Back To Index | Cheshire County USA
The technological revolution has provided one thing in abundance - information. Supposedly, all this information helps to make decisions, but there is, on occasion, too much information as well as information without context. The ability to sift through the overwhelming amount of information and reach a cogent decision is a skill needed for effective management. Such is the information overload when it comes to trash disposal. Although the final disposition is fairly simple - landfill, incineration and in some cases, compost, the logistics of handling the various waste streams through collection, processing and disposal are complex. All of the decisions must factor environmental and economic impacts.
The recently completed Keene Solid Waste Plan, developed by an Ad-Hoc Committee formed by the Mayor, serves as a guide to what will happen to a large portion of the 33,439 tons of discards generated in the Keene area once the landfill closes. The one sure thing is that disposal prices will increase. Looking at disposal prices in the Northeast, a pattern has emerged:
State Average Tipping Fee
Vermont $51.33 Rhode Island $40.80 New Hampshire $50.67 Maine $46.26 |
Massachusetts $53.84 Connecticut $65.36 New York $76.58 Note: Average prices as of April 1997 |
Within the next two years, most of the unlined landfills located throughout the Northeast will be closed down, forcing communities to haul to a permitted landfill or incinerator. A cursory review of communities already transferring waste in New Hampshire shows an average tipping fee of $52.99 per ton, which is $2.32 higher than the "average" New Hampshire tipping fee. Tipping fees have actually decreased in the last year as the disposal business becomes more competitive. However, as options for disposal become more limited, the laws of supply and demand will result in higher tipping fees.
The way to combat the inevitable higher tipping fees is to begin reducing, reusing, recycling and composting. If the Keene landfill were to close tomorrow, we would be forced to transfer approximately 90% of our refuse to some distant landfill or incinerator. Doesn't it make more sense to reduce the amount to be transferred to 60% or less? The good news is that you have control over what happens in the future. Take advantage of Keene's outstanding recycling facility, start backyard composting, buy products that will last. It does make a difference.
Note: Charlie says - "The United States comprises five percent of the world's population, yet uses 40 percent of the world's resources."
Duncan Watson is the solid waste coordinator
for the Keene Public Works Department.