Proponents: Single refuse hauler needed in M.C.MOUNT CARMEL — A proposed mandatory recycling- and garbage-removal program sparked outrage from Mount Carmel Borough Councilmen Leroy “Chico” Moser during council’s work session Monday night.

Three fellow councilmen — Carl Froutz, Jack Williams and Robert Barrett — made the proposal on the advice of a consultant after learning the borough could lose out on $400,000 in state recycling funding it received two years ago. If so, it could also jeopardize future state appropriations of grant money.

Moser operates an independent waste hauling business. He believes the proposal unfairly targets his business and that of fellow waste haulers, and says there could be a better system.

“How could you take away my business that I built?” Moser, of Moser Bros. Sanitation, asked of his six fellow council members during a three-hour long work session. “There were other options.”

In order to seek compliance with state recycling regulations and to use the $400,000 grant that is nearly expired, the committee and consultant Michelle Nestor, of Nestor Resources Inc., proposed contracting with one single waste hauler to handle refuse and recycling in Mount Carmel.

Under the proposal, a flat fee would be imposed rather than customers paying by the bag, said Nestor, and will include recycling pickup.

Moser was visibly distressed during the meeting but maintained his composure. He questioned Nestor about the proposal and said he believed the program could put the independent garbage haulers out of business by January.

In addition to Moser’s garbage hauling business, Mount Carmel is also served by Mostik Bros. Disposal, Waste Management and Jimmy “Buckwheat” Miller.

Before Moser, who has served on council for eight years, began to raise questions about the program, councilman Carl Froutz raised his own concern, saying he wasn’t sure Moser should be asking questions because it may be a “conflict of interest.”

Solicitor Michael Romance assured council that it was acceptable for Moser to ask questions but recommended that he abstain from any vote regarding the proposal.