Bethlehem residents are still able to drop off garbage at the town’s transfer station on Rupert Road, but wait times may be longer than usual.
Highway Superintendent Brent Meredith said the trash compacting trailer at the transfer station failed to pass inspection recently. An alternative collection process has since been put into place, so residents can still drop off their garbage.
“We knew the trailer wasn’t in good condition, and it was scheduled to be replaced next year,” said Meredith. “It reached the end of its life a bit early, so we’re going to be seeking funds to replace it now.”
The inspection on the trailer expired on June 30. When members of the highway maintenance crew went to re-inspect the trailer, they found the condition of the equipment to be deteriorating further than expected, and it was taken offline.
Procedures at the transfer station have now changed until a new trailer can be purchased. Meredith said he plans to go before the Town Board to ask for capital reserve money to be used for the new trailer. Initial estimates are around $85,000.
“I do think replacing it is the most cost-effective option,” said Meredith. “We’ve looked at alternatives, but they are more expensive and provide us with the same services.”
Officials from the highway department have looked at using a packer truck to take in the garbage, but the trucks’ hydraulics have to be on the whole time, and trips to unload the truck would need to be taken more often. They’ve also looked into using an outside company but found it to be too expensive.
Meredith said he even looked into finding a larger, used trailer but was unable to find one.
“We know it’s a high dollar-value, but we think it’s worth it,” he said.
Having the compact trailer reduces the number of times garbage needs to be hauled away.
At this time, residents are being asked to place their garbage in the town’s packer truck. Anyone who has difficulties can ask the on-site attendant for help.
If the Town Board approves the funds at the next meeting, Meredith said, the order should be placed within the month. However, the trailers are out of stock, and the town will need to have a new one built for them.
“We’re expecting a wait time of up to six months,” said Meredith.
The town may have to continue using the packer truck until February 2015. Use of the truck could also mean longer lines for residents using the transfer station.
The Highway Department estimates 500 to 1,000 people use the transfer station to dispose of their garbage each week, but Meredith said it’s hard to get a true number for regular usage. The disposal costs $2 per bag. The majority of people in town contract with a private hauler.
“It’s certainly convenient to use the transfer station if you live near it,” said Meredith. “And there are various reasons why people may drive down themselves.”
