As many in our community know, Recycling Services Inc. has been a long-standing presence on Industrial Boulevard, playing a key role in Claremont’s waste management efforts by accepting recyclable materials. However, their operations have been the subject of significant public scrutiny in recent years due to their interest in expanding to include a transfer station for Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials.
This journey began over five years ago when Recycling Services Inc. first applied to the city of Claremont to establish a C&D transfer station. This initial proposal was brought before the Claremont Planning Board in May 2019, sparking intense public debate. During a series of hearings, residents expressed both support and concern over the potential environmental, logistical and regulatory impacts of such an expansion. Ultimately, amid growing opposition, Acuity Management, parent company, withdrew their application in August 2019.
Fast forward to 2022, and Recycling Services, Inc. reinitiated their efforts, this time seeking approval through the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). City Planner deForest Bearse, relying on guidance from state and local organizations — including the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Solid Waste Management Bureau — determined that the city’s ordinances lacked a specific definition for a transfer station. Based on this ambiguity, Bearse concluded that a variance would be required for Acuity’s proposed operations.
The ZBA unanimously denied Acuity’s appeal, citing a lack of clarity in the application and the absence of a state permit. Board member Mike Lemieux, who recused himself from voting but spoke as a resident, emphasized the importance of state approval as a prerequisite for any local decision. He stated, “Until they show us a state permit that says we have a permit in hand and now we are asking to give us a variance, I believe that deForest is accurate.” Following the ZBA’s decision, Acuity filed a lawsuit to contest the ruling.
Progress on the lawsuit has since stalled, as both parties await a critical determination from NHDES. The state agency is tasked with deciding whether the proposed facility qualifies as a “recycling center” under existing regulations and whether it can legally accept and transfer C&D materials.
In late 2024, Acuity secured a Type I-A permit modification from NHDES, prompting the agency to schedule a public hearing in Claremont. This hearing, set for Feb. 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Claremont Opera House, will allow residents to share their perspectives on Acuity’s request to increase its capacity and handle C&D materials. The proposal includes sorting recyclable materials from C&D waste and transferring them to other facilities via truck or rail for further processing or disposal.
This hearing is a pivotal moment for our community. While Claremont will host the event, the decision ultimately rests with the state of New Hampshire. It’s a unique opportunity for residents to voice their concerns or support, ensuring that the outcome aligns with our community’s values and priorities.
I strongly encourage all residents to attend the Feb. 6 hearing, whether in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. Details about the application and the public notice are available on the NHDES website. By participating, we can help shape the future of Claremont and ensure that decisions reflect our community’s best interests.
Let’s come together as a community to engage in this critical discussion and make our voices heard.