The Sykesville Town Council has given its unanimous approval to a curbside recycling program, which will begin Oct. 5.

Crews will collect recyclables from homeowners twice a month and sort items at the town maintenance center.

"Sorting will be time-consuming, but we are hoping for volunteers to help us," said Councilwoman Julie Kaus, who chairs the Recycling Committee, at last night's meeting.

Jennifer Way will serve as the dividing line, with pickups on alternating Wednesdays in each half of the town. The town has budgeted money to hire an additional public works employee in October.

"Wednesday will be an all-day job for maintenance workers with pickup, sorting and separating," said James L. Schumacher, town manager.

Twice-weekly regular trash pick up will continue as usual.

Mr. Schumacher called for a "massive education campaign" for all town residents. Ms. Kaus said information on the program will be in the town newsletter and each household will receive a letter with details.

"We are recommending that homeowners purchase clear or blue plastic garbage bags," she said. "We will accept glass, aluminum and metal cans as well as newspapers."

Residents may still be able to take plastic items to the town recycling bin. However, several loads recently have been contaminated with unacceptable material.

Mr. Schumacher estimated start-up costs at $1,325. The first year of the program will cost the town $13,500. Savings, mostly from reduced tipping fees for use of the county landfill, will be $6,910.

"We estimate that we will recycle 129 tons," he said. "There also will be less trips to the landfill. Our estimates are conservative, and savings could very well be doubled."

The Sykesville Recycling Center, a private business, has guaranteed the town that it will "take every pound of recyclables collected," said Mr. Schumacher.