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MINUTES
of
November 6, 2013
Present: Fred Guidi, Roz Diamond, Joyce Ikonnikow Absent: Lian Smith, Andrea Aldana
Non-members present: David Quinn, Neil Andres
The Recycling Committee was charged by the BOS in August of 2012 to study the operations of the Transfer Station and develop recommendations to meet the rising costs of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal to commence in January 2015.
The Committee made its report to the Selectmen at its Working Session today. Present from the BOS were Chairman Knight, Wally Adams, Linda Burt, Aimee Eckman, and Martin McDonald. Nan Balmer, Assistant Town Administrator, and David Quinn was also present.
Fred Guidi made the presentation on behalf of the Committee.
Summary of Key Presentation Points:
- Overview of Transfer Station Operations
- Town currently pays $31/ton “tipping fee”
- New MSW disposal contract begins January 2015
- Annual Eastham MSW = 2,773 tons/yr
- Recyclables = 729 tons/yr or 26.3%
- Sticker fee = $95
- 2015 MSW cost per ton: $60.00 with 2.5% annual escalator (Finalized with SEMAS Nov. 4, 2013.)
- Increased cost to town beginning 2015 = $80,417, rising 2.5% every year of the contract
- Analysis of Solid Waste Disposal Options
- Absorb increased cost in Transfer Station budget
- Spread cost over town’s tax base
- Special bags required for disposal of MSW
- Encourage recycling to reduce cost of MSW disposal
- Aligns cost with volume of MSW disposed
- Unproven system in similar Cape towns
- Increased costs to larger households
- Concerns about illegal dumping
- Users all contribute to increased MSW disposal
- Continues flat fee system
- Allows time to evaluate PAYT experience in similar Cape towns
- More predictable budget impact
The Committee presented detailed analyses and spreadsheets of alternatives.
- Committee MSW Cost Increase Recommendations
- Various financial options were shown with others easily obtainable by manipulating input to spread sheet.
- Increase education and promotion of recycling
- Implement incentives to recycling
- Evaluate PAYT in other towns and revisit PAYT for Eastham in 3 years.
- Ongoing Recycling Efforts Recommendations
- Create line item in Town Budget to fund materials to educate and encourage town-wide recycling
- Review/update logistics and signage at Transfer Station
- Revamp, Relocate, and Re-mission Swap Shop
- Work with local trash haulers to provide simple means for vacationers to recycle
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2013, Small Conference Room, 5:30 PM
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