Benson Brook Transfer Station sticker prices to increase

Nov 17, 2020

MARION — Marion is taking over the operations in the coming year at Benson Brook Transfer Station. To cover operation costs, Selectmen voted at a Nov. 17 meeting to increase sticker prices by $10 across the board.

Normal sticker prices will now be $50 for residents, and $40 for seniors and veterans.

At the Nov. 5 Fall Town Meeting, the town voted to exit the Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse District. 

The district has operated the transfer station since the agreement between the three towns began in 1970.

Under the terms of Marion’s departure, the town is accepting ownership of the transfer station.

Starting January 1, the town will operate it and cover the costs.

“The goal is to pretty much cover the cost of the transfer station,” Town Administrator Jay McGrail said as the reasoning behind the uptick.

The new prices help cover operating costs, and helps the town pay for disposal when needed. The station costs $60,000 to run, and it only brought in $48,000 in revenue last year.

Under Marion’s operation, the transfer station will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays. In addition to normally accepted items, the station will be accepting leaf and yard waste year-round. 

The Town Administrator also noted that the pricing could change in coming years depending on how the first year of operation goes.

Marion is also working on negotiations with the town of Rochester to sell stickers to its residents as well. McGrail said he would update the board on negotiations at its December 15 meeting.