Waldoboro, Cushing and Friendship are facing, for the first time, a Transfer Station budget that will exceed $1 million.

On Friday, May 3, the Cushing/Friendship/Waldoboro Transfer Station Committee will hold a public meeting seeking input from community members on potential solutions to this problem.

There are several factors contributing to the increased cost of operating the transfer station.

The cost of transporting trash has gone up from $400 per trip in 2018 to $523 in 2024, and the fee for dumping trash has increased from $77 per ton six years ago to more than $90 per ton today.

Recycling, which is more cost-effective than throwing trash away, has become less common since COVID. Today, only about 15% of the community’s trash is recycled.

And, overall, the garbage produced in the towns has increased, too. In 2016, the transfer station handled about 2,500 tons per year. Today, that number has grown to more than 3,500 tons.

“If we all agree there’s a problem, how do we solve it,” ask the meeting organizers. “Please help us figure that out by joining us on Friday, May 3. We’ll all benefit from your input.”

The public meeting of the Cushing/Friendship/Waldoboro Transfer Station Committee will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, in the Waldoboro Town Office. Residents are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 832-5369 or go to waldoboromaine.org.