New Canaan commission moves forward on three‑year transfer‑station bids; swap‑shop outreach planned

At its April 9 meeting the New Canaan Conservation Commission received an operational update on the town transfer station, upcoming bids and swap‑shop activity.

A town operations representative told the commission that March waste‑stream quantities have been updated and the town will issue separate requests for proposals for three‑year contracts covering municipal solid waste, recycling and brush/C&D starting July 1. Hazardous‑waste services are administered through the Western Council of Governments (WCOG) contract and the participating towns are planning a five‑year arrangement beginning in 2027.

The staff member said the town will gather and publish financial figures monthly going forward and train additional staff to pull quantity and cost data. The commission was told the town program will continue to promote free electronics recycling and that mattresses, propane and paint are managed through state programs.

Swap shop and outreach: Commissioners and staff reported heavy spring use of the swap shop and an increase in non‑resident visitors on Saturdays. Planet New Canaan offered to reimburse overtime for one staff member to be on site periodically to verify residency and manage traffic. Commissioners agreed staff should coordinate with Planet New Canaan and partner groups that redistribute items to affordable‑housing or disadvantaged recipients.

Household hazardous‑waste and community events: The commission noted scheduled hazardous‑waste events in neighboring towns and a town shred day on April 25; the town’s household hazardous‑waste pickup is scheduled in September as part of the WCOG program. Staff said any resident may use neighboring participating towns’ collection events at no cost and that electronics recycling is run through the state’s extended producer program.

Next steps: Bids will be open for approximately one month before returning to the selectmen for contract approval; staff will publish monthly tonnage and financial data and coordinate swap‑shop staffing with Planet New Canaan.