The council voted 3-1 to negotiate with Fontana-based Burrtec and Stanton-based CR&R to pick up trash in the city starting July 1. Whittier’s existing contracts with Republic Services and Waste Management expire June 30. The two companies serve the eastern half of Whittier, while the city serves the western half.

The temporary contract became necessary as the result of a referendum that stopped a contract with Athens Services that the council approved in January.

Whittier resident Mario Gras, who led the referendum, said he started the campaign because he believed the city had inserted a “hidden garbage tax” into the Athens contract.

The City Council must decide whether to put the referendum on the ballot — either on Sept. 27 or Nov. 8 — or rescind the Athens contract and start the bidding process over again. That vote will take place at the council’s April 26 meeting.