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Transfer station staff priorities and returnables collection discussed by Georgetown committee
Summary
The transfer station manager reported smooth operations and members debated timing and priority of collecting returnable bottles and cans versus covering the compactor and bulky-waste container; committee also discussed brochure wording for vehicle-length limits and noted petitioning at the transfer station raised courtesy concerns.
Transfer Station manager Jim Coombs told the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Committee on March 12 that operations have been running smoothly, with the compactor and bulky-waste container functioning well and weather-related lower volumes allowing longer container use between hauls.
Committee members pressed staff to prioritize coverage of the compactor and bulky-waste container. David Polito recounted the history of the returnables collection and asked staff to ensure those core containers are always covered; Alison Freeman asked whether returnables collection could be limited to the beginning or end of the day to reduce conflicts with primary operations. Ernie Freeberg and Sharon Trabona said returnable collection is a valued town service that reduces landfill waste and that many residents feel they are contributing by bringing returnables to the transfer station.
Kathy Gravino, the Select Board representative, noted the Select Board plans to develop job descriptions in the coming year, which may clarify staff duties and help resolve whether returnables collection should be an explicit responsibility. The committee asked Jim Coombs to emphasize to staff that covering the compactor and bulky-waste container is the priority.
Members also discussed operational materials and outreach: Alison circulated a new draft transfer-station brochure that includes a proposed 34-foot vehicle length limitation; the committee has not resolved the legal wording for such a limit so it will not appear in the annual report. Alison also said she will send the latest brochure draft to members and will complete the DEP annual recycling and waste report due April 30 and circulate a draft before the next meeting.
The committee noted a report that an individual collecting petition signatures had a staff member stopping vehicles to ask drivers about party affiliation; Kate Toner said she did not think that was appropriate, while Alison Freeman observed that the transfer station is public space where petitioning can occur. The committee also discussed a needed load of gravel for the metals area and the timing uncertainty for metal-hauler pickups.
The committee agreed to discuss the possibility of hybrid meetings at its next session and set its next meeting for April 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
