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Selectmen approve trial compost area; transfer-station upgrades underway
Summary
The board approved a small composting pilot proposed by Chickadee Compost (Kate Tompkins) using totes and solar fans at the town transfer station; the board also reviewed transfer-station compactor and operations, approving modest purchases to support recycling and safety.
Stonington — Kate Tompkins and Mark Carter of Chickadee Compost presented a small-scale composting plan to the Selectmen and were granted permission to use a limited footprint at the transfer station for a pilot.
Tompkins described a tote-based system with lids, mixing piles and a solar-powered fan to accelerate breakdown; she said cured piles take about six to eight weeks. "This is a low-cost, low-upfront model that could supplement town organics diversion," she said.
The board also reviewed transfer-station operations in several meetings: a new compactor was reported installed, steel work completed, and TM Billings said final bills were pending but the project remains broadly on budget. The board approved modest equipment and safety purchases for transfer-station staff and discussed options for a sheltered recycling tote to let potentially contaminated materials sit before handling during the pandemic.
Why it matters: Local composting could reduce town landfill loads and support local agriculture or garden programs. Transfer-station upgrades affect long-term operating costs and resident service levels.
What’s next: The pilot will proceed; staff will monitor curing times, vector concerns and hauling logistics. TM Billings said she will track compactor final billing and operational impacts.
Ending: Selectmen approved the compost pilot and signaled support for incremental transfer-station investments tied to safety and efficiency.
