November’s windstorms generated a conversation about how Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District should cope with power failures. When the Nov. 2 windstorm left the transfer station without power for four days, Station Manager Steve Lewis considered shutting down the facility if the problem persisted. At the Nov. 7 board of trustees meeting, Lewis proposed buying a generator to bypass future outages.

Lewis received two proposals from Sam’s Electric in Boothbay for a small and large generator. The smaller one, a Kohler 20kw for $12,500, would allow for filling compactors to 75% capacity and would power the office. The larger generator is a Kohler liquid-cooled 30Kw for $25,000. This model would allow for completely filling the compactors and powering the office. Trustees discussed the pros and cons of buying either, until member Chuck Cunningham asked which account would be used. 

“The only place is from capital, but I don’t think we have the money available at this time,” Lewis said. The trustees tabled the purchase until spring.

In other action, Lewis reported progress in finding a place to accept the burgeoning supply of returnable bottles and cans. The district is transporting returnable containers to Bootleggers in Topsham and Damon’s in Augusta. “We still have two 50-yard containers full, but we are hoping to take them to both places as well,” he said. As of Oct. 31, district officials reported redeeming over $9,000 in returnables. 

Lewis also reported about a Giles Rubbish truck repair. One of the Hino trucks needs a new diesel particulate filter and repairs on the injectors. Lewis estimated repair costs at $10,000. 

Giles Rubbish also needs an all-terrain forklift or a tractor. Lewis received approval to buy a suitable piece of equipment with Chairman Gary Farnham’s approval.

The district’s holiday hours will operate the same as last year’s. The transfer station will operate until noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and close on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 in the business office.