Rick Lambert, a worker for Deffenbaugh Industries of Kansas City, Kan., picks up recyclable materials Thursday in Lawrence.

Changes in how people are charged for their trash service, and the idea of turning the city-operated enterprise over to a private company are set for discussion at Lawrence City Hall.

City Commissioner Rob Chestnut at Tuesday’s meeting will ask his fellow commissioners to open up a review of new options for the city’s trash collection service.

“I kind of feel like we’re at a crossroads with our solid waste service right now,” Chestnut said. “This seems like a good time to study some issues.”

At the top of the list is the idea of implementing a “pay-as-you-throw” system that would charge people who frequently set out large amounts of trash more than people who set out small amounts of trash.

Such systems are becoming more common in cities, and often involve residents being assigned a certain size of cart to contain their trash. If they can’t fit all their trash in the cart, they can pay to set out additional bags. Or if they frequently exceed their cart’s capacity, they can pay extra for a larger cart.

The city’s Sustainability Advisory Board has recommended the city go to a volume-based trash system to encourage more recycling by residents. The idea has some support on the City Commission.

“I think it is a good idea,” City Commissioner Mike Dever said. “And if you look at how most households use our trash service, I don’t think it would be a big change for a lot of households.”

Chestnut said he’s still undecided about the idea, but is becoming more open to it as he hears from more residents.

“I hear quite a few comments from residents who say they are trying everything they can to increase their recycling, and then their neighbors aren’t doing anything but they still get charged the same rate for trash pickup,” Chestnut said.

But if the city were to go to a volume-based trash service, it could require new investments in trucks and technology. Chestnut said that likely would be a good time to consider whether the city should continue operating the service or allowing a private company to take over the operations.

Another factor is that Kansas City-based Deffenbaugh Industries — the largest solid waste company in the region — is more aggressively eyeing Lawrence. The company in March began offering curbside recycling service to households for $4.95 per month.

So far, that service has attracted about 3,600 households and has collected about 430 tons of recyclable materials.

“Lawrence has been great,” said Tom Coffman, a vice president for Deffenbaugh. “From the very first day the participation and volumes have exceeded our most enthusiastic expectations.”

Coffman also confirmed the company has started to offer recycling services for commercial customers, and would like to expand that business.

Dever said Deffenbaugh’s activity may cause the city to look at privatization, but he said he had some serious questions.

“My biggest fear is we lose control over the quality of the service and the cost of the service,” Dever said. “And once we stop providing the service, it will be almost impossible for us to jump back into it. That is a big hesitancy.”

Chestnut said he’s also unsure of what the right answer is on privatization.

“These are sensitive issues,” Chestnut said. “Anytime you mention privatization, you are talking about people’s livelihood. I recognize that. But I want to sort through all the details and then get a lot of public comment.”

Commissioners — who aren’t expected to make any final decisions Tuesday — meet at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.