Committee considers 34-foot vehicle-and-trailer limit for bulky-waste dropoff; members favor brochure guidance

The Georgetown Solid Waste Management Committee discussed on Feb. 12 whether to set a maximum combined vehicle-and-trailer length for backing up to the bulky-waste drop-off.

Dave Polito said his measurements show a maximum of 34 feet (vehicle and trailer including any ramp) is required to allow other vehicles to pass safely. Transfer Station manager Jim Coombs said he would prefer to address the issue by policy and resident communication rather than amend the town ordinance. The committee was told that if the committee wished to pursue an ordinance amendment it would need to prepare that amendment by the March 12 meeting and submit it to the Select Board immediately.

Committee members proposed practical interim measures. Kate Toner suggested painting a line on the pavement indicating the maximum backing length; Alison Freeman proposed adding the vehicle-length guidance to the transfer station brochure this season as a compromise. Ernie Freeberg supported the brochure approach and recommended monitoring how it works over the year.