Hooksett Transfer Station Advisory Board Meeting - November 25, 2025

The Hooksett Transfer Station Advisory Board met on November 25, 2025, to discuss current recycling rates, equipment updates, a proposed bond for a new scale house and retaining wall, a solar project update, and other operational matters. The board voted to recommend a $1,325,840 bond warrant article to the Town Council, with funding from tipping fees and no tax impact.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from September 23, 2025, with a motion and second, all in favor.

Discussion Items

• Current Rates and Recycling: Sean Dumont presented current rates: trash $98.10 per ton, furniture management surcharge $194, demo $119 per ton, electronics variable, freon $8 per unit, lithium-ion batteries $1.10–$1.50 per pound, nickel-cadmium and alkaline $0.78 per pound (alkaline can go in trash). Cardboard dropped to $35 per ton. Metal $102–$131.75 per ton, glass $50 per ton. Plastic is becoming an issue with difficulty finding buyers; currently paid $0.025 per pound through New Hampshire Recycles (formerly NRRA).
• Equipment Update: A trailer sold on GovDeals for $9,200, but the board's net take was approximately $90 (unclear from discussion). A new baler was purchased; a $5,000 grant from New Hampshire the Beautiful was received for recycling equipment.
• New Building Bond Considerations: Sean Dumont presented a proposal for a 20-year bond to fund a new scale house and retaining wall. The building is the original, has mold, inadequate facilities (women's room is a closet with a toilet, dishes washed in men's room), and floods. The wall for loading demo and furniture is failing and poses a fall hazard. The proposed bond amount is $1,325,840 (or a lower $1.25 million option). The bond would be paid from the special revenue account (tipping fees) with no tax impact. The board discussed the need for wiggle room and the risks of a lower amount if costs exceed. Average annual payment from the disposal fund is $161,000, with the bond payment ~$4,000 per year.
• Solar Project Update: The solar project is moving forward after a roadblock. Interconnection cost was $600,000, but investors agreed to proceed. The lease is five years with option to purchase, allowing green credits of about $2,000–$2,500 per month.
• Mowing and Maintenance: Discussion on mowing the solar field; a remote-control Skag mower was tested. It was noted that the requirement to mow at a foot height may be a past practice; no official confirmation was found.
• Leave Pickup: The highway department assists with leaf pickup. Sean noted that bags were left on Benton Road despite woods behind houses, expressing frustration.
• Saturday Hours and Holiday Schedule: The board discussed challenges with Saturday openings due to union contract; holidays on Fridays or Mondars result in closed Saturdays. Two holidays in the next year may cause three consecutive closed Saturdays. E-alerts and Facebook are used to notify residents. A QR code for e-alert signup was requested.

Key Outcomes

• Bond Recommendation: A motion was made to recommend a warrant article to the Town Council for a bond of $1,325,840 for a new scale house and retaining wall. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor). The board decided to go with the higher amount to provide contingency.
• E-Alert QR Code: The board agreed to create a QR code to link residents to e-alert signups, to be posted at the transfer station and on paperwork.
• Future Agenda: The board will continue to monitor plastic recycling markets, schedule Saturday closures, and plan for mowing the solar field.

No public comments were received during the meeting.