Transfer Station sticker “discount” period through September 15

Right: The DPW’s new collection box is convenient for driving by to drop off your transfer station “mail-in” permit. (Photo from town website)

Department of Public Works began selling 2015-16 Transfer Station permit stickers.

This year is the first that they are offering a Recycling Only permit for $50. (Thanks to a citizen’s petition at Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen’s support.)

Whether you are purchasing the Recycling permit or the full Transfer Station access, don’t forget to register by September 15.

After that, a late fee will apply. (Or, as marketed by DPW, get it early for a discount!) Click here for the rate sheet.

If you are reading this post, you must have internet access. For most residents, the easiest way for you to pay may be online. But you should know:

• You can’t register online if you are a senior, have moved here within the last 6 months, or lease your car.
  
• Credit card payment costs an extra $10 in convenience fees
• Paying by electronic check (providing your bank routing # and checking account # ) only costs an extra 25¢.

For those of you using the “mail in” form:

• If you are eligible to pay online – don’t walk-in the office. That would cost you an extra $10-20. (Exception – seniors and brand new residents don’t have to pay that fee.)
• For those of you who griped about buying a stamp in the past – you don’t have to mail it. You can just drive by and drop it off in their shiny aluminum collection box. (Please don’t use the black mailbox!)
• Make sure you include copies of all necessary “proofs”. (I’ve been advised that for seniors whose spouse have a different last name, proof should include some kind of proof of marriage.)

Avoiding future costs: 

• Apply for your 2nd car at the same time, even if you’re not sure you’ll use it. 2nd permits are included for free with original application. But a $10 fee applies if you register at a later time.
• If you change cars during the year, be sure to save the original sticker! (Even if all you manage to scrape off are shavings.) The rules now state:
  • A replacement sticker with return of the original sticker is free.
  • Replacing the permit for the same license plate # without returning original costs $10.
  • If you don’t have the original sticker, plus it is for a new plate #, the cost is $25.*

To read the new regulations, click here.

For more information, check the DPW’s Transfer Station page here.