Westport Coronavirus: Transfer Station Workers Can't Help You

WESTPORT, CT — Residents should not expect staff at the Westport Transfer Station to assist them with refuse drop-offs, and they should avoid bringing bulky waste items for which they would need assistance unloading, as the community grapples with the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

Public Works Director Peter Ratkiewich announced the new policy on Tuesday "to facilitate social distancing" at the station.

In the past week, Westport has been the Connecticut community hardest hit by confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 20 people contracting the virus as of Monday, according to First Selectman Jim Marpe. Connecticut as a whole had more than 40 confirmed cases as of Monday.

"While the Transfer Station remains open, Transfer Station personnel have been instructed to refrain from coming into contact with either individuals or refuse brought to the station by residents," Ratkiewich said in a statement. "As a result, they will not be assisting residents with the removal or disposal of solid waste from vehicles. Residents should not bring bulky waste items that require uploading assistance and should keep these items at home until this protocol is lifted."

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The new no-interaction and bulky waste requirements are expected to remain in effect until at least March 31, or possibly longer. Additionally, the department also is requiring the following:

• Residents bringing smaller waste items to the Transfer Station must deposit their solid waste directly into the hopper, and discharge recycling directly in to the single stream bins.
• Plastic bags are not allowed in the single stream recycling.
• Residents are also reminded not to congregate at the Transfer Station and to exit the facility once they have disposed of their solid waste.

"During this time, all fees and collection of refuse tickets will be waived," Ratkiewich added. "The cooperation and patience of the public is requested."