The Kingston Recycling Committee is racing to finalize plans for a new paint collection shed as a June 30 grant deadline looms, following a year of record-breaking financial activity at the town’s transfer station. During their April 14 session, Chair Jean Landis-Naumann revealed that sticker sales from the previous fiscal year totaled a substantial $588,695. The report detailed a diverse revenue stream, including 166 stickers sold to veterans and 66 recycling-only passes, with Landis-Naumann noting that total sales last year were $588,695, providing a solid financial baseline as the town navigates broader fiscal restraints and a 3% budget growth cap across departments.

The committee is now shifting its focus to utilizing a $5,000 state grant intended for a specialized paint shed. Todd, a representative from MassDEP, informed the board that the grant requirements have evolved, stating, Starting this year, they require collecting both latex and oil-based. You just need the invoice by June 30th. Member Eugene Wyatt suggested sourcing the structure from the same vendor that provided the town’s swap shop, noting I recommend the company we got the swap shop from. They are high quality and inexpensive. Local ones are almost double the price. Superintendent of Streets, Trees, and Parks Sean cautioned that the facility must be carefully managed to prevent illegal dumping, explaining that if we allow residents in there 24/7, they will leave hazardous waste that we'll be stuck with.

Operational efficiency at the transfer station has already seen recent improvements, including the installation of monitoring cameras and the removal of nearly 200 propane tanks that had accumulated over nine months. Superintendent Sean reported a significant cost saving after finding a Worcester-based company to haul the tanks away at no charge. We found a company in Worcester that picked them all up for free, Sean told the committee. Usually, there is a charge for larger tanks, but they took everything at no charge. We will continue to use them moving forward.

The committee also grappled with the rising costs and logistical challenges of the town’s organic waste program. With existing bins reaching capacity, the board discussed the $23 weekly fee for an additional barrel and the upcoming expiration of the Black Earth contract in October. Landis-Naumann proposed a potential shift toward municipal composting to save on monthly fees, citing models in other towns where food waste is integrated into yard waste piles. Member Vanessa Verkade highlighted the ongoing issue of contamination in the organic bins, noting, I noticed someone threw a paper bag in there. I fished out some waxy donut bags. People just clean out their cars and throw things in. Regarding the future of waste diversion, Wyatt mentioned he had seen methane bladders for organics that could potentially power street lighting, an option he offered to research further.

Administrative changes under new Town Administrator Scott Lambiase have also reached the volunteer-run Swap Shop, which recently opened for the season. Verkade informed the committee that all volunteers must resubmit their applications due to a procedural reset. The new Town Administrator is making everyone apply again because the old forms had the previous administrator's name. People can't volunteer until the paperwork is done, Verkade explained. Beyond paperwork, the committee is addressing physical safety within the shop. Wyatt expressed concern over unbraced shelving, noting that a woman who could barely walk came in and grabbed a shelf for support. Member David O'Connell agreed with the need for structural reinforcements, stating, Bracing them at the top is the way to go.

In a move to encourage resident participation, the committee is utilizing approximately $5,000 in Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) funds to purchase promotional jar scrapers for residents who buy transfer station stickers. While the committee originally hoped for specific colors, they settled on a bright alternative. Yellow is good, O'Connell remarked. Landis-Naumann added that the $19,000 RDP balance allows for such rewards, which have historically been popular with the community. Every year people look for a 'reward' when they get their sticker, she said, noting the scrapers should arrive by late May.