Town of Sprague

Transfer Station & Recycling

Hours of operation: Mon & Wed 10-6, Sat 8-4

Transfer Station

This article covers the definition of household trash, the use of blue bags and many other important issues at the Transfer Station.

The Town of Sprague Transfer Station is owned, operated and regulated by the Town. It is located at 130 Bushnell Hollow Road (Route 138). Open hours for permit and temporary permit holders are Monday and Wednesday 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM. It is illegal to use or enter the Transfer Station at any other time.

The Transfer Station is closed on major holidays: January 1^st, Memorial Day, July 4^th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The telephone number is 822-3014.

What is Household Trash?

Household trash is trash that is generated during normal household activities plus other situations listed below. It is generally not trash from heavy cleaning of closets, basements, attics or garages. However, all trash associated with food is always considered to be household trash regardless of where it originates. Food related trash from the home, parties, fast food, take-out, restaurants etc. is considered household trash. Note that some food containers such as glass, metal and some plastics are recyclables and are not household trash for the purpose of this discussion. In addition, other items are excluded from household trash as described below.

Why Care About Household Trash?

When disposing of household trash at the Transfer Station, it must be placed in blue bags as required by the Town of Sprague regulations.

Blue Bags

Blue bags must be purchased and used at the time of trash disposal at the Transfer Station. If you do not use the Transfer Station for trash disposal, you do not need to buy blue bags. Many people in town have private business curbside trash pickup and are not required to use the Town's blue bags. However, if you have curbside trash pickup and you are disposing of household trash at the Transfer Station, you must buy and use the blue bags.

The purpose of using the blue bags goes back to the early 90's when the landfill was closed and the Transfer Station was started in accordance with Connecticut State Law. Many towns adopted the blue bags for helping to cover the cost of "transferring" the waste stream to some final disposal facility or recycle center. In addition, the blue bags are used at the disposal site for identifying the trash origination when problems occur. If blue bags were not required, the mill-rate would have to be increased to cover the cost of trucking and disposal, and, people already paying for curbside trash pickup would share in this added expense. Therefore, in fairness to all town residents, the blue bag system represents a "pay-as-you-go" alternative to higher taxes.

What is Not Household Trash?

In order to understand what is household trash in more detail, it is helpful to discuss what it is not. Many items are not considered household trash for the purpose of buying and using the blue bags. Those items that go into the following containers and areas at the Transfer Station are not considered household trash:

Cardboard and Paper Recycle container
Bottles and Cans Recycle container
Returnable Bottles and Cans container
Scrap Metal container
Bulky Waste container
Automotive Waste Oil container
Automotive Tires container
Fluorescent Bulbs container
Lead-Acid Battery area
Brush area
Leaves area
Freon-Appliances area

Some of these containers and areas are obviously not considered household trash and do not require the use of blue bags. For example, it should be obvious that Automotive Waste Oil would not require the use of blue bags. However, some of these require more explanation about specific items that are included (that is, do comply) or excluded (that is, do not comply).

Cardboard and Paper Recycle Container

The following items are acceptable in this container (this supersedes any previous documentation) and are not considered household trash for the purpose of using blue bags:

Cardboard boxes
Newspaper
School papers
Cereal boxes
Copy paper
Color paper
Computer paper
White office paper
Magazines
Brochures
Phone books
Soft cover books
Junk mail
File folders
Envelopes (window-OK)
All grades of paper from filing cabinet

Note that phone books should be placed in a separate phone book only container when available.

All boxes must be clean, empty and flattened. Large cardboard pieces, usually from appliances, will no longer be accepted. Please cut these into manageable pieces not larger than 3 feet by 4 feet. In addition, occasionally you must follow the directions of the Superintendent to prevent jamming of the machinery. Please be patient and note that jamming usually occurs when pieces are too big.

Items not acceptable in this container exclusive of the above acceptable list:

Any paper items that contain or are with glue, wax, plastic, foam or Styrofoam

Garbage that contains commingled paper items

Paper beer packaging

Any non-paper items such as any form of garbage, plastic, foam, Styrofoam, metal or wood and natural stone, soil or dirt, and ceramics.

