The construction of significant improvements at the Swanzey Recycling Center on Pine Street is expected to begin on July 5th and last through most of the rest of 2023. The Recycling Center has not seen major improvements for decades and the Town has been planning for and working on the redesign for several years. This project will make the Recycling Center a safer and more comfortable place for both residents and employees. It will also make the facility more flexible to be able to react to the recycling markets and ensure the Town is generating as much revenue as possible.

When completed, this project will provide residents with a 3-lane covered drive-through for protection from the elements year-round, more sorting windows, and an ADA compliant public restroom at the north end of the building. Changes include extending out the roof of the existing building to create a 3-lane drive through with a C&D, compost, and brush slip lane before the building. Moving the glass recycling station to the main building will prevent residents from crossing back and forth between vehicles. Recyclables will be pre-sorted and dropped off by residents into a series of bunkers and sorting stations.

The Board of Selectmen awarded this contract to TCD Construction of Peterborough using funds allocated to Swanzey under the American Rescue Plan Act, American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated to the Town from Cheshire County, the Recycling Center Capital Reserve Fund (which voters appropriate money to annually), and the Recycling Revolving Fund (which generates money from the sale of recycled materials).

During construction the Town expects to largely be able to maintain operations using a temporary lane around the construction area. There may be times when operating days or hours have to change, however the Town will try to limit those and will provide the public with as much notice as possible. The Town appreciates residents’ patience and cooperation during the construction process.