Niskayuna Transfer Station to Close Due to Low Usage and Financial Constraints
Supervisor: "We’re Losing Money"
NISKAYUNA, N.Y. – Close to 200 households in Niskayuna have permits to use the Recycling and Transfer Center, but according to Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion, not enough residents are taking advantage of the service. In fact, the town is spending around $28,000 per year, which is a significant loss.
"We were looking at a very small amount of residents who are using the transfer station, and spending in one year about $28,000 that we lost," said Cassady-Dorion. "If we did keep it open, we would probably have to more than double our fees just to pay for upgrades to the infrastructure and then the everyday costs."
Options for Residents
For residents who currently use the transfer station, there are other options available. The Schenectady transfer station and Clifton Park transfer station are nearby, and while they may not be as close, they are larger entities that can absorb costs better than the small transfer station in Niskayuna.
Creative Solutions for Non-Home Garbage Pickup
For residents who cannot have garbage pickup at their homes, Supervisor Cassady-Dorion is working with the highway team to come up with creative solutions. This may include alternative arrangements for residents who have driveway placement or road issues that make traditional garbage pickup difficult.
Conclusion
The Niskayuna Transfer Station will close on March 31, 2025, if the 2025 budget is approved. While this may seem like a setback for some residents, the town is hoping to use the funds saved to reduce the tax rate increase from 4.5% to 3%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Niskayuna Transfer Station closing?
A: The station is closing due to low usage and financial constraints. The town is spending around $28,000 per year, which is a significant loss.
Q: What options do residents have for garbage disposal?
A: Residents can use the Schenectady transfer station or Clifton Park transfer station, which are nearby and larger entities that can absorb costs better than the small transfer station in Niskayuna.
Q: What happens to residents who cannot have garbage pickup at their homes?
A: Supervisor Cassady-Dorion is working with the highway team to come up with creative solutions for residents who have driveway placement or road issues that make traditional garbage pickup difficult.
