Hanover Approves New Transfer Station Fees

The Hanover Select Board has unanimously approved a new transfer station fee structure, finalizing pricing for annual permits and day passes as the town prepares for a significant overhaul of its waste management system. While the vote settled the immediate question of fees, the discussion also highlighted broader concerns affordability and the volume of trash produced by the town.

At the meeting, town hall officials urged the Select Board to make a decision, citing tight deadlines for implementing the new program. With just eight weeks until the slated program launch date for early sticker sales, Hanover Budget Director James Hoyes emphasized the need for clarity so the town could move forward with preparations.

"We really need to get to a conclusion to approve the proposed enterprise fees," Hoyes told the board. "We're getting close to launch date. We're just eight weeks away, and although eight weeks in some things in town may seem like a long time, it's not, because we have to order supplies."

The approved structure includes multiple options for residents. A full-access, full-year sticker will cost $345, providing entry to both the transfer station and Ames Way facility. Limited-access stickers will be available for residents who do not require full services, and single-use day passes will be sold for $25.

As the board prepared to vote, Hoyes acknowledged the role residents played in shaping the proposal.

"There's been a lot of conversation from residents in particular," Hoyes said. "There's been a few residents who've been providing a lot of written analysis and proposals and very thoughtful work to help provide feedback into this process."

Select Board Chair Vanessa O’Connor noted that transitioning to the voter-approved enterprise fund model for the transfer station is for the town. She stressed that the fee structure ensures that the program is financially viable.  

“We have to ensure that this enterprise fund as the best shot at being viable because there is a vocal group of residents in town that do want to continue [the transfer station],” said O’Connor. “If it's not something we're able to continue, then everyone has to default to trash pickup, which I think is a further disservice.”

Beyond approving the fee structure, the Select Board also debated whether an income-based discount should be included. While some officials suggested that offering financial relief could make the system more equitable, others questioned the practicality of implementing such a program.

Select Board member Rhonda Nyman expressed reservations about the idea.

"I am a little opposed about the whole income-based way of giving people a break," Nyman said, citing concerns about how eligibility would be determined and whether the town should take on that role.

While affordability was a key topic, some officials also focused on environmental sustainability. Select Board Chair Vanessa O’Connor pushed for a greater emphasis on waste reduction, advocating for a pay-as-you-throw system instead of an annual fee structure.

"Really push hard for the sustainability piece," O’Connor said, arguing that the town needs to reduce the amount of trash it generates.

The board ultimately moved forward with the approved fees, but the discussion signaled that further conversations about Hanover’s waste management policies—particularly strategies for sustainability and waste reduction—are likely in the near future.

With the new rates finalized, the town will now focus on rolling out the system, including public outreach and logistics planning. More details on purchasing stickers and passes are expected to be released soon.

Find more Hanover news on the South Shore Time's Hanover Homepage.

Watch the full meeting above. The transfer station fee discussion begins at 1:18.