Topeka ? Sedgwick County officials and area trash haulers took their dispute about the future of trash collection to lawmakers Thursday.

Haulers asked a House committee to endorse a bill that would compensate trash companies if a community puts its trash business out for bid.

The immediate issue in dispute is Bel Aire’s new recycling program, which a federal judge said last week could proceed.

The primary issue, however, is whether a single company or a handful of companies will be selected in the future to handle all of Wichita’s trash.

“A small company like myself could be put out of business, literally, tomorrow,” said Terry Stone, manager of Automated Waste Services in Wichita.

The companies are seeking a law that would require cities to buy out their businesses or give them seven years’ notice if they start a city-operated trash service or contract with a hauler.

Based on trash companies’ estimates, the cost of buying out independent haulers across Sedgwick County would top $100 million.