SWDC Annual Meeting 2021
2021 Solid Waste and Disposal Committee Report
Committee members; Jeff Burns, Jennifer Holt, Andy Sanborn, Dave Swanay.
Due to the pandemic and lack of ongoing or new tasks, SWDC took a hiatus from January 2021 until September 2021.
SWDC met in September, October and November of 2021 at which time the committee provided assistance and recommendations to transfer station manager, Nate Douglass.
SWDC RECOMMENDATIONS;
Resume separation of glass from Single Stream. Glass accounts for a majority of the weight in Single Stream and therefore significantly drives up costs for disposal.
Cease accepting construction materials at the Transfer Station as of January 1, 2022 and refer residents to Casella. The expense for disposal and hauling costs of construction materials consistently is much higher than the revenue taken in with collection of fees. Additionally the acceptance of construction materials has led to a contentious work environment for transfer station employees. Residents have become adversarial,abusive and argue with transfer station attendants regarding BOS approved fees. Provide residents information on Bagster, which is a construction and demolition bag brought to a residential location for a fee. When the Bagster is ready to be picked up, the property owner calls the company and the Bagster is picked up. At this time, SWDC supports continuing the collection of large household items such as mattresses for disposal at the transfer station.
Strongly encourage source separation and baling. The recycling markets are currently rebounding. Source Separation and baling would allow the transfer station to sell the town's recycling material directly to vendors. This would decrease costs and increase profits.
SWC Ongoing Tasks for 2022;
-Monitor the cost and revenue status of the Transfer Station. Assist in formulating the T.S. Annual budget.
-Present the BOS Recommendations or concerns.
-Monitor,Revise and Present any necessary fee scale changes to the BOS
-Collaborate with and assist the Transfer Station Department manager as needed.
-Research and create long term recommendations to decrease taxpayer cost and increase the Transfer Station’s efficiency.
-Research and Recommend equipment purchases,contract agreements,grants,additional staffing, and building space changes.
-Educate & notify Residents of T.S. Recycling Procedural changes via the Sanbornton Town Website, SWDC page. Post Informational and education items to the “We Love Sanbornton” and “Sanbornton talks trash” Facebook pages.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Holt-SWDC Chair & Recorder