Canton Looks to Sell Tokens Directly at Transfer Station

At some point in the future, it’s likely Canton residents will be able to purchase bulky waste tokens at the town’s transfer station.

The tokens are sold for large bulky items such as mattresses or construction materials, or brush. Fees vary based on the items and amount being disposed.

Currently residents must purchase them at the town clerk’s office. However, some residents come to the transfer station with loads, not realizing that, Chief Administrative Officer Robert Skinner said at a recent meeting. 

“When you have a truck full of stuff it doesn’t go over that well,” he said of the tokens not being available at the transfer station itself, especially on Saturdays.

Purchasing them at the transfer station would also simply be more convenient, he added.

"I certainly think (residents) would appreciate it,” Skinner said.

While the solid waste committee recommended the idea in the past, the town initially looked into a vending type machine that would accept credit cards, Skinner said. 

While security and maintenance seemed to be issues with such a system mobile card readers attached to smart phones are working well for many municipalities and businesses, Skinner said.

In addition, the transfer station now has a secure location for the items and the technology comes with good ways to verify what is sold, he said.

While there are some fees, such as the cost of a phone and a 2.75-percent per swipe charge for credit cards major credit cards, Skinner said he believes it would be worth it. The town could also accept checks but would likely stay away from cash, Skinner said.

At the meeting, Skinner did not have an exact timeline for the expected change.