Results of the Transfer Station Pilot Program

Stafford, CT – September 5, 2024

The results of Stafford’s transfer station pilot program are in. Despite early excitement (at least on social media) about the trial, which saw the station open on Sundays starting in July, it turns out that did not translate to a big increase in traffic. Foreman John Whetton reported to the Board of Selectman (BOS) on the trial’s results, and underwhelming usage means the town is not likely to continue keeping the transfer station open on Sundays. 

Whetton told the BOS that the average car count on Sundays was about 57 while 23 people, on average, went over the scales. Additionally, they took in about 1.8 tons on Sundays. 

In comparison, on Saturdays during the same period, the average car count was 370, 90 people went over the scale, and they collected 8 tons.

On Sundays, having two people at the dump costs roughly $600-$700, and trash cannot be taken anywhere. With all this information, Whetton said he could not justify suggesting the town keep the transfer station open every Sunday.

He suggested that if the BOS felt Sundays were valuable, they consider keeping the transfer station open for one Sunday per month to balance convenience with cost. For a more long-term solution, Whetton said they could consider changing the transfer station's hours in general, but that would require union negotiations and, therefore, is not an immediate solution.

The BOS will consider the options going forward, but residents should not expect to visit the transfer station on Sundays in the near future.