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Select Board votes to end residential curbside pickup, set Dec. 1 target for transfer-station-only system
Summary
The Waterville Valley Select Board voted Aug. 5 to stop town curbside residential trash pickup and require noncommercial residents to use the transfer station, aiming to start the change on Dec. 1 with an interim plan of rented 30‑yard containers and contracted hauling during transition.
The Waterville Valley Select Board voted Aug. 5 to move residential municipal solid waste collection to a transfer-station model, setting a goal of Dec. 1 for the end of town-run curbside pickup for noncommercial households.
Vice Chair Wendy Blay moved the main motion: “I would make a motion that the town move forward with the December 1 with the goal of the December 1 ending of the trash pickup throughout the town and the use of the transfer station for all MSW collections.” The motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote.
The municipal solid-waste (MSW) working group recommended the change after concluding the town’s collection truck requires major investment and landfill capacity at Bethlehem is uncertain. The committee proposed a two-part transition: (1) an interim period where the town rents 30‑yard containers and contracts hauling (Waste Management was named by committee members as the likely interim hauler), and (2) construction of a permanent transfer-station facility with compactors and a ramp in the following year. Committee chair Irit (MSW committee) told the board the committee “recommend[ed] December 1 or November 1, whatever we can manage.”
Town staff said they will set a public hearing on the plan (the board scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.), finalize operational details (hours, placard access for taxpayers, C&D handling), and develop a townwide communications plan so property owners and condominium associations can decide whether to contract privately or use the transfer station. The board directed staff to work with haulers and condo associations to obtain interim pricing and to ensure commercial entities are excluded from the town transfer-station access unless permitted.
The board emphasized the transfer station would continue recycling and the existing C&D (construction and debris) service, and that residents who are taxpayers will retain access via the placard system. The MSW committee and town manager will report back with staffing plans, expected hours of operation, and cost estimates before implementation.
