Hanover Officials Say "No Rush" on Switching Trash Services

Officials in Hanover are urging residents to hold off on making alternative trash disposal arrangements as the town prepares to transition its transfer station to an enterprise fund model this summer.

During Monday's Select Board meeting, Advisory Committee member James Hoyes emphasized that residents don't need to rush into decisions about their trash disposal. "There's no need to act right now for residents. The transfer station's not changing in any way until the end of June," Hoyes said.

The town is moving away from funding the transfer station through property taxes, targeting a user fee of less than a dollar per day. Officials are considering two main models: a sticker-only system or a hybrid combining stickers with paid trash bags.

A third option involving pay-as-you-throw only has been deprioritized due to financial uncertainty and logistical challenges. The hybrid model would feature a lower sticker cost while still providing upfront revenue through sticker sales.

The enterprise fund would maintain residents' access to multiple services beyond basic trash disposal. "You still have the other options which are popular about c and d disposal if you have a sticker and continue to use it versus curbside, you can still have metals drop off, large bulky items, et cetera," Hoyes explained.

Town officials expressed concern about residents prematurely switching to private services. "A lot of people I think are starting to jump ship and looking for other means for dispose of the trash," said Select Board Vice Chair Rhonda Nyman.

The town plans to operate the facility at least three days per week, with potential for four-day operation if financially feasible. The maximum annual cost is targeted at $325, whether under a sticker-only or hybrid model.

Officials emphasized the importance of communicating these changes to residents, particularly as private waste companies increase their marketing efforts in the area. "We have to put on our marketing hat and communicate about what the benefits are of the transfer station enterprise in comparison to just limited curbside pickup," Hoyes said.

The new enterprise fund model is set to take effect July 1, 2024.