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Select Board approves single‑stream recycling and transfer‑station relocation; town expects modest annual savings and contract reporting change
Summary
The Select Board approved an amendment to the town’s solid waste contract to relocate the transfer station and convert to single‑stream recycling. Staff said the change reduces the town’s recycling price from roughly $120/ton for certain materials to $35/ton for single stream and estimated about $20,000 in annual savings but also removes line‑item reporting for individual material tonnages.
The Select Board on Tuesday approved a negotiated amendment to the town’s solid‑waste contract that will relocate the transfer station to 62A Hopington Road and move the town to a single‑stream recycling system.
Town staff described the operational change: instead of separate roll‑offs and invoicing for paper and glass the contractor will accept a consolidated recycling stream and process separation at the facility. The amendment removes previous contract reporting requirements for separate material tonnages (plastic, glass, paper) and updates invoicing and site equipment requirements.
Cost and savings: Staff presented a pricing change that replaces previous per‑material rates (historically $120 per ton for paper and glass) with a $35 per ton single‑stream rate for recyclables. Finance staff and the public‑health director said preliminary estimates using recent tonnage data indicate about $20,000 in annual savings compared with the current cost structure.
Oversight and verification: Board members asked how the town will retain auditability once line‑item reporting is removed. Public Health Director Jen Sullivan said the town still receives weigh‑station receipts and invoices and can request books and records for inspection upon reasonable notice, and that the Department of Environmental Protection would continue site permitting and inspections. The board also asked for outreach and operational details for the public transition day: signage, an on‑site map and extra staff to guide residents when the transfer station opens at its new site.
Service details: Staff said separate containers for bulky items, metals, and special disposal (electronics, mercury‑containing light bulbs) will remain; bulky items may be subject to contractor charges. Transfer station personnel confirmed metals and other materials will be handled in dedicated containers on the new site.
Board action and next steps: The Select Board approved the contract amendment as proposed (vote 5–0). Staff will run an outreach campaign (signs, electronic boards, Westboro TV and Facebook) and have extra on‑site help the first week of operation; the move was scheduled for March 23rd to allow for notice. The board also signaled it will reassess recycling sticker fees and enterprise fund implications in the near term.
