joconnell@journalnet.com

CHUBBUCK - Based on Pocatello's success at getting residents to sign up for a forthcoming curbside recycling program, the city of Chubbuck now plans to offer the service.

Chubbuck Mayor Steven England said he received several calls from residents interested in curbside recycling after Pocatello announced its intentions to start a service April 1. Pocatello has now exceeded its goal of getting 2,000 residents to register for an extra $5 per month.

England said Chubbuck's goal is to sign up 350 residents by early April, and the service could commence by June if the goal is met.

Chubbuck also intends to charge residents $5 extra per month for curbside recycling. Participants will be given an extra trash bin, in which they can co-mingle their recyclables. Recyclables will be picked up every two weeks.

Chubbuck hopes to contract with the same company that will take Pocatello's recyclables, Western Recycling.

"The thing that I see about it is just simply it's been encouraging that (Pocatello) not only met but exceeded their goal of those who want to sign up," England said. "Obviously, the more people we have that do participate in it, the easier it will be to make it economically feasible."

England included a survey to gauge interest in curbside recycling in the city's newsletter late last year. He received 250 responses, about 90 percent of which were positive. Though Chubbuck has no recycling drop-off locations, many of those who responded indicated they use Pocatello's drop-off bins.

In the latest city newsletter, England has included a registration form. Residents may also sign up at City Hall, and the city is in the process of creating a user-friendly registration link from the city's Web site, www.cityofchubbuck.us.

Chubbuck has already contacted Western Recycling and gotten information about materials that the company would take.

"It really is a good thing to do," England said.