Adams Transfer Station Should Receive Permitting
ADAMS, Mass. — The state Department of Environmental Protection says Adams should have no problem with permitting if it wants to change its recycling station into a transfer station.
Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District Program Coordinator Sandy Totter told the committee Thursday that after touring the recycling facility with a MassDEP representative, it was concluded that the station could be permitted as a transfer station.
"They don't see any problems in permitting that site for a full-service transfer station," Totter said. "They want us to ease into it."
The town of Adams has showed interest in establishing a transfer station as a possible savings and to discourage dumping. Most people rely on private haulers or bring their trash to the North Adams transfer station.
Totter said some layout work for the area would have to be done and it may be possible to install a 30-yard container for trash before the town purchases a compactor.
Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco had estimated a cost of $30,000 and $40,000 for site preparation but believes between permits and selling the "pay as you throw" garbage bags the town will cover costs and money. It currently costs about $50,000 to haul the town's waste away.
She added 800 residents use the recycling station currently and at times more than 300 cars have driven through the station in a day.
"I think it is going to be a great service for the residents of Adams," she said. "They won’t have to use it like our other transfer stations, and they have the option of keeping their hauler."
Totter said the district has seen another successful round of paint collecting with Williamstown bringing in four cubic yard boxes of oil paint, 11 55-gallon drums of latex paint, a one 55-gallon drum of spray paint.
She said this will cost $3,841.60, which was more than the district budgeted and resulted in an increase in Williamstown's assessment.
Cheshire brought in three boxes of oil paint and seven drums of latex paint.
Totter said the district no longer charges people to recycle their paint because it was hard to get people to pay.
"I think it was another a good year in the paint collection business ... the inspector was really impressed by how much we accept," Totter said. "Some districts don't accept latex at all and it makes for a very awkward program but ours is just really good."
The paint will be shipped out in December before it can freeze.
Totter also read a recycling report and said Cheshire saved the most — $65. Hinsdale was next on the list, saving 22 cents.
She said it is cheaper to just throw things away than recycle.
Totter said the district's contracted hauler Republic Services has been over charging some towns in the district. Florida was overcharged $610 and Cheshire was overcharged $976.
She asked the towns to pay what they actually owe and inform her if they are overcharged.
Totter also announced that she plans to retire in December 2016. The commission asked her to create a list of her responsibilities and decided to soon start looking for a replacement.
Tags: NBSWD, transfer station,
