New Fees at Hamden Transfer Station

The town's bi-annual bulk pickup may become even more vital to residents as the Legislative Council votes next week to establish a fee structure for some items disposed of at the Transfer Station.

The council's Public Works and Parks Committee Wednesday approved a resolution that establishes fees for the disposal of certain items, including appliances and tires.

Under the resolution, it will cost up to $10 to dispose of tires depending on size. Larger truck and tractor tires won't be accepted at all because of the cost to the town to get rid of them, according to Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng.

It would cost $25 to dispose of appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, and $30 for bedding. But the items will continue to be picked up free of charge as part of the town's bulk pickups in April and October, Leng said.

"If you want to put a mattress out, you have two times a year to do it," he said. "Otherwise, there will be a fee."

Cash won't be accepted at the station, Leng said, but debit and credit cards will, as well as vouchers obtained at the Government Center.

Council member Harry Gagliardi questioned what would happen if someone came to the station to dispose of something but didn't have the money for the fee.

"My fear is they will come with a load of tires and they're told they have to get a voucher, they're going to leave and throw them in a brook," he said.

"Dumping is going to happen," Leng said. "We are going to have to be viligent and we are going to have to watch for it."

Cameras around the station would record anyone dumping in that area, he said, and a public information campaign would make residents aware of the establishment of the fees so they can be prepared.

But it won't be easy, he warned. "Change is never easy," he said.

While it won't be easy, it is necessary, Leng said. The town now spends $750,000 a year getting rid of items dumped at the transfer station, he said, and it needs a way to recoup those costs.

"The implementation of fees is a starting mark," he said, and are designed not to make money but to cover the cost of disposal.

The full council will vote on the resolution Monday.