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Marlborough selectmen discuss Transfer Station bag sales, Swap Shop and ordinance updates
Summary
At the Aug. 5 meeting the board examined Transfer Station operations after RTC suspended bag sales: TA reported 12–15 regular buyers now purchase at the Town Clerk window, the board flagged a potential financial loss on current bag pricing, and no final decision was made on a Swap Shop return or a clear-bag requirement.
Marlborough selectmen spent part of their Aug. 5 meeting reviewing Transfer Station operations after the RTC suspended in-person bag sales.
Town Administrator Ellen Smith and meeting participant Michelle Talbot told the board that bag purchases at the Town Clerk’s window have increased. Talbot estimated about 12–15 regular buyers and said many customers prefer buying bags at the RTC when it resumes sales. The board raised concerns that household-waste bags may contain recyclables and that current practice lacks routine inspection.
Board members noted the current retail price — $2.50 for a 10‑bag bundle and $60.00 per case — does not account for employee labor rolling bundles, and that the town is losing money at current prices. Chairman Paight said he will measure the time staff spend rolling bags; if labor costs are significant, the board indicated prices may need to rise.
Resident Mike Wilber offered to build a small shelter near the compactors to assist employees who handle bagged waste. Ellen Smith said she has begun converting the Transfer Station/Recycling Center Ordinance (originally adopted April 18, 1994) to a Word document and is entering proposed edits that reflect current practice. The board discussed bringing back the Swap Shop but left the question of where to locate it unresolved.
No formal votes on Transfer Station policy were taken at the meeting; follow-up items include staff time measurement and continued ordinance drafting.
