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Select Board keeps transfer‑station bag fees unchanged after recycling cost review
Summary
After a public hearing and staff presentation showing recycling costs and a projected budget shortfall, the Select Board voted to close the hearing and leave bag fees unchanged while directing the solid‑waste and energy committees to study food‑waste diversion and other options.
The Wells Select Board voted to close a public hearing and take no immediate action on proposed increases to transfer‑station bag fees after receiving a committee presentation that highlighted the town’s recycling costs and uncertain markets.
Bridal, a committee presenter, told the board the town’s recycling stream is limited and that “the only real stream for recycling right now is clean corrugated cardboard.” He said the town spent $67,000 last year to move recycling out of the system and that the town also incurs about $20,000 in dumping costs, producing roughly $87,000 in handling expenses. Bridal said staff found a $40,000 shortfall this year and estimated at least a $90,000 shortfall next year depending on contract outcomes and tipping‑fee increases scheduled for January and again in July.
After closing the public hearing (no public speakers), the board discussed efforts to reduce tip weights and costs through a food‑waste diversion program and greater coordination between the town’s solid‑waste committee and the energy advisory committee. The chair said he had spoken with committee chairs and asked the committees to work together on a food‑waste diversion plan; the board agreed to reconvene those committees to evaluate options before changing bag fees.
The board’s motion to close the public hearing was made and seconded at the meeting and recorded as passing unanimously. No change to bag fees was adopted that night; board members said they prefer committee study and the development of a longer‑range plan before any fee adjustments.
Why this matters: Recycling markets have tightened nationally, and communities that appear to offer curbside recycling often still pay for disposal or limited processing. Town officials said creating a successful diversion program for food waste or restoring broader recycling markets would lower future tipping expenses and reduce the chance of sharp, unpopular annual fee increases.
Next steps: The Select Board asked the solid‑waste and energy committees to meet and return recommendations to the board for further consideration. The board can revisit bag‑fee changes after those committee reports and updated contract information are available.
