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County reports grinder downtime, sticker fraud and transfer station permit submission
Summary
The county said its EcoRidge grinder was offline for repairs and that the Greenport transfer station renewal was submitted; attendants are finding photocopied recycling stickers and some residents refuse to affix them, prompting enforcement and outreach.
Columbia County solid-waste staff reported mechanical and customer‑service issues at transfer stations and outlined steps the county is taking to maintain operations and reduce fraud.
Staff told the committee the county's EcoRidge grinding machine was down from Jan. 17 through Feb. 5 while the grinder was removed, repaired off‑site and reinstalled; containers were returned to stations by Feb. 8. The grinder repair required replacement of worn bearings and removal of accumulated debris, staff said; the unit is under a two‑year warranty and staff said warranty coverage should apply absent user error.
Transfer station permit and sticker problems: staff reported that attendants have found photocopied recycling stickers and are encountering residents who refuse to place county stickers on vehicles; one attendant recounted a case involving a tenant who feared landlord attention. Where photocopied or suspect stickers are found, staff said attendants are confiscating the sticker and in some cases charging a one‑time $5 disposal fee to allow recycling access.
Permit renewal: staff said the Greenport transfer station permit renewal application was submitted on Jan. 23 and that the state acknowledged receipt and said requested materials had been provided; staff added the county had been told it would remain in compliance even if the permit is not renewed by August.
Operational staffing: the committee heard that the scale at a station was frozen and required digging out; staff confirmed that the scale was repaired by about 3 a.m. and should operate normally the following day. Staff also reported one full‑time laborer on leave until March 1 and two part‑time attendants out for extended personal reasons.
Why it matters: the grinder repairs and sticker fraud affect recycling capacity and enforcement at transfer stations, while the permit renewal affects regulatory compliance.
What's next: staff will continue enforcement, issue replacements to legitimate sticker holders and pursue permit renewal procedures with the state.
