It's an ongoing process to turn the city of Dothan green. With the local recycling program still in the pilot stage, some leaders are pushing to expand it city-wide.

"The percentages are mainly high in those areas that are participating and it's encouraging when you receive phone calls from residents who want to see the service expand city wide and they to be able to take part in as well."

That's why city officials like district 5 commissioner Taylor Barbaree is pushing for the program to go city wide. While it may sound good to the majority of people, it's the financial backbone of the program that is missing.

"Financially right now it would be impossible for the city to undertake city wide recycling programs."

City manager Mike West says it approximately costs 150 thousand dollars a year to maintain the pilot program. In order to go city wide, the city would need to have 600 thousand to operate.

"The problem is with the downturn of the economy recycling does not make a lot of money."

While it may not be 600 thousand dollars, a state grant is helping the pilot program, funding an upgrade in equipment and containers along with more drop-off points.

Officials say it may not be all they need, but it's a start. City officials say one option to creating a city-wide program is to go through a private company for funding.