DAPHNE, Ala. — The city council at its meeting Tuesday proposed eliminating the city’s recycling program if participation in Team Green Recycling’s county-wide program is approved.

Debate was sparked by a presentation from Team Green manager Larry Hoover, who said the transition could save Baldwin County $600,000 per year.

City finance director Kim Briley said the city of Daphne spends $230,000 annually to operate its recycling service.

Hoover said Team Green’s goal is to make Baldwin County 100 percent efficient.

“Whether you recycle or not, we’re going to get it all,” Hoover said. “As long as it goes to the landfill, we’ll process it.”

Plans include starting operations in the first quarter of 2010 by distributing to residents green bags that would be placed inside garbage receptacles. Landfill employees would identify the green bags, separate them from garbage and have their contents recycled.

Councilman August Palumbo noted that logistics problems could arise with the city switching to weekly garbage pickup around the same time as Team Green initiates its recycling bag program.

He said he anticipates there not being enough room in the trash cans for one week’s worth of garbage and the recycling bags.

Mayor Fred Small said the money saved from switching to Team Green’s program could be used to reinstitute twice-weekly garbage pickup.

Councilwoman Cathy Barnette suggested Hoover return for a council work session to discuss the company’s background and its intentions.

In other business the council:

“It’s going to be very hard and complicated to do,” Smith said, adding that he fears a “background check czar” would be created.

Smith said he’s concerned about people who may have made a mistake young in life that could be affected as they seek to coach a youth sports team.

Requested zoning is B-1, local business; the item received a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission.