Hooksett Recycling & Transfer Advisory Committee Meeting - September 29, 2026

The meeting covered updates on recycling tonnage, rates, plastic recycling challenges, the ongoing solar project, Saturday operating schedule issues, and a state waste disposal fee reimbursement discussion. The committee also approved prior meeting minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously (motion and second without objection).

Discussion Items

• Tonnage and Rate Update: The committee reviewed totals from January 1 to the date of the meeting. Key statistics included 181 tons of cardboard and 226 tons of demolition material. The mattress disposal fee remains at $6 (compared to $65 in Allens Town and $75 in Pembroke). Revenue from demolition was approximately $109,000, with the town charging $150 per ton and paying $125 per ton for disposal. Trash rates increased from $97 to $103 per ton effective July 1, 2026, inclusive of a $3.50 per ton surcharge. Metal rates are $145 per ton with no freight fee. Mixed glass is $50 per ton.
• Plastic Recycling Challenges: The committee discussed a new problem with plastic recycling: vendors are now charging $0.2–0.3 cents per pound ($50–$70 per ton) to pick up mixed plastics (#1–7). This is still cheaper than disposing in trash at $103 per ton. The committee considered sorting out high-value HDPE (#2) but determined it is impractical due to space constraints and labor. They expressed concern that publicly discarding low-grade plastic could discourage residents from recycling. They opted to continue collecting all plastics and await market improvements through NRRA (Northeast Resource Recovery Association).
• Solar Project Update: The solar array on the landfill is in full effect. Panels are being installed with conduit running between them. A maintenance issue was raised: mowing between the panels is difficult due to narrow spacing (2.5–3 feet). Solutions such as wildflowers or remote-control mowers were discussed, but no decision was made. The project cost is approximately $5 million.
• Saturday Operating Schedule: Public frustration with inconsistent Saturday hours (due to holidays and union contracts) was discussed. The committee noted calls from residents accusing them of being closed without notice. They have removed hours from Google, rely on their website and voicemail, and posted a sign at the scale indicating current Saturday status. The schedule includes closures on holiday weekends. The committee defended the schedule as necessary to retain employees, citing the benefit of a 4-day workweek and early Friday closures.
• State Waste Disposal Fee Reimbursement: The committee discussed difficulties reclaiming the state-imposed disposal fee (approximately $8,780 owed for one quarter, with $4,000 already due but unreimbursed after 90 days). Alex Walzer (Town Council) explained legislative hurdles: the fee was designed to capture out-of-state waste but exempting municipalities is complicated because private vendors and multiple town waste streams make allocation difficult. He noted the fee generated $1.2 million in the first quarter. The committee expressed frustration and suggested the law could be amended through state representatives.

Key Outcomes

• Plastic Recycling: No immediate change; will continue collecting all plastics and aim for a zero-cost pickup from NRRA. Sorting of HDPE (clear and colored) remains a future possibility if space becomes available.
• Saturday Schedule: Maintain current every-other-Saturday pattern; no changes to holiday closure policy. Will continue using existing communication methods (website, voicemail, sign).
• Solar Project: No decision on mowing method; will await further observation and consider remote-control mowers or alternative ground cover.
• State Fee Reimbursement: The committee will continue pursuing reimbursement through administrative channels; Alex Walzer suggested potential legislative modification.
• Adjournment: Motion carried to adjourn the meeting.