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Merrimack Tightens Transfer-Station Scrap Procedures after Outsourced Recycler Fires, $7,000 Fine
Summary
Town officials say scrap-metal vendors flagged hazardous items in incoming loads, prompting fines and a temporary halt to roll-off containers; new inspection procedures and signage are planned.
MERRIMACK, N.H. — Town officials on Thursday explained why a large pile of scrap metal accumulated at the Merrimack transfer station and outlined new intake procedures after a series of hazardous finds and a multi-thousand-dollar fine.
Town staff said outside recyclers notified Merrimack and other municipalities that contaminated loads — including items containing gasoline, engine oil, lithium-ion batteries and compressed gas cylinders — had sparked fires and explosions at downstream facilities. The town reported it was fined about $7,000 after contaminated material was discovered in loads sent to a recycler.
"Please do not throw propane tanks in there," the town manager told the council, adding that lithium batteries should be taken to a designated collection point at the recycling center. He said staff found propane cylinders, gasoline in lawn equipment and, in some cases, live ammunition and pressurized cylinders in scrap loads.
To address the risk, transfer-station staff removed the metal containers for several weeks and began a two-stage intake process: residents will drop material where attendants can visually inspect and, if necessary, set items aside for operator-controlled unloading and segregation. The town said it has contracted with a New England recycling firm in Greenfield, Mass., to resume pickup, and crews are working through the backlog.
Public-safety reasons: Officials emphasized that residual fuel, batteries and pressurized tanks can cause a dangerous fire when metal is compacted, and lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish once ignited. Staff plan new signage and an outreach effort; residents may be asked to stop at the scale house for inspection before disposing of certain types of metal.
Councilors asked staff to prepare clear guidance on what can and cannot be accepted and to coordinate enforcement steps with the police if the inspections identify wrongdoing. Town staff said they will return to the council with a finalized intake plan and signage for public outreach.
Why it matters: The new process will require more staff time at the transfer station and could slow drop-off operations, but officials said it is necessary to prevent dangerous fires, comply with the recycler’s rules and avoid further fines.
What the council did: Council discussion occurred during the town-manager report; no formal vote was required for the operational changes discussed.
