Hingham Approves Mattress Recycling Contract, Considers Fee Adjustment
Select Board approves two-year agreement with Tough Stuff Recycling while discussing potential fee increases to offset costs
HINGHAM - April 8 - The Hingham Select Board approves a two-year contract with Tough Stuff Recycling LLC for mattress and box spring recycling services at its April 8 meeting, while acknowledging the town currently loses money on each item recycled.
The contract, not to exceed $100,000, maintains the current rate of $31 per unit for mattress and box spring recycling through May 2027, with an option for a third year at the same rate.
Ashley Sanford, DPW director, explains that residents currently pay $20 to dispose of mattresses at the transfer station, while the town pays $31 per unit to Tough Stuff Recycling, creating an $11 loss on each item.
"We are on the lower end. All the towns around us are at a break-even point," Sanford says, indicating she would like to address the pricing discrepancy in the future.
Select Board Chair Joe Fisher questions the deficit, asking, "So we have a built-in deficit for this. Is that common?"
Board member Bill Ramsey suggests revisiting the fee structure, noting, "We'll have to have you back to talk about it, maybe a possible restructuring of that fee."
The town handles approximately 2,400 mattresses and box springs annually, according to Sanford. State law prohibits disposing of mattresses in regular waste streams, requiring specialized recycling.
Despite the current pricing gap, Sanford confirms the contract offers competitive rates, noting that "other companies, they'll charge upwards of $45 per mattress."
The board unanimously approves the agreement, which takes effect when the current contract expires on May 22.
The Hingham Select Board approves an emergency contract with AirCare Environmental Services for repairs to restrooms and hallway areas at the South Shore Country Club following a sewage backup incident.
The $71,407.64 project addresses damage from a March 23 incident where sewage backed up into the ladies' locker room, hallway, and men's room.
Kevin Miller, representing the South Shore Country Club, explains the situation: "We had surge back up into the ladies' room, ladies' locker room that went into the hallway and then subsequently into the men's room."
The emergency required immediate response from AirCare Environmental Services, a restoration company that "cleaned out the mess, removed the carpets, and also we had to cut up two feet of the drywall to ensure that we didn't have any mold grow," Miller says.
The restoration project is largely covered by insurance, with the country club responsible for a $25,000 deductible. The insurance company has approved both the claim and the vendor.
Miller emphasizes the urgency of completing repairs before the busy season: "We're heading into the height of the season and where everyone has to use the bowling alley bathrooms at this time. So, it's not ideal."
The work is expected to be completed by May 15, according to Miller.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo commends Miller's handling of the emergency: "Kevin did a great job of managing this and bringing everyone together and getting it passed the way it needed to at the state and the insurance office."
The board unanimously approves the emergency contract.
In other business, the Select Board:
- Proclaims April 22 as Earth Day in Hingham, recognizing environmental challenges and committing to support environmental and educational initiatives in the community.
- Proclaims April 25 as Arbor Day in Hingham, noting the town's recognition as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
- Appoints Sergeant James Brady and Sergeant Matthew Lucas as liquor enforcement officers through October 31, 2025, expanding coverage to overnight shifts. Deputy Chief Ryan O’Shea explains, "Currently, our detectives are the liquor enforcement officers, and they work a mix of days and evenings, but we don't really have any coverage on overnights."
- Honors Select Board member Bill Ramsey for his retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve after 28 years of military service. Chair Joe Fisher recognizes Ramsey's service, including active duty as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps attached to the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan.
- Notes that talent bank inquiries for town committees are being collected for interviews typically conducted in early June. Ramsey encourages continued applications: "It's nice to see such interest and we have an important need for volunteers."