City works to smooth recycling center woes

In that scenario, Burrtec wouldn’t receive CRV funds for bottles, glass and cans. It could take commercial loads of cardboard and paper and convert some materials to scrap, Teaford said.

Burrtec could also take cans, glass and plastic to another certified processing facility, but it would have to cover the associated costs, such as transportation, she added.

Councilman David Gordon asked why the city can’t wipe the slate clean, go out for bids and sign on with a company that’s not involved with Burbank Recycling at all.

“Let’s stop this exchange and coziness with one agent going into another and recommending [them],” he said.

But Teaford said city officials vetted Burrtec thoroughly and found no evidence that Folsom has any connection with the company.

If the city selects a different contractor, Burbank Recycling could become adversarial and close the recycling center, she added. Then liability issues could arise because the company’s equipment would be inside the city-owned facility.

Folsom could also decide to file for bankruptcy, further complicating the matter and drawing out a resolution, said Senior Assistant City Atty. Terry Stevenson.

In August, the state stopped reimbursing Burbank for its curbside recycling because of the fraud charges against Folsom and Burbank Recycling.