In its search for alternative funding to avoid trash increases, Valparaiso has contacted a firm about putting advertising on the lids of the 96-gallon recycling bins.

On the low side, the agreement with National Cart Marketing could generate $16,700 for the city, Public Works Director Matt Evans said Friday.

Evans said it would likely be around $54,000 a year, although it would be as high as $83,700 if all residents have the recycling bins and if Public Works employees change the 12 ads on the lid instead of the marketing group's employees.

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved talking with National Cart Marketing so Valparaiso can get on the 13-week waiting list, but “we're not dead set on it. We're considering options,” Evans said.

The city's renewal of the trash agreement earlier this year showed that firms bidding no longer take recycling for free, raising costs, he said.

In August, Evans said that it costs Valparaiso about $28 a month per customer, and the city charges residents $12 a month.

The money from advertising would be used for new trucks, new Public Works equipment and to get recycling bins for all 9,300 customers.

Current recycling bins will have their lids replaced, Evans said.

Also at the meeting, John Seibert, Valparaiso's director of parks and recreation, said ice skating at the downtown Central Park pavilion will begin Monday.

The official grand opening and lighting of the Christmas tree will happen with a festival Nov. 26.

James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter.