CAPE MAY – The Taxpayers Association of Cape May has formally come out against an introduced ordinance on city pickup of recyclable materials.

Peter Cole, the association’s president, used the public comment period of the April 1 City Council meeting to give the governing body a “heads up” on the association’s position.

The ordinance, which has not yet had a public hearing, establishes limits on city collection of recycling for residential and commercial properties. Commercial properties would be allowed the equivalent of four 96-gallon containers of recyclables, while residences would be limited to the equivalent of one 96-gallon container, Cole said.

He said that the taxpayer group feels the city should not be involved in the business of recycling collection for commercial establishments. “Recycling is a business expense that should not be subsidized by taxpayers,” he read from a statement.

Cole also pointed to the fact that solid waste and recycling collection is among the top causes of workplace injuries leading to workmen’s compensation claims. He said the proposed ordinance expands the risk of on-the-job injuries and costs that must then be borne by taxpayers.

Calling the ordinance unfair, he said that the city should treat all taxpayers equally. If the city is set on curbside pickup for commercial establishments, then his group believes those properties should get no more service than any residential property.

The taxpayer group is calling for one 96-gallon container per property regardless of whether it’s a residence or commercial business. Cole said such a policy would equalize all property types while still benefitting commercial establishments since the current city code provides for no recycling pickup for businesses.

Cole called on Cape May residents to attend the public hearing on the ordinance scheduled for April 15 at 5 p.m. in City Hall. “We urge taxpayers to show up and oppose the ordinance,” he said.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.