GULF SHORES, Ala. — There was a lot of trash talk at the Gulf Shores work session Monday as Allied Waste lobbied a proposal to raise its rates.

A $2 monthly increase was presented to the council, along with a two-year contract extension which would tie the city down until 2012. In January the city signed a three-year contract that included a recycling program.

Allied Waste district manager Seren Ainsworth cited increased fuel costs and new recycle containers as the cause of the tack-on.

“Based upon the $2 drop we’ve seen in fuel prices, we can not recommend anymore than a $1.50 increase and that would cover the capital expenditure of the roll-out carts,” Public Works director Mark Acreman said during the meeting.

In an effort to encourage recycling in the city, 90-gallon containers were purchased at $52 per cart to replace the 18-gallon recycling carry receptacle.

As Gulf Shores kick starts its recycling program, the city of Orange Beach has been running its recycling program at full throttle.

In the first recycling pickup round in Orange Beach, Allied Waste collected 10.5 tons of recyclable material. Gulf Shores produces only 1.8 to 2.2 tons on an average week.

The two-year extension was requested, according to Ainsworth, to allow Allied Waste the needed time to advertise the new program and bring it to fruition.

Mayor Robert Craft suggested an alternating weekly pickup to cut back on the cost of operation, and residents supported the idea.

“Here, in Gulf Shores, there is only 2.15 persons per household; hardly enough for garbage service two times a week for a normal family,” one citizen announced, showing disapproval of a second large receptacle to be placed at his home.

Councilwoman Carolyn Doughty was also doubtful of the proposal. She reasoned if Allied Waste would be limiting its pickups — which would reduce the cost of gas and workforce — then the change should bring a savings to residents.

“I just can’t figure out how it should cost us more when it benefits you,” she said to Ainsworth.

A representative with Ainsworth said there is no savings to change the system. However, Allied Waste does receive money for the city’s recyclables.

The topic was not pushed through to the council meeting agenda, Acreman said in an interview.

Allied Waste should be returning at an upcoming work session with a new proposal to lower the increase and reduce to bi-weekly pickup.