Jeff checking support for reviving recycling

Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard's administration is circulating a survey to gauge public support for curbside garbage recycling.

The answers could help determine whether the Environmental Affairs Department revives the curbside program in unincorporated areas and Jean Lafitte for the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.

The administration began circulating the surveys in April through bimonthly water bills, with the plan to reach every potentially affected household by Monday, spokeswoman Pat Borne said.

It is unlikely that full results will be known until mid-June at the earliest, she said, because residents have a month to pay their latest bills. Plus some pay online and might avoid sending in the paper survey in a timely manner, she said.

In their latest research, administrators estimated the monthly cost of collecting cans, plastic and paper at $4.10 to $7.76 per residence, depending on the breadth of the service.

Two companies expressed interest in December about managing a recycling program, but administrators have yet to choose a provider.