Gallatin and New Lebanon Transfer Stations Closed Indefinitely.

Both the Gallatin and New Lebanon Transfer Stations will remain closed indefinitely. This decision was made during the April public works committee meeting. According to the director of Columbia County Solid Waste, Wendy Madsen, the Gallatin station did not produce enough waste to continue to operate a trash compactor, which helps fit more waste in a single dumpster, thus reducing the number of dumpsters needing to be exchanged over a given time. As a result, waste was lingering, attracting pests (flies, scavengers, etc.), creating the potential for health concern.

Per Wendy Madsen, using uncompacted dumpsters and changing them out more frequently costs more in transportation fees. Although both the Gallatin and New Lebanon sites have the lowest operating cost per ton, rising transportation costs and the need for more dumpsters make these stations fiscally unsustainable using the current configuration of the operations.

Let us hope that the solid waste subcommittee and public works committee will continue to pursue other options to help restore services to our residents. If you have questions or want to voice your concerns, please contact Solid Waste at 518-828-2737. Additional information about services, fees, and station hours, please check out the website: Solid Waste