The Birmingham City Council on Sept. 30 approved a resolution to pay Rheericks Pacific Company $265,363.20 for 65‑gallon nesting recycling carts for the Equipment Management Department.

Councilor Abbott asked for the item to be read aloud so the public would understand what "Pepsi Blue NB carts" were; she said residents have been requesting recycling carts for years and that the new carts include lids that keep contents dry when closed. Staff said this payment is to fill the remainder of a previously placed order and to address a backlog of requests; staff said the order covers "over 5,000 carts" to complete the outstanding requests but did not provide a clear, unambiguous count during the meeting.

Councilor Abbott and staff confirmed this payment furthers delivery of recycling containers to households; the council approved the resolution and the item passed.