Bedford commissioners discuss transfer station access, recycling markets and new battery disposal rule

Town of Bedford Energy Commission members discussed operational concerns at the town transfer station, shifting recycling markets and a new state rule that will bar disposal of lithium-ion batteries in regular trash beginning June 30.

Members described intermittent bay closures, queuing and hauling issues that may be reducing throughput at the facility. The commission said the master plan for the transfer station is on hold while the town and consultant resolve contract concerns; members identified traffic flow and compactor availability as items the master plan should address.

On recycling markets, commissioners noted that revenues for some recyclables (notably plastics types 1, 2 and 5) have declined and that glass carries a higher per-ton cost than other streams. Members discussed the costs and benefits of single-stream versus separated collection and whether separate town-level sorting would be economically feasible.

Several members said they had seen new collection bins at the transfer station for batteries and smaller waste streams and urged the town to communicate the upcoming legal change and safe-disposal options to residents. Commissioners flagged fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries in mixed waste and recommended signage and outreach to clarify the new requirements.

No formal votes or policy changes were adopted; commissioners agreed to coordinate community outreach about disposal rules and to follow up on master-plan progress at future meetings.