Brownville set to institute fee at town dump to deter abuse

BROWNVILLE — Town leaders are trying to stem the abuse of the trash permitting system by charging residents a fee to dump at the town's Game Farm Road transfer site.

"No matter what you do, 10 percent of the people are going to take advantage of the system," Supervisor Leo K. Thompson said. "But this is getting beyond our control."

Mr. Thompson said some residents are bringing trash for out-of-town friends. Others, he said, are selling their permits to nonresidents.

Town leaders have proposed a $25 fee for a year-round resident pass, and $15 for a seasonal permit that would be good only from April 1 to Nov. 1. The passes, which formerly were free, would have to be renewed annually.

Mr. Thompson said the town issues about 2,000 permits every year, with the bulk being to year-round residents.

"We're not looking to make money on this," he said, adding the transfer site costs about $220,000 annually to operate. "We're just trying to stop the abuse."

The transfer site took in 1,483 tons of trash in 2004, and 1,743 tons in 2008.

"Our population has not increased that much," Mr. Thompson said.

Town leaders formalized their drop-off rules. Starting Dec. 1, the following will apply:

■ Household refuse will be accepted only if it is bagged.

■ The drop-off limit is five bags per visit.

■ Metal items, large appliances, motor vehicle batteries and green waste — such as brush and flowers — will be accepted. Construction debris, mattresses, furniture, carpeting, televisions and entertainment centers will not be taken in.

The council is expected to make the permit fee official with a resolution at its next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the town offices, 16431 Star Schoolhouse Road.

The transfer site is open from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.