In May, nearly two dozen concerned transfer station “pickers” voiced concerns about a potential policy change on trash scavenging. But nearly two months after Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District trustees limited “picking” to a front section pile, trustees have heard nothing but praise. Chairman Jody Lewis  reported July 13 the changes have been well-received by the public. “I’ve heard nothing but good things,” he said. “Everything is more organized, and everybody seems to love the changes.”

In other action, Station Manager Steve Lewis reported the biomass facility in Hampden was purchased. The refuse district is a member of the Municipal Review Committee which formed in 1991 to manage municipal solid waste. In 2018, the MRC became partners with Fiberight to operate a biomass facility. But the new venture was plagued by management problems and remained closed for most of the past five years. Lewis announced a new owner plans to begin operation in 2025. 

Lewis told trustees the plant built for about $80 million was sold to Innovative Resource Recovery for $3.5 million. Under the sale terms, the MRC will continue to own the Hampden property and Innovative Resource Recovery owns the plant with an option to buy the land. “They still have about an additional $20 million in startup costs,” Lewis said. “They have to check all the equipment and machinery to make sure it works. They also must take care of all the previous liens.” The MRC previously contracted to send its solid waste to the PERC (Penobscot Energy Recovery Co.) plant in Orrington. But that is no longer an option for Maine municipalities. “They are in bankruptcy so for the foreseeable future everybody will be sending their refuse to a landfill,” he said. 

The board of trustees has new leadership. Former Chairman Gary Farnham of Boothbay Harbor resigned last month and was replaced by Julia Latter to serve as a trustee. Her term expires in 2024. Last month, trustees elected Jody Lewis of Boothbay as chairman and Chuck Cunningham of Boothbay as vice-chairman. 

Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 in the refuse center business office.