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Town staff urges update to solid-waste rules; says current model could cost taxpayers more than $1 million within a decade
Summary
Solid-waste supervisor requested a rules-and-regulations workshop to update an ordinance last amended in 2002, citing rising costs (about $600,000 this year), recycling changes, and opportunities to change fee and enforcement approaches.
Skowhegan staff told the boards Wednesday that the town’s solid-waste ordinance — last amended in 2002 — needs substantial updating to reflect changing recycling markets, current materials-acceptance rules and growing costs.
What staff reported: The town paid roughly $600,000 for solid-waste services this year, staff said, and projected costs could exceed $1 million within 5 to 10 years under current operations. Officials said the town is one of the few in the region that still pays for both residential and commercial disposal at the transfer station.
Proposed work: Staff asked the selectmen for a workshop on solid-waste rules and for permission to move some operational lists out of the ordinance and into rules-and-regulations documents that the selectmen can update more quickly. Topics include updating the list of acceptable recyclables, clarifying salvaging rules for the woodpile (with liability waivers or signage), making the fee schedule more transparent, and exploring whether commercial haulers should pay tonnage or be billed separately rather than the town paying for commercial disposal.
Enforcement: The solid-waste supervisor and code enforcement officer noted that the ordinance gives the officer and the police chief enforcement authority; staff recommended clarifying who may enforce rules at the transfer station and how to increase compliance without excessive staff time.
Next steps: The solid-waste supervisor will send staff notes and suggested changes to the boards. Selectmen agreed to schedule a workshop to discuss updated fees, rules and enforcement options.
