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Transfer station budget flagged for rising tipping fees and outsourcing costs
Summary
Board of Finance reviewed transfer station operations: staffing unchanged, tipping fees expected to rise to $134'$135 per ton, recycling budget padded to $12,000, and wood chipping outsourced at roughly $100,000 annually; no action was taken at the informational meeting.
At the Feb. 3, 2026 informational session, the Board of Finance reviewed the transfer station budget and operational costs presented by Public Works director Eric Waltke.
Waltke said the transfer station staffing model remains one full-time operator and two part-time employees with no proposed staffing increases. Recycling fees have historically been under $5,000, but the budget includes $12,000 as a cushion to cover unexpected costs; lavatory rentals exceeded budget this year, he said.
Tipping fees are expected to rise from $128 per ton to about $134'$135 per ton. Waltke also said the transfer station does not accept out-of-town waste. Bulky waste and wood chipping budgets remained unchanged despite last year's overages. He said Chester currently pays $105,000 annually for bulky waste and brush under a contract that the town intends to review before any increases.
Waltke noted that wood chipping is outsourced at an approximate annual cost of $100,000 and that diesel fuel is the primary driver of that expense. The Board did not vote on the transfer station budget; the item will be included in the consolidated town budget forwarded to the Selectmen for further consideration.
