An equipment accident has temporarily disrupted operations at Harpswell’s A. Dennis Moore Recycling Center and Transfer Station. The facility remains open to accept trash and compost, but can’t take recycling or returnables.
The facility’s manager, Chuck Perow, said in an email to the Harpswell Select Board that the electrical system powering the trash compactors was damaged around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday while he was clearing ice buildup outside with a backhoe.
The machine slid on the ice and struck the building with its front bucket, damaging a conduit and causing the compactors’ electrical system to shut down.
Perow said major electrical components inside the building were spared, but the damage will prevent the station from accepting recycling or cans and bottles.
