China transfer station committee has new chairman

by Mary Grow

China’s Transfer Station Committee has a new member, Judy Van Norman from Palermo (succeeding Chris Diesch, who resigned), and a new chairman, Benjamin Weymouth (succeeding Chris Baumann, who moved out of state). At the Sept. 9 committee meeting, members expressed appreciation to both Chrises for their work on the committee.

A main topic at the meeting was how to publicize things China’s facility does to benefit residents, besides collect and ship away their trash.

The free for the taking building recycles usable items, including furniture, other household items and clothing. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said so much clothing has been dropped off that Apparel Impact, a textile recycler that supplements the local effort, has added a second collection bin.

Director of Public Services Shawn Reed praised the paint collection area, where people drop off partly-used cans of paint (and varnish and primer, committee member James Hsiang added) for other people to pick up. Reed said he has seen people mix several cans of paint to get the amount they need in a color they like.

The paint area is currently outdoors, so winter plans are uncertain, Reed said. As with clothing, there is a back-up, a recycling company named PaintCare.

Another area recycles construction wood – not odds and ends, but unneeded two-by-fours and the like that could be used for a small project. Reed said transfer station manager Thomas Maraggio uses some of the wood, but there is enough to share with residents.

Committee members recommended publicizing these extra services in Hapgood’s monthly newsletter, China Connected, and on China’s Facebook page.

They also want to continue to work with area schools to encourage class trips to the facility, a project Baumann started. There is “a lot of real-world science and technology at the transfer station,” Weymouth commented.

Perhaps, Hsiang suggested, they should seek a new committee member to succeed Baumann who is connected in some way with China – or other nearby — schools, like a retired teacher.

In addition to a new (volunteer) committee member, Hapgood reminded those present that the town is seeking a (paid) part-time transfer station attendant. Anyone interested in either position is invited to contact the town office; the telephone number is 445-2014.

Hapgood announced that the transfer station is hosting a drug take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14.