China transfer station committee waits for more info

by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Transfer Station Committee continued discussion of several issues, but still lack information to make decisions.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood told them residents continue to respond to the survey she distributed that asked, among other things, the days and hours on which they use the transfer station. Survey results will be part of decisions on changing transfer station and town office hours.

Palermo representative Robert Kurek asked about information on future costs for the trash bags Palermo residents use as part of the agreement that lets them share China’s transfer station. Bag costs are expected to rise, and the committee therefore plans to recommend an increase in the price Palermo residents pay for them.

There is not yet firm information on future costs.

Transfer Station Manager Ronald Marois said he has had no replies to inquiries about ways to cover the container beside the disposal building and hopper.

Committee member Mark Davis is looking into possibilities for an on-site incinerator, but he has nothing to report yet.

The incinerator could be used either for waste disposal only or for a trash-to-energy plan, Davis said. Kurek said it would make sense if its costs – paying down the initial cost and labor and fuel to run it – were lower than costs of out-of-town disposal.

Committee member Karen Hatch said the free for the taking building, also called the swap shop, has run out of room. She reminded residents who continue to bring donations that volunteers welcome only useful, attractive, like-new things someone else is likely to take away promptly.

The next China Transfer Station Committee meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9.