Residents and staff warn of contaminated used oil at transfer station; town explores options

The board heard detailed concern about large volumes of contaminated used oil at the town transfer station and the practical limits of local processing. A staff member said the town has about 150 55‑gallon drums of contaminated material and is struggling to find commercial processors that will accept it.

“To get rid of [the contaminated barrels] it will cost us quite a bit... I recommend that we start taking what we can advertise so like who takes oil,” a staff member said, describing outreach to private firms and the prospect of advertising acceptance options. Residents and board members discussed options including hiring attendants, heating storage space to reduce freezing, or ultimately stopping acceptance and referring residents to private facilities.

Board members asked for an operational plan and a public-notice approach if the town changes what it accepts at the transfer station, emphasizing that any decision to stop accepting oil should include public comment and clear guidance on alternatives. Staff said they would continue to research processors and potential short-term operational fixes, and bring recommendations back to a future meeting.