Hopkinton solar project for transfer station pulled; board and public weigh waste‑management impacts

The town administrator told the Select Board the company contracted to build solar at the transfer station has withdrawn from the project because of interconnection issues with the utility, Eversource. The company will remit the previously agreed $20,000 payment, and the project will not proceed under the current arrangement.

During public forum, residents and board members raised questions about waste management after the town’s decision to end the pay‑by‑bag program. A public commenter, Katherine Mitchell, asked whether commercial haulers that had routed trash out‑of‑town after pay‑by‑bag began would return to local transfer station users and whether that could increase tipping volumes and costs. Board members and staff said transfer station fees exist for haulers and noted the town’s gate fee model covers part—but not necessarily all—operating costs.

Discussion also addressed recycling markets and operational constraints. Board members said single‑stream collection was not in place and that market demand for some materials (notably many plastics) is weak, while metals and glass retain greater value. They suggested the waste reduction committee could explore targeted incentives or operational changes—such as prioritizing high‑value streams (aluminum, scrap metal)—and draft preemptive plans if hauling patterns change.

The board agreed to monitor transfer station traffic and to ask the waste reduction committee to explore mitigation options, including whether to adjust fees, encourage recycling services by haulers, or consider equipment changes that would improve sorting or capture higher‑value materials.

No formal vote was taken on changes to transfer station operations; town staff will report back with data and options.