Recycling in Coupeville could soon take place a lot closer to home.

Town officials are considering a contract with Island Disposal to provide curbside recycling. Many people currently dump their recyclables at the Island County solid waste facility south of town.

Mayor Nancy Conard described aspects to the new plan during a recent Town Council meeting.

The town proposes that residents can sign up for curbside recycling at a cost of $6.95 a month on top of what they already pay for their garbage removal.

Adding a recycling program is a goal stated in the town’s climate protection plan. Conard said the recycling plan would help reduce the town’s carbon footprint.

Residents participating in the curbside recycling program would receive a 96-gallon container to hold recyclables.

The cost of the program could be reclaimed, Conard said, pointing out that townspeople could lower their trash bill by participating in the recycling program because it reduces the amount of trash collected. Folks would also save on gas by not having to drive outside of town to dispose of recyclables.

One thing that won’t be included in curbside recycling is glass, because the market for recycled glass has dried up. Conard said Island Recycling may put a bin in town for residents to dispose of glass.

An employee at Island Disposal said a presentation will be given at the Wednesday, Aug. 19, Island County commissioners meeting about providing curbside recycling to all of Whidbey Island outside of Oak Harbor, which runs its own program. She said issues such as glass recycling will be addressed at the public meeting.

Councilwoman Ann Dannhauer questioned whether glass collected in the bins would actually be recycled.

Councilman Bob Clay said curbside recycling makes sense but he would like to see another public hearing take place.

Conard said after the meeting that she hopes curbside recycling will be approved sometime in September.