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Willington selectmen weigh tighter limits, enforcement at transfer station to curb rising costs
Summary
Selectmen discussed reducing the frequency of free bulky-waste trips and stepped-up enforcement after staff reported 30–40 tons of bulk waste a week and frequent use by what appear to be businesses. No decision was made; the board asked staff to return with firm options.
First Selectman Mike McCoo told the Willington Board of Selectmen on July 8 that the town has been sending about “30 to 40 tons of bulk a week” for disposal and that rising tipping fees are straining the transfer-station budget. He said staff and attendants see a pattern of above-average use that appears to include some commercial activity, and that the town needs clearer rules and enforcement to align costs and revenue.
“To be fair, some of them are saying, you know, this is business. I’ll pay,” McCoo said, summarizing staff reports of regular heavy users. He said the town’s current approach—effectively allowing residents weekly free trips for limited volumes—creates opportunities for abuse and rising hauling costs.
Board members discussed two changes that staff and attendants generally support: reducing the number of free bulky trips residents may take and clarifying the permitted volume of a free trip. McCoo described the present de facto standard as 52 weekly opportunities a year and said an initial proposal would allow either 24 free trips (twice a month) or possibly 12 (once a month), with a $50 charge for any additional load.
Selectman Andy Marco said cutting to 12 annual trips probably would be “a little too much” for many residents; he favored an intermediate option that preserves reasonable access while reducing overall tonnage. Another selectman noted that some users display business names on vehicles and bring materials clearly tied to business activity.
The board also considered enforcement tools: more frequent audits, posting an attendant at the gate (a configuration some towns use), and limited camera coverage to identify repeat nonresidents. Members voiced concern about the administrative burden of reviewing footage and about staffing when attendants are occupied with receipts and other tasks.
McCoo floated a low-cost public-education measure to help compliance: mark the allowable volume on-site with a 3-cubic-yard visual reference so residents can see what a free trip looks like. The board did not adopt any formal policy at the meeting; members asked staff to return with concrete options for frequency limits, enforcement plans and the expected revenue or cost savings.
The discussion was part of a broader budget conversation; the selectmen did not take a vote on transfer-station rules at this meeting.
