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Georgetown transfer station strained by summer surge; committee weighs extra cardboard containers, staffing and permit stickers
Summary
At the July 9 meeting the Solid Waste Management Committee heard that transfer station containers filled during the Fourth of July weekend, prompting plans to request extra cardboard containers, change container placement, expand traffic control and consider one‑time visitor permit stickers and weekend staffing changes to improve safety and flow.
At its July 9, 2025 meeting, the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Committee discussed acute overcrowding at the town transfer station after Transfer Station manager Jim Coombs reported containers filled over the Fourth of July weekend and staff had to use a backup container to hold overflow.
The most immediate problem, Coombs said, was that the bulky and compactor containers and the cardboard unit reached capacity by Sunday noon, forcing staff to route trash into a backup container and creating traffic congestion inside the small site. Committee members said the volume of cardboard has increased substantially.
Committee members agreed to pursue several operational steps. Jim Coombs will ask Lincoln County Recycling to supply a second cardboard container; the group agreed that if another cardboard container is added, mixed‑paper and cardboard placements should be swapped to smooth traffic flow. The committee also agreed to have all containers emptied before busy weekends.
Members discussed staffing and safety changes for peak periods: assigning one employee to manage gate traffic, using fluorescent safety vests for staff, providing a parking spot for residents who need assistance so a staff member can load their items quickly, and testing a short gate survey of visitor addresses to determine nonresident usage. Bronwen Tudor supported the traffic‑control approach and suggested revisiting the ordinance later to address permit stickers; Dave Polito and others said any gate stops should be brief to avoid backups onto Bay Point Road.
Other operational ideas included a one‑time permit sticker for visitors and a paid staff training session on expectations at the transfer station conducted with a Select Board representative and the Town Administrator, Tyler Washburn. The committee also noted that the VOIP phone system supplied by Axiom has been installed at the station and will lower telephone costs.
The minutes record general recycling reminders for the public: “Reuse, and reduce, recycle.” and “Remember recycling and discarding less saves tax dollars.” The committee agreed to continue refining operational changes and to invite Lincoln County Recycling to support equipment needs.
The committee’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2025.
