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Tamworth officials consider inspections, fines and brush fees after repeated transfer‑station misuse
Summary
Town transfer station staff raised concerns about hazardous materials, repeat offenders and unpaid tires dumped at the facility. The board directed staff to draft updated policy language and return with a proposal — possibly including inspections, warnings, temporary bans and a public hearing on charging for brush removal.
Tamworth transfer‑station staff told the Select Board on May 27 they plan to tighten enforcement and seek policy updates after repeated instances of prohibited materials and unpaid disposal showing up at the facility.
Brian (transfer‑station department head) reported staff have found heavy bags with construction debris, shingles, paint and other materials that should not be placed in standard municipal solid waste bags. He said the problem is limited to a small number of repeat users and recommended inspecting bags after patrons leave vehicles; he said that once material is unloaded it is no longer the patron’s property and staff have authority to inspect.
Board members discussed enforcement options that typically include a warning, a fine and temporary suspension of access. One board member urged staff to take photographs or video evidence when enforcing rules. The board asked staff to consult the town attorney to confirm the extent of authority (including the ability to ban repeat offenders) and to draft clearer written policy language and signage about what may be placed into MSW (municipal solid waste) and what must be handled differently.
Brush and fee changes: Brian said brush collection costs the town because staff must process and remove brush; he recommended charging a fee for brush, similar to charges for sheetrock and other work. The board agreed that a public hearing would be needed to change fees; members asked staff to draft a fee proposal and return it for a future meeting.
Other operational notes: Staff reported the new compactor and container layout is saving time but that some containers leak and need replacement. The board discussed moving the proposed recycling building location (slab vs. brush pile) to improve traffic flow at the transfer station; consultants will be asked to produce designs and cost estimates.
Unpaid disposal and tires: Staff said a number of tires and other refuse appeared at the site without payment or attendant oversight. The board asked staff to evaluate camera or monitoring options to deter dumping and to report back with cost estimates.
Ending: The board asked staff to (1) draft updated transfer‑station rules and enforcement steps, (2) seek legal review on banning authority and (3) prepare a brush‑fee proposal that can be posted for public hearing.
