Update * Follow-up on the news : ‘Green’ Waste Key to Recycling Efforts

Officials are considering a plan to add “green” waste, such as leaves, lawn clippings and tree branches to the city’s recycling program.

If that happens, trash collection rates would rise by 39 cents a month for homes but would drop by about $6 a month for businesses.

The City Council discussed the plan this month but delayed voting until an agreement with its contractor, Brea Disposal Inc., is finalized.

By state law, Mayor Burnie Dunlap said, Brea is required to reduce the amount of trash it takes to landfills by the year 2000. Through recycling of glass, plastic and paper, the city has reduced its trash by 27% but needs to reach 50% reduction in about three years.

“It’s impossible to reach that goal without green waste recycling,” Dunlap said.

If approved by the council, the recycling program would begin in October. Residents would receive a 110-gallon container for yard waste, which would be collected and sold to recycling companies.

Residential bills would increase from $13.42 to $13.81, and the rate for businesses would decrease by $5.91, from $102.32 to $96.41.

The fees are also affected by a drop in county landfill charges from $35 a ton to $27, said Lawrence D. Hurst, city finance director.