GULF SHORES, Ala. — Heated discussions between residents, city employees and Allied Waste unfolded Monday night as the garbage company proposed its new plan to the city of Gulf Shores.

Representatives from Allied Waste were present at the work session to share their idea to promote recycling and reduce trash pick-up. The proposal, developed after the city refused to raise rates last year, recommends once a week trash pick-up and once a week recycling pick-up. New 95-gallon rolling recycling bins, that resemble the current trash bins, will replace the 18-gallon carry bins. There will be no cost increase or reduction — the rate will sit at $20.61.

Most residents turned out to disapprove the plan.

“I don’t have room for a second cart, I would have to consider giving up recycling,” a concerned resident said.

“Nobody that we have talked to will accept a second 90-gallon cart … what we asked for to begin with was not only a once a week garbage, but bi-weekly recycling,” a second resident called out saying he surveyed people in Craft Farms and down County Road 6. “They said that second 90-gallon container will not come on their property.”

Seren Ainsworth, a representative from Allied Waste, said the program was voluntary and after the bins were distributed in Orange Beach a few people asked to have their recycling canceled.

Ainsworth said a similar program has been introduced in Gulf Breeze, Fla. and said recycling participation increased from 15 to 70 percent.

Allied Waste General Manager for the local area Andy Liess explained while the trucks wouldn’t be running as many days, they will still run almost as many trips.

“Basically the only reduction we’re going to see is one truck, one man and approximately eight hours,” Liess said. “There’s really not a labor reduction or cost savings on our side.”

Liess said what savings does come to the company will be used to cover the $150,000 capital cost to put the recycling bins on the streets. The biggest concern from residents was the large size of the bins and some asked questions of using a smaller bin.

A resident asked why Allied Waste wouldn’t use the 65-gallon bin, referring to a previously used receptacle.

“The only answer is standardization,” Liess said. “It’s cost effective.”

Some also showed concern of West Beach’s extra trash pick-up and whether they were subsidizing that service, but Public Works Director Mark Acreman said residents of West Beach pay an additional fee for a third day pick-up. He also said they would have to pay more for more service under the proposed program

Currently, Allied Waste is two years into a three-year franchise. Right now residents get two-day a week pick-up and once a week recycling pick-up.