Solid Waste District Considers New Materials Recovery Contract
ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District may look at switching materials recovery facilities but only if the price right.
Program Director Linda Cernik told the commissioners Thursday that the district has the opportunity to switch from TAM in Pownal, Vt., to Springfield Materials Recovery if the commission chooses so.
"I called TAM and told them we are by no means jumping ship but I just have to do my due diligence and present this to the board," Cernik. "I am very happy with TAM ... but this is an opportunity to join if the district wants."
Cernik said the opportunity has arisen because the state Department of Environmental Protection has released a request for proposals for a new corporation to run the facility, which services the Western Massachusetts Regional Recycling Program, for 2020. Waste Management, one of the largest waste disposal services in the country, operates the facility and the new contract would be for 10 years.
She said the district would have to commit by December and would be charged a fee if it pulls out of the contract early. If they leave again they will not be able to reenter.
Steven Ellis, Western Massachusetts deputy regional director of air and waste is willing to meet with the commission and answer any questions, Cernik said.
Williamstown representative Timothy Kaiser said the district used Springfield in the past but eventually left because it was too expensive.
"The reason we left was transportation was too high and I doubt that has changed," he said. "It probably is a lot worse."
The rest of the commission agreed that it was highly unlikely Springfield could offer a competitive price and Windsor representative Doug McNally felt a visit from Ellis may just be a waste of time.
"Why waste his time and waste our time listening if we aren’t going to commit?" he asked.
Adams representative Edward Driscoll felt it may be a good idea to invite Ellis up anyway.
"It is an opportunity to have the big guy come out here and for us guys to show him what issues we face," he said. "What issues small, spread-out towns face."
Kaiser said the determining factor would be the price and asked that they schedule a possible visit only after the fees are determined.
"The bottom line is the price ... so show us the money," Kaiser said.
Cernik said bids will be opened this spring and that by May, there should be some idea costs.
In other business, Cernik said Hoosac Valley High School is now fully part of the Green Team, a state interactive educational program that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention.
"We had several meetings with the teachers and they have signed up for the Green Team," she said. "I have already done an event up there and we plan to do a composting kickoff."
By joining a Green Team, Adams receives a point toward its Recycling Dividends Program grant. Cernik said she was unsure if Savoy and Cheshire also receive a point because their students are also part of the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District.
"I'm trying to get Boston to understand that there is not a school for every corner; there is one school for like five towns," she said. "It is a work in progress and they are delighted that we have a Green Team in Northern Berkshire County."
The commission asked Cernik to reach out to other school districts to see if they wanted to establish a Green Team.
She asked the commission to consider a mattress recycling grant.
"I need the blessing from the commission because this will take some time," Cernik said.
She said the grant would be for two years, which would give the towns time to become financially solvent.
She said it is a pretty specific process.
"They have to be packed a special way, they can't get wet, and you have to know all about bed bugs and how to look for them," she said.
The commissioners felt even though currently they do not recycle mattresses they can easily dispose of them. They did not see a need for the program because they infrequently receive mattresses and it would be too hard to meet the packing standards.
Cernik said the Earth Machine composters, for which member residents can get for a lowered price through the district, are selling well and noted that a lot of North Adams residents are interested.
"There are a lot of Williamstown residents ordering them but I have had a lot of residents from the city of North Adams call and I tell them that they are only for the district residents," she said. "The city residents really want to join the district again so we will see what happens."
She said if there are surplus Earth Machines they may be able to sell to North Adams.
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