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Georgetown solid waste committee flags DEP noncompliance, plans Universal Waste shed cleanup
Summary
At its June 12 meeting the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Committee reviewed a DEP report citing record-keeping and clutter problems in the Universal Waste shed, agreed to inspect and clear the shed before the July meeting, and discussed a possible overrun on Household Hazardous Waste costs.
The Georgetown Solid Waste Management Committee on June 12, 2025, reviewed a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) report that found deficiencies in record keeping and excessive clutter in the town’s Universal Waste (UW) building and agreed to inspect and clear the shed before its next meeting.
The committee’s review began when Bronwen Tudor, a Select Board representative, asked that the DEP findings be addressed. The DEP report identified two areas not in compliance: missing or incorrect record keeping — specifically, boxes that lack clear labels indicating contents and the start date for stored items — and general clutter inside the UW building, Tudor said.
The committee discussed next steps. David Polito urged members to visit the UW shed with Jim Coombs, the transfer station manager, before the July meeting to assess what is being stored and to evaluate items by type and volume. Karren Cowing offered to join a work party to clear and organize the shed if members believed that would result in a sustained cleanup.
On finances, the committee reviewed the year-to-date statement through May 31, 2025, and found most line items under budget. Committee members noted one possible exception: Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) expenses may exceed the line because the town has not yet received a bill from the City of Bath for the May HHW collection.
Operational updates included a note that Dale Savoie had begun pothole repairs at the transfer station; the committee expects that bill to be paid within the current fiscal year. Jim Coombs reported that activity at the transfer station is increasing, and members discussed day-to-day handling improvements: a repaired gutter/overhang over the bulky-waste area, tighter control of the metal pile (the gate is kept closed most of the time), stationing an employee to assist heavy metal drop-offs, and compacting bulky waste to use container space efficiently.
Staffing and coverage were also addressed. The committee noted that some employees risk losing vacation time if it is not taken in the fiscal year and that one employee will require family medical leave; the newest employee and two volunteers are available to substitute during absences.
Administrative items: Alison Freeman moved and Sharon Trabona seconded acceptance of the minutes; the motion passed unanimously. The committee noted that Sharon Trabona and Ole Jaeger need reappointment and swearing-in for another three-year term. David Polito moved and Alison Freeman seconded to adjourn; that motion also passed unanimously. The committee set its next regular meeting for July 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
The committee’s immediate follow-up is to inspect and organize the UW shed and to monitor the outstanding HHW invoice from Bath, with the goal of reporting progress at the July meeting.
