NASHUA — City aldermen on Tuesday approved a plan to create a committee to investigate the possibility of expanding Nashua’s recycling program.

The proposal, however, was only supported after a brief debate on who should be included in the committee, or whether the Board of Public Works should be assigned to study the idea of placing recycling stations at all of the apartment and condominium complexes in the city.

Aimed at decreasing waste entering the local landfill, Alderman-at-Large James Donchess filed a request that a committee be established to study the feasibility of adding extra recycling stations throughout Nashua.

Donchess was proposing that six members be included in the committee, comprised of three aldermen, one Board of Public Works member and two condo or apartment residents.

However, the Board of Public Works temporarily amended Donchess’ request to enable its elected body to conduct the investigation.

On Tuesday, Donchess said his proposal was not intended to create a dispute over the two boards, but maintained that the amendment “goes too far in the other direction,” and excludes aldermen and citizen involvement.

A member of the Board of Public Works, Tracy Pappas, questioned if her elected body even had the authority to amend such rulings.

Following a brief discussion, aldermen last night agreed to include three aldermen, three citizens and the full Board of Public Works in the new committee.

“The entire Board of Public Works is part of the solution,” stressed Alderman Mark Cookson.

While the city currently provides curbside trash and recycling pickup, it does not apply to most condominium and apartment units throughout Nashua.

Nashua residents recycle an average of about 5,000 tons annually into the city’s recycling program, and city officials want to continue that progress.

“This is a good concept, and I have nothing against the concept,” said Alderman Richard Dowd. Still, Dowd said he wants to ensure that members of city condominium associations are included in the plans.

The idea needs to be investigated thoroughly, and their insight should be considered, Dowd added.

Local resident Robert Sullivan also voiced his support for the committee.

“I thought this was a really good idea,” Sullivan told the aldermen.

Donchess predicts it could take about three to six months to complete the study before a recommendation is made by the committee.

He said earlier that the Four Hills Landfill on West Hollis Street is a valuable asset to Nashua because it is much less expensive to dispose of garbage at a local site rather than paying to have it hauled it elsewhere.

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Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.