San Gabriel : Curbside Recycling OKd

The city’s refuse will soon become pay dirt.

Council members Tuesday unanimously approved a seven-year contract with San Gabriel Disposal Co. for curbside recycling. Dennis Chiapetta, a spokesman for the firm, said the program could begin by May 1.

The city hopes to receive about $18,000 a year from trash sales and about $70,000 from the $1.85 monthly fee that will be added to residents’ garbage bills, said City Manager Robert Clute.

Over the next three years, fees and proceeds from sales of recyclable newspapers, glass and plastic are expected to help the city recoup the $196,000 it has spent on the state-mandated program. That sum includes the costs of a three-month pilot program and of crates that will be given to residents, Clute said.

The contract calls for a 50-50 split of the proceeds from trash sales, which vary according to market conditions, Chiapetta said. Councilman John D. Tapp said a higher percentage of the profits should go to the city.