Recently, black bags of household trash were thrown in this container with an appropriate fine issued and paid.

Bottles and Cans Recycle Container

The following items are acceptable in this container and supercedes any previous documentation:

White glass bottles
Brown glass bottles
Green glass bottles
Tin cans
Aluminum cans
Aluminum foil
Juice carton containers
Plastic containers #1 (recycle "1" symbol on the container)
Plastic containers #2 (recycle "2" symbol on the container)
Milk jugs
Detergent bottles

All of these items must be rinsed out to reduce stench, disease and vectors. (Note a vector is any animal or insect that is attracted to these substances)

IF THE ITEM IS NOT ON THE ABOVE LIST, IT DOES NOT GO IN THIS CONTAINER. A FINE OF $10 FOR EACH NON-COMPLYING ITEM IS AVAILABLE. Specifically, plastic #3 thru #10 are unacceptable in this container. If the plastic item has a recycle symbol #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 or #10, it does not go in this container. Instead, it is considered household trash and goes in a blue bag. If the plastic item does not have a recycle symbol, it does not go in this container. Instead, it is considered household trash and goes in a blue bag. Note that large plastic items such as lawn or patio chairs or PVC pipe do not require blue bags.

FYI: Did you know that the blue bags are #4 plastic? Look.

Recent non-complying items observed in this container include: household trash (rotting food garbage), tied and/or un-emptied plastic bags, metal pots, pans and knives, metal coat hangers, an automotive radio, copper pipe, and a large #5 plastic Kitty-Litter container complete with used kitty litter! TIED AND/OR UNEMPTIED PLASTIC BAGS WILL NO LONGER BE TOLERATED. A FINE OF $10 IS NOW AVAILABLE. Please empty the complying items from the plastic bag and then throw the plastic bag (recycle symbol #1 or #2 ONLY) into this container. If the plastic bag is not #1 or #2 plastic, then throw it down one of the trash chutes.

Did you know that many of the stores are now using #2 plastic bags? Look for example Wal-Mart, Shop Rite and Stop & Shop.

Another issue concerning the use of this container is how to put items into the container. Ever since Waste Management has replaced the container with one that has smaller openings, we have not been able to use the larger "half-pipe" chutes. Instead, we are using a single chute made from discarded garbage containers. Most people have taken this in stride. They are careful enough to "pour" their items down this chute without spilling anything on the ground below the walkway. Of course there are a few who are not as careful and it is more of a "throw" it down in there and you hear glass breaking or see things flying. This is no longer acceptable. The Transfer Station is to be kept as clean as possible. Wanton disregard for cleanliness and safety will not be tolerated. A FINE OF $10 IS NOW AVAILABLE. So for a few, please be more careful and perhaps slow down a bit and things will go smoother.

Scrap Metal Container

Scrap metal of any kind goes in this container. Generally, if an item has metal, it will go in this container. The exceptions to this are: metal cans that go in the Bottles and Cans container; a mounted automotive tire on a wheel goes in the Automotive Tire container not here; an empty and or dried Latex metal paint can goes in the Bulky Waste container not here. Any non-metallic items do not go here such as glass, paper and garbage for example.

Bulky Waste Container

There are two bulky waste containers at the transfer station. Bulky waste #1 is located in the lower yard, which allows for dumping from a dump truck. It is used primarily for construction debris such as roofing shingles. Bulky waste #2 is located in the upper yard and is used primarily for mattresses and furniture. When appropriate, the door may be opened for easier access when empty. As this container starts to be filled, the door must remain shut.

Items that can go into other containers such as trash, bottles and cans, cardboard and paper, or metal for example must not go in the bulky waste container.

Automotive Waste Oil Container

This container is used for 4-cycle engine waste oil only. This includes automotive, lawn mowers, snow blowers, rotor-tillers etc. Any other material is not allowed. Vegetable oil is not allowed. Antifreeze is not allowed. Brake fluid is not allowed. Any other automotive or non-automotive liquid or fluid is not allowed.

