By Tara DeRock Mahoney
Senior Staff Writer

Madison recyclers may soon be asked to put their money where their mouth is.
   

The city is considering a program that would increase the cost of garbage services from $10 to $14 monthly---but there’s a catch.
   

Residents who put out materials for recycling could get a $1 credit each week for their efforts, essentially keeping their garbage bill static by recycling.
   

“We tried to work it out where residents could actually get a credit, but we couldn’t afford to do that,” said City Manager David Nunn. “This program would be cost-neutral for people who participate.”
   

The program would depend on households’ bins being affixed with a unique barcode that recycling contractors would then scan before collecting each week.
   

“It’s not inexpensive,” said Nunn. “There’s a cost to it.”
   

The weekly credit would not be dependent on weight or volume of materials recycled, but on participation only.
   

The city is trying to determine how it might handle households that have very low to no recycling, such as singles or seniors.
   

“We haven’t perfected that, but we’re going to do it,” said Nunn.
   

Council members are expected to further discuss the program in the weeks to come.