Despite plenty of tension and confusing numbers being thrown around, Saskatoon City council has approved its multi-unit recycling plan.

City councillors voted seven to four in favour of awarding Cosmopolitan Industries the contract for recycling services in mult-unit dwellings.

Kenneth Homenick, a member of Cosmo's board of directors, is happy with the decision.

"It provides meaningful activity for our participants, plus it's jobs for our paid employees," Homenick said. "We've had a stake for 34 years in recycling. We know we've provided the city of Saskatoon with an environmental benefit ."

This is the so-called “Cosmo compromise,” after Loraas Disposal won the single family contract.

I don't believe it is the best use of $17 million over nine years - Darren Hill

People in multi-unit homes will not pay enough to cover the cost of recycling, and so the program will have to be subsidized.

The deal with Cosmo is a controversial one, with some city councillors wondering if it makes financial sense.

Darren Hill, Ward 1 city councillor, voted against the deal. However, he says it isn't a vote against supporting Cosmo.

"I voted against this program because I don't believe it is the best use of $17 million over nine years," Hill said. "We can create a multi-unit program for about $32,000 a year."

Councillors re-opened debate on how much users should pay for recycling services. At one point, council voted in favour of increasing the price from $2.50 per dwelling to $4.66 per dwelling.

However, it was eventually bumped back down to $2.51, which doesn't cover the entire cost of the plan.

Some of the shortfall may be recovered through a new program that is being set up under the provincial government's Multi-Material Recycling Program. But tax payers may also be on the hook.

Cosmopolitan Industries supports people in the community with intellectual disabilities by providing meaningful work to build self-esteem.