In an effort to protect the health of county residents and curb the spread of COVID-19, some town transfer stations are adjusting their operations to limit personal interaction. These adjustments range from changes encouraging residents to go to the stations at off-hours to closing the “free” sheds.
The Shelburne Transfer Station will remain open during its normal hours, but the “free” shed is closed temporarily. According to reports from the Center for Disease Control, the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours if they are not cleaned.
Other changes include temporarily no longer collecting non-recyclable plastic bags. To further minimize transactions between the transfer station attendant and customers, employees urge residents who have the ability to do so, to purchase multiple labels and come prepared to pay the exact amount so as to eliminate the need for change and physical interaction.
“We’re trying to limit the unnecessary handling of anything,” Joseph Giard, transfer station attendant, said.
He noted that the changes are meant to protect both attendants and residents. A recent Saturday saw a line of cars waiting their turn to enter the Shelburne Transfer Station and dispose of their trash and recycling. The precautionary changes may slow down business slightly, and Giard thanked residents for their patience during this time.
“It’s going pretty well so far,” he said of the changes. “Most people are appreciative and recognize the need for it.”
The Shelburne Transfer Station is open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m.
According to Athol Transfer Station Attendant Duane Truehart, they are encouraging residents to wait outside of the station headquarters and come in one at a time to pay their bill. Attendants used to allow residents to enter the headquarters while they were waiting.
“We’re making people wait outside now to maintain that social distance,” Truehart said. “…There are four of us that work here, and we’re all trying not to get sick.”
Residents drive onto a scale before offloading their recycling and trash. They drive onto the scale again after dumping to determine the weight difference. The change in weight equates to the weight of the trash and determines the cost for the day.
To further promote social distancing, the transfer station is encouraging residents to purchase their trash bags at outlets in town outside of the transfer station. Bags can be purchased and picked up at four locations in town, including Hannaford’s Supermarket and Market Basket.
“This would prevent a need for anyone coming in on Saturdays to pick up their bags while they are here,” Truehart said.
Athol Transfer Station hours are Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Director Marlo Warner said Department of Public Works employees are considered essential personnel. He noted that Greenfield, compared to smaller towns in the county, “is a bit of a bigger operation.” The department monitors solid waste, waste water and the transfer station, which Warner said must be maintained amid the ongoing pandemic.
Currently, the Greenfield Transfer Station hours of operation are the same — Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. While it remains open to the public, Warner and employees are asking residents to adhere to some safety guidelines.
“Believe it or not the transfer station can be a congregating area for people,” Warner said.
While residents may normally stop to say hello and catch up, the transfer station ask residents not to “linger or visit” on the premises. Residents are asked to dispose of items quickly, and maintain 6 feet of distance between one another. Warner also suggests using hand sanitizer before arriving, and after leaving, the transfer station.
The window attendant at the station will be wearing personal protective equipment, Warner said. This is to protect both employees and the members of the public.
Additionally, city officials have decided to offer Pay-As-You-Throw Trash Stickers by mail to anyone who wishes to purchase them online in an effort to keep residents safe.
According to the statement from the mayor’s office, ordering trash stickers involves visiting the city’s website at greenfield-ma.gov. On the homepage, select “pay online,” and from there, residents can choose “tax payments” at the right-hand side of the screen. That brings you to the “Unipay” screen and under transactions, select “DPW” and then “trash stickers.”
Once residents fill out the information requested and pay, the trash stickers will be mailed immediately.
The Deerfield Transfer Station is recently posted a notice asking for residents help to slow the spread of COVID-19. The notice encourages anyone presenting symptoms – cough, sore throat or fever – not to visit the transfer station at this time.
Anyone who does visit should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after arriving. Attendants and residents are also practicing social distancing. Attendants will also be wearing gloves and masks for personal protection, should they need to assist residents.
“We’re trying to keep people away from other people,” said transfer station attendant Bud Driver. “For the most part, people seem to be respecting each others’ space.”
Driver and other attendants are encouraging residents to dump their trash, recyclables and composting materials quickly. They are also suggesting residents buy multiple trash bags at one time, to make fewer trips to the transfer station. Additionally, residents should not linger on the premises.
The Deerfield Transfer Station hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Northfield Transfer Station remains open, but the Board of Health is suggesting residents access the transfer station on Wednesday and Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Board of Health Chair Bob MacEwen said this will help to ease regular congestion on Saturdays to encourage social distancing.
“Everyone seems to show up Saturday,” MacEwen said during a recent Selectboard meeting. “We want to maintain that 6-foot or greater distance.”
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.