Cohasset Considers Enterprise Fund for Recycling Transfer Facility
Proposed changes include fee increases and facility improvements to cover operational costs
COHASSET - March 25 - The Cohasset Select Board is considering establishing an enterprise fund for the town's Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF) to make the operation financially self-sustaining. The proposal, presented at the March 25 meeting, includes increased fees and facility improvements designed to enhance efficiency and safety.
Brian Joyce, DPW director, and consultant Mark Young outlined a plan to address the RTF's financial challenges, noting that current revenues don't cover operational costs, which have grown to more than $700,000 annually.
"No revenue generated by sticker sales, bags, and other charges goes directly to the RTF," Joyce explained. "Nearly all recyclable items have no market value right now. The town's paying for virtually everything we dispose of up there."
The proposed fee structure includes a $175 annual resident permit (separate from the all-facilities sticker), a $300 annual out-of-town permit, and increased pay-as-you-throw bag fees. Small bags would increase to $3 and large bags to $4.
The plan also includes significant increases for bulky waste disposal. For example, refrigerator disposal would rise from $10 to $50, and microwave disposal from $5 to $50.
Several board members expressed concerns about potential "sticker shock" from these increases.
"There's certainly a price point with some of them where people will just become delinquent," said David Farrag. "The microwave is going from $5 to $50 to get rid of it. At what point do people say, 'I'm just going to chuck this in the woods'?"
Joyce and Young emphasized that the fees reflect actual disposal costs and are competitive with market rates. They also noted that many retailers are required to take back electronics and appliances, providing alternatives for residents.
"Our goal was to be market sensitive," Young said. "Breaking even is good. We don't have to make profit, but there are certain costs that haven't been raised in a while."
The presentation included a comparison showing that even with the increased fees, using the RTF would remain less expensive than private hauling services. For a family producing three large bags weekly, the annual cost would be approximately $799, compared to $1,000-$1,200 for private hauling.
The enterprise fund would ensure that all RTF revenues directly support facility operations rather than being split between schools and town through the general fund.
Chair Ellen Maher suggested including a senior discount for the permit fee and providing clear information about actual disposal costs.
"When we get to the point where we need to present it, we need to have the actual cost of disposal right next to what our fee is going to be," Maher said.
The proposal also includes facility improvements following a recent fire. The redesigned layout features new compactors, a dedicated glass and tin disposal area, and a reorganized "village" area for the popular boutique, scout bottle collection, e-waste, and textiles.
"The fire really gave us an opportunity to do a reset," Young said. "We're trying to make a flow. Safety is an issue."
The board expressed support for the overall concept but requested additional work on the fee structure before making a final decision.
The Cohasset Select Board unanimously approved the formation of a Cohasset Village Local Historic District Study Committee to explore establishing a historic district in the village area.
The committee will develop a report on its findings and hold public hearings before presenting the proposal to town meeting. Members will serve two-year terms.
"This is long overdue," said Farrag. "The Common Historic District, I think it was 1978 it was done, and the village was never done. And then we're here in 2025 talking about trying to protect the village."
The board appointed seven members with various expertise to the committee: Clark Brewer (architect, Planning Board), Martin St. John (Cohasset Historical Commission), Mary Beiche (realtor), Paula Morse (museum curator, former member of CPC and Historical Commission), Sean Cunning (local business owner), Todd Goff (CPC, Recreation, Historical Commission), and Stanley Chittick (Zoning Board of Appeals).
Farrag noted that the committee composition follows state requirements for specific expertise. "It's not just at-large members. Three of them have to be specifically like an architect or from a planning board."
The Select Board also:
- Reviewed town warrant articles for the upcoming town meeting, including departmental revolving funds and amendments to the floodplain and watershed protection overlay district.
- Approved adding a warrant article authorizing the Select Board to negotiate an agreement with Hall on Highland for use of the auditorium and space at the historic town hall.
- Received an update on the town hall project at 41 Highland Avenue, with Chair Maher noting a "terrific meeting" with the Community Preservation Committee.
- Learned that the Massachusetts School Building Authority has selected an OPM and designer for the Osgood School roof project, with construction scheduled to begin in June 2026.
- Acknowledged the retirement of two long-term town employees, Liza Salerno and Angela Gayson.
The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for April 8.