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Merrimack explains scrap‑metal pile and new intake rules after out‑of‑town fires and $7,000 fine
Summary
Town staff told the council a pile of scrap metal at the transfer station resulted from tightened vendor policies after fires in regional scrap facilities; the town says it was fined about $7,000 for hazardous items and will implement two‑stage intake, signage and inspection procedures.
Town staff described why large piles of scrap metal have accumulated at the Merrimack transfer station and outlined immediate procedural changes after safety incidents and a monetary fine.
Officials said some receiving facilities identified contaminated loads — with propane cylinders, lithium‑ion batteries, gasoline and pressurized cylinders — and temporarily stopped collection. “Please do not throw propane tanks in there. Your lithium batteries, don't throw them in there,” one staff speaker urged, noting the town was fined roughly $7,000 after contaminated material was found in loads bound for processors.
Staff said the town is adopting a two‑phase intake process at the transfer station: residents will unload materials in a designated area so on‑site staff can inspect and remove items that pose a fire or explosive hazard. If residents do not remove hazardous items, staff will mark and segregate suspect materials for removal. The town reported it has engaged a new processor in Greenfield, Massachusetts, that is accepting scrap while the transfer‑station procedures are revised and new signage is produced.
Transfer‑station staff said moving to an inspected intake will increase labor demands but is necessary to avoid repeat fines and reduce fire risk; they plan to return to the council with a formal operational plan and signage updates. Councilors asked that staff clarify which items require pre‑inspection and suggested clearer web and on‑site guidance for residents.
