DERRY — The town boasts an admirable recycling rate — 38 percent. But it could be even better with an expanded and updated facility, officials said last week.
Public Works Director Michael Fowler and Recycling Coordinator Joanie Cornetta came before the Town Council to begin discussion on a plan to make the transfer station bigger and better.
The project could cost about $3 million.
"The existing transfer station is outdated," Fowler said. "The building is not in good condition."
The main building dates back to 1980 and is undersized for Derry's current population, he said. Items are stolen, materials blow around in the wind and the traffic flow plan makes for some drop-off snags as well, Fowler said.
"There is a need for a new facility," he said. "It's not a sightly situation; it is a constant battle."
Derry started mandatory recycling in the 1990s. Last year, Derry processed 8,562 tons of trash.
"We doing much better than the average," Fowler said.
The statewide average recycling rate is about 24 percent, he said. But having a newer — and larger — facility could make those numbers even better.
A covered building with more separation areas could bring in an added $200,000 a year in recycling savings, Fowler said.
Getting people to recycle more is key.
Maria Toomey recycles everything she can. She said the transfer station staff is very helpful, even making sure her dog gets his weekly cookies.
"He looks forward to going," she said.
Randee Martin, a member of the Derry Garden Club, said transfer station workers donate extra greens and branches at the holidays for gardeners to use for their projects and civic beautification.
Both she and Toomey said the more people recycle, the more the town profits.
"Recycling does make money for the town, it really does," Martin said.
Cornetta said it's a matter of educating the public about the importance of recycling.
With space so tight at the transfer station, it's difficult to put more recycling practices into effect.
Cornetta said the town needs new space so more recycling can be done.
"If people see a nice neat facility, they'll keep it neat, they'll sort," Cornetta said. "I believe if it's a mess in the rain, people don't care."
Fowler said he hoped the town would support the plan. A new facility could be online by November 2013.
"We've put a lot of thought into it," he said. "There is a lot of potential here and it would be a benefit to the town."
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