The following reflects the total tonnage of waste that Gilford has produced and shipped to the Penacook Incinerator for disposal since 2002:
2002 ……………… 7,156 tons
2003 ……………… 7,564 tons
2004 ……………… 7,108 tons
2005 ……………… 7,022 tons
2006 ……………… 7,468 tons
While it appears that we may be reducing our output ever so slightly, we pay $56.78 for every ton of garbage that we produce and ship to the incinerator. Our cost to put it on the tipping floor of the incinerator is $42.50, while the cost to ship from the Laconia Transfer station to the incinerator is $14.28/ton. Both of these figures make up our $56.78/ton charge. Any cost that the homeowner may incur in contracting to have their garbage picked up and transported to the Laconia Transfer Station is in addition to the above costs that is shared in all our taxes. As you can see, garbage has become a very large part of our yearly operational cost.
Due to the rural nature of Gilford there is no publicly sponsored curb-side collection. Trash must be delivered to the Laconia Transfer Station and then shipped to the Penacook Incinerator that is shared by 26 other communities. While this cost may sound extreme, as compared to other parts of the country, we manage a very enviable cost per ton that other would prefer to have. But, as reasonable as it may be, we need to reduce our yearly tonnage by being responsible citizens and become more aggressive in our recycling efforts. Gilford has a recycling center and will, this year, expand it services to allow a greater amount of trash to be recycled out of the waste stream.
Our per ton cost of disposal will only increase in coming years and we must do our part in keeping our costs low. Ways that you can contribute is to begin a back yard composting effort. We can assist you with information on this. Smart purchasing of packaged items so that there is less waste due to excess wrappings and shipping materials would be beneficial. Also, you can take advantage of our other recycling options listed under the recycling section of this website.
Please help by reducing your yearly trash output. It is estimated that each person produces about a ton of waste each year. Do your part in helping to keep our costs down in this area.
Call our office (603)527-4778 with any questions or concerns you may have.
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