The Town of Newtown transfer station is open for business, with very few changes.

Public Works Director Fred Hurley told The Newtown Bee on March 23 that while the hours are the same — 7 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Saturday for residents and contractors; open Monday for contractors only — there are slight updates to what the public is being asked to do when they arrive at the Ethan Allen Road site.

As with everywhere else, the department is trying to lessen person-to-person interaction.

“We really would like for the public to throw their own garbage or recycling into the containers,” he said Monday morning. “We want to minimize direct interface” between residents and town employees, he added.

There are still no cash transactions at the transfer station. The town is hoping to not issue day or monthly passes to the transfer station at this time, Hurley said. If those passes are needed, however, there are new windows through which business will be conducted.

Permits are needed for those dropping off household garbage, and some scrap items. Additional fees are charged for brush, and construction or demolition debris.

Permits are not needed for Newtown residents dropping off recycling.

Residents who need a day or month pass for the transfer station should contact the Public Works office in advance, at 203-270-4300. As with other town offices, access to Public Works is currently by appointment only.

At the transfer station, a sliding glass window has been installed to the left of the office door, to be used by contractors who need to speak with a Public Works employee. A similar window has been installed on the north side of the building for the public to use.

When it is time to drop off recycling or trash, Hurley also urges residents to exercise caution.

“Keep your social distance,” he said. “Leave some room for the person in front of you and in back of you. Use common sense.”

One Public Works employee last week said the transfer station has been busier than usual during its weekday hours. People are home, and doing a lot of cleaning, the employee pointed out.

Public Works Director Hurley reiterated that the transfer station is not in danger of being closed.

“We are not closing,” Hurley said. “We had people calling in a panic, thinking we would be closing, but that is not the case.

“We know you’ve gotta move that garbage. You can’t let it pile up. When that happens, then you’re asking for other health issues,” he added.