Please drain your automotive waste oil in the funnel provided. If you need to discard your empty containers, please throw them down one of the trash chutes.

If you have clean oil or clean oil containers please give this to the Superintendent. These items are used for routine maintenance at the Transfer Station with no cost to the Town.

Automotive Tires Container

Automotive tires go in this container. Tires may be mounted or not.

Please consider leaving your old tires at the tire business when you have new tires mounted on your vehicle. It may be cheaper and at least more convenient to leave them there.

“I thought tires were free.” Tires used to be free except for 20” tires. The State of Connecticut had a program where the State paid for disposal of the tires. That program has ended and now the town has to pay for each tire, that is why there is a charge now.

Fluorescent Bulbs Container

Please notify the Superintendent if you have any fluorescent bulbs. Please handle these with care.

Lead-Acid Battery Area

This area is for lead-acid batteries, which usually mean automotive and/or riding mower batteries. Please handle these with care.

The Transfer Station does not currently take NiCad batteries. We are working to allow this collection, storage and proper removal with no cost to you.

NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries are rechargeable batteries. They require proper disposal. Did you know that Cadmium in the environment has been linked to lung cancer? Please help when disposing of batteries (or the item itself) from cell phones, cordless phones and notebook computers.

Note

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens has identified cadmium and nickel. U.S. EPA classified cadmium as a "B1" probable human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recommended that cadmium be listed as a "2A" probable human carcinogen, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has proposed listing cadmium as an A2 carcinogen.

Repeated overexposures to cadmium may result in lung cancer, lung, kidney, and liver dysfunction, skeletal disease (e.g., osteoporosis) and reproductive toxicity. Chronic overexposure to nickel may result in cancer; dermal contact may result in dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Brush Area

This area is for brush only. BOARDS, PLYWOOD, TRASH OR ANYTHING ELSE IS NOT PERMITTED.

Brush can be any length but cannot exceed 4” in diameter at the widest point. Do not bring any stumps or any logs that exceed 4” diameter. The reason for this has to do with the burning permit issued by the State of Connecticut. A State inspector inspects the brush pile and any problems must be fixed before the pile can be burned.

Leaves Area

This area is for leaves only. Grass clippings are not allowed and in fact, the State DEP wants you to recycle your grass clippings in your own yard!

Please empty leaves from your bags if necessary. NO BAGS OR OTHER CONTAINERS ARE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN THIS AREA.

Freon-Appliances Area

The freon-appliances are usually air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers and refrigerators. These items go on a special pad to prevent leakage into the soil. THERE IS A COST TO YOU FOR LEAVING ONE OF THESE ITEMS, REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION OF THE APPLIANCE.

Freon contributes to the destruction of the Earth’s ozone layer. The ozone layer is important because it helps to filter out damaging rays from the Sun. Depletion of the ozone layer is contributing to an increase in human skin cancers and deaths. It is also being studied for long-term effects on other delicate ecosystems. These long-term effects are not known.

Please dispose of these items properly at the Transfer Station. Please bring the item without any modification. The cost you pay for these items is to cover the cost of a State of Connecticut certified technician to environmentally safe process the item before it can be removed.

Trash Containers

Blue bags containing household trash are put in the trash containers through a trash chute. Many other types of waste are put in these containers as well. Fiberglass insulation and sheetrock are NEVER allowed.

The Transfer Station has two (2) trash containers and trash chutes. These containers are designated trash chute one or simply chute one and trash chute two or simply chute two.

One or both trash chutes may be open or closed as described below:

One trash chute is open and is being filled. The other trash chute is closed and may be full or empty.
Note: If it is full, you may not be allowed to put small burnable construction debris or some types of furniture in the open trash chute. Blue bags of household trash have priority when both trash chutes are getting full.

