AUBURN – Finding a sponsor for the city’s recycling bins could help save $9,500.

Auburn is looking for local businesses to advertise on the sides of the city’s curbside recycling bins.

“We’re just investigating it at this point, to see if there’s any interest out there,” said Public Works Assistant Director Sid Hazelton. “We think it could be a good deal for the right person. Those bins are always out on the street. They could be a good source of advertising.”

The city has provided the 14-gallon bins to residents free of charge since 1992. Auburn residents who get curbside trash collections can call the Public Works Department office to have the green plastic bins delivered to their homes. Residents leave their sorted recyclables curbside on the same day their trash is collected.

The city is running low on the current batch of bins and needs to replenish its supply this summer, Hazelton said.

The city usually orders about 1,000 every three years. The current plan is to purchase 1,500 by mid-June, at a cost of about $9,500.

“The bins have two long sides, so we there’s an opportunity for two different advertisers to get their logo printed,” Hazelton said.

He said the city is working with the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce to find potential advertisers. Contact Hazelton at 333-6601, extension 2156, if you are interested.