage cart and one recycling cart from Rock River Disposal at no cost. However, residents who already have containers from Marengo Disposal Company, an affiliate of Rock River Disposal, will likely continue using those unless they are damaged.

When will I get my new containers?

Rock River Disposal will deliver carts as needed beginning the last two weeks of May.

What about yard waste?

Rock River Disposal will collect up to five yard-waste bags or containers weekly from April 1 to Dec. 15 each year at no additional cost. Yard waste must be placed in commercially available yard waste bags or 32-gallon containers. The number of yard-waste bags or containers increases to 20 during the months of October, November and December.

Who do I call about billing with my current waste hauler?

Residents who have concerns regarding billing from existing waste haulers who will no longer provide service after June 1 should call those providers directly.

Chris Green is a Rockford Register Star general assignment reporter. He can be reached at 815-987-1241, via email atôôֱ²¥cgreen@rrstar.com, and Xôôֱ²¥