Berlin Launches Food Waste Composting at Transfer Station, Signs Deal With Black Earth

BERLIN — July 7, 2026 — Berlin Board of Health launches curbside-style food waste composting at the transfer station and leaves a hauler contract unsigned over prevailing wage questions. The board announced a new agreement with Black Earth Composting for weekly pickup of food waste totes now installed at the Berlin transfer station, where residents may deposit scraps in compostable bags or reusable containers; transfer station attendant Stan has been actively promoting the program since its launch days ago. A contract with longtime waste hauler BP remains unsigned because the town's interim Town Administrator required both a performance bond and documentation of prevailing wage compliance for drivers — a requirement board members called logistically difficult given that BP trucks service multiple municipalities per route. A real-time search during the meeting found the applicable Worcester County Zone B truck driver base wage at $41.95 to $42.02 per hour, close to the $40 to $45 range BP drivers reportedly already earn. The board also agreed to require a Title 5 inspection and systematic pumping at 21 Walnut in lieu of a tank replacement due July 30, and directed staff to send a new certified letter to the owner of 136 Peach Hill Road over longstanding unresolved violations.