Two trash chutes are open. One trash chute is being filled with normal material and the other empty chute may be filled with smaller burnable construction material or some types of furniture. This eliminates costly Bulky Waste expenses and contributes weight to the monthly tonnage quota at the incinerator. This saves our Town money!

Two trash chutes are open. One trash chute is being topped-off with blue bags and “soft�� material only. The other trash chute is being filled with “hard” material. Once the trash chute is topped-off and is full, it will be closed. This maximizes the load in the container and reduces trucking costs by reducing the number of truck trips. This saves our Town money!

In order for this to work, you need to follow the directions of the Superintendent. If you see a sign on one of the open trash chutes that says “Blue Bags Only”, please put blue bags and “soft” material in this chute.

Both trash chutes are full or jammed. This is very rare but in this event you will be asked to 1) come back later to give us time to free a jammed chute, or 2) put your blue bags and other trash in another location. YOU CANNOT LEAVE YOUR TRASH ON THE GROUND IN AN OPEN SPACE. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW! This has happened only once in the past three years. A trash chute was jammed for about an hour with vinyl siding. Most people were understanding and came back later. Thank you!

Each trash container is “packed” by means of a hydraulic ram. This action causes a flow of air (blowback) to come out the top of the trash chute. It may contain dust so please refrain from dwelling there. No fiberglass insulation is allowed for this reason. All fiberglass insulation goes in Bulky Waste usually at no charge.

Transfer Station Permit

You must obtain a permit before you may leave anything at the Transfer Station. Residents, businesses and property owners must show proof of residency or property ownership. Out-of-town contractors must show a building permit issued by the Town.

Health and Safety

The speed limit at the Transfer Station is 5 miles per hour at all times, coming in and going out. The purpose of this is twofold. First this is plenty fast enough in such a tiny area and create a very safe area for all people young and young-at-heart. The adage, “Safety is no accident”, starts with a safe speed by all. Secondly, this speed produces very little dust, which is the number one health hazard at the Transfer Station.

Speeding will not be tolerated. Two speeders have been asked to slow down with mixed success. One younger gentleman has been doing a good job controlling his speed while a very “mature” gentleman did fine for two weeks but is back on the NASCAR circuit. Perhaps a $10 fine will help him. “Peeling out” or skidding to a stop is also not allowed. Please do that somewhere else if you must but please do your part to help control dust while at the Transfer Station and operate your vehicle responsibly.

The orange cones have created a significant improvement in safety. If the cones are not there, you are not to get within ten feet of the fence. This will be strictly enforced. We had to take action to improve safety after several near misses of personal bodily harm. Unfortunately, one persons very new car did not come out without a scratch. Your front or rear bumper should not extend beyond the cones. This difference means about two or three steps. If you really have a hardship, we can work out a solution. One person claimed to have heart trouble and needed to park beyond the cones. I suggested backing in that would save him several feet instead of pulling in frontward!

If you tip a cone over—you are too close. If you run over a cone—you are definitely too close!

Transfer Station Not a Dump

The Transfer Station transfers all waste material to other location in a variety of ways. It is not a dump and specifically what this means to you is that you cannot litter. Littering is a $10 fine! You cannot throw anything on the ground while at the Transfer Station. If you make a mess putting your trash down the trash chute for example, you must clean it up or get a fine. You cannot sweep out your truck on the ground. You cannot use a gasoline powered air blower to clean out your vehicle. You will be asked to clean up this kind of litter. If you do not, you will be issued a $10 fine.

The State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations for running a Transfer Station specifically requires the station to be kept clean with no littering of any kind. Please cooperate and clean your vehicle somewhere else or bag your debris and properly dispose it.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Common household hazardous waste or HHW includes oil-based paints, thinners, pool chemicals, pesticides, mercury fever thermometers, and gasoline. Household hazardous wastes are never acceptable at the Transfer Station. Check the monthly paper, “Our Town” for locations and dates for HHW collections. Plan to collect HHW materials throughout the year for these collections. Also, be sure to bring proof of residency in the Town of Sprague so that the town will be appropriately billed for your HHW collection and disposal.

The last HHW collection for 2005 for our town is November 5, 2005, Ledyard, Dow Chemical, Route 12, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Please call, 464-9740, for more information.

Transfer Station Prices^*

Air Conditioner (any condition) $12.00
Air Conditioner (any piece) $12.00
Blue bags (sleeve of 5 bags, large 32/33 gallon) $6.25
Blue bags (sleeve of 5 bags, small 13/15 gallon) $3.00
Box Spring (youth) $5.00
Box Spring (twin 39x75) $5.00
Box Spring (twin xl 39x80) $5.00
Box Spring (full 54x75) $5.00
Box Spring (full xl 54x80) $5.00
Box Spring (queen 60x80) $10.00
Box Spring (queen split 30x80) $5.00 each
Box Spring (king 76x80) $10.00
Box Spring (king split 39x80) $5.00 each
Box Spring (California king 72x84) $10.00
Box Spring (California king split 36x84) $5.00 each
Box Spring (Western king 72x84) $10.00
Box Spring (Western king split 36x84) $5.00 each
Bulky Waste (business) $25.00 per cubic yard
Bulky Waste (contractor) $25.00 per cubic yard
Bulky Waste (landlord) $25.00 per cubic yard
Bulky Waste (resident) $10.00 per cubic yard
Chair (stuffed) $5.00
Chair (recliner) $5.00
Commercial Material See Bulky Waste
Computer CPU $0.00 No Charge
Construction Material See Bulky Waste
Couch See Sofa
Dehumidifier (any condition) $12.00
Dehumidifier (any piece) $12.00
Fine (non-complying usage) $10.00
Fine (illegal dumping) $200.00
Fine (littering) $10.00
Freezer (any condition) $12.00
Freezer (any piece) $12.00
Heat Pump (any condition) $7.00
Heat Pump (any piece) $7.00
Mattress (baby) Free
Mattress (youth) $5.00
Mattress (futon) $5.00
Mattress (twin 39x75) $5.00
Mattress (twin xl 39x80) $5.00
Mattress (full 54x75) $5.00
Mattress (full xl 54x80) $5.00
Mattress (queen 60x80) $10.00
Mattress (queen split 60x80) $10.00
Mattress (king 76x80) $10.00
Mattress (king split 78x80) $10.00
Mattress (California king 72x84) $10.00
Mattress (California king split 36x84) $5.00 each
Mattress (Western king 72x84) $10.00
Mattress (Western king split 36x84) $5.00 each
Monitor (computer) $0.00 No Charge
Monitor (floor model) $0.00 No Charge
Permit (town resident, 2 year permit) Free
Permit (town business, 2 year permit) Free
Permit (town property owner, 2 year permit) Free
Permit (out-of-town contractor, temporary permit) Free
Refrigerator (any condition) $12.00
Refrigerator (any piece) $12.00
Sink (non-metallic) $5.00
Sofa (love seat) $10.00
Sofa (three seat) $10.00
Sofa (four+ seat) $15.00
Sofa (convertible) $15.00
Sofa (sectional) $5.00 each section
Television $0.00 No Charge
Television (floor model) $0.00 No Charge
Tire (automotive and light truck under 20” un-mounted) $3.00
Tire (automotive and light truck under 20” mounted) $3.00
Tire (heavy truck 20” un-mounted) $12.00
Tire (heavy truck 20” mounted) $20.00
Tire (heavy equipment) not accepted
Tire (motorcycle un-mounted) $3.00
Tire (motorcycle mounted) $3.00
Toilet $5.00

*Prices are subject to change without notice.

Walter Bell

Superintendent

Please Help Us Recycle

The Town of Sprague has signed up to be a collection point for Rechargeable Batteries. These are NiCad(Nickel/Cadmium) batteries. These batteries are a problem in the waste stream because cadmium is a probable carcinogen. We will have boxes at the Transfer Station to receive these batteries.

- Cathy Osten, First Selectman