Officials Ponder How to Dole Out Recycling Profits

OK, tell the truth now. Have you been dutifully recycling your aluminum cans, beverage bottles and newspapers?

If so, you may be in for a cut of a $14,403 rebate received by the city from Western Waste Industries, Sierra Madre’s trash hauler. The money represents half of the funds collected from recycling facilities since the voluntary curbside program started in April, 1990.

But the $14,403 question for city officials is how to distribute the money. When the city established the program, a City Council resolution said the rebate would be returned to “the public.” Bins were distributed to 3,750 households, but there is no way of knowing how many people actually recycled.

“The intent was to get the money back to the people who participated,” Councilman Gary Adams said.

At the council’s June 25 meeting, Adams proposed that the city simply ask people whether they have been recycling. “I believe there are some honest people in the world,” he said.

He suggested that a questionnaire be enclosed with a monthly utility bill asking residents to check “yes” or “no” about their participation.

Under terms of the city’s contract with Western Waste, Sierra Madre will receive a 50% share of cash generated by the recycled items each year.

The council is expected to discuss the rebate at its meeting Tuesday. Under California law, cities must reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills by 25% by 1995 and by 50% by the year 2000.