The Newtown Transfer Station on Ethan Allen Road is undergoing a series of significant changes this week, aimed at streamlining the waste disposal and recycling process. Behind these alterations is a vision of making the station more efficient and user-friendly.

Upon visiting the station, one can immediately notice the new two-lane traffic loop that has been implemented to direct the flow of visitors with recyclables, food scraps, or other items unsuitable for the general stream.

According to Public Works Director Fred Hurley, users should drive through the loop only if they have materials for disposal other than garbage for the general stream.

For visitors bringing only garbage, it’s recommended to use the cans at the top of the hill, located just after the electronics trailer. These cans allow users with only garbage to bypass the loop entirely, cutting down on unnecessary traffic.

“When they first come in, immediately after the electronics trailer, there are going to be four containers there,” Hurley confirmed. “If they’ve got garbage only, we want them depositing it up there, and they don’t even have to come down [to the loop].”

Currently, only two cans are available, but Hurley expects that all four will be usable before the week’s end.

Although garbage disposal is present at the end of the recyclables loop, these canisters are placed here for the convenience of those users who come to drop off both recyclables and garbage. These users should drive through the traffic loop, stopping only to deposit their waste.

Director Hurley urges users to utilize the two lanes in the recycling loop. This feature allows users to pass by stations they don’t need, making the disposal process quicker by reducing waiting times and back-ups.

Hurley also clarified some confusion from the public with regard to the separation of cardboard.

“Cardboard is still accepted in mixed recycling,” he explained, “However, we have a separate compactor because people have stacks of cardboard, large cardboard. They don’t necessarily have to separate their cardboard, but to make it easier for them and to help facilitate the traffic we put in an extra cardboard container. If they have little pieces of cardboard, they can put it with the mixed recyclables.”

While feedback from the public has been mixed, Hurley remains hopeful that by emphasizing proper education a smoother transition is possible.

“They want to see it quicker,” he said, “There have been some reasonable requests that people have made, and I certainly don’t disagree with it. It really comes down to learning where to go. All kidding aside, that’s the whole key. It’s ‘OK, where do I go with this stuff?’”

Bob Thompson, one of the workmen directing traffic, highlighted the importance of road safety while lamenting the dangerous speeds of some station users.

“I wish I had a radar here,” he commented, “It’s not funny, because I watched someone come down the hill, never stopped at the stop sign, and came real close to me.”

He added that similar incidents have occurred on an almost daily basis. Users are implored by Transfer Station staff to remain under the threshold of ten miles/hour while within the station itself.

Lastly, the planning process for the Aerated Static Pile solar composting unit is ongoing. John Curtis, the town engineer, is currently engaged in preparing the site plan. Permits for leaf composting and solar panel installation also must be obtained, according to Hurley.

“We’re shooting for around February or March,” he said.

Transfer Station sticker holders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new protocols to ensure reduced traffic and a smooth transition. Further information as well as item-specific disposal guidelines can be found on the station’s informational website at hrra.org/information-newtown/.

Reporter/Editorial Assistant Owen Tanzer can be reached at owen@thebee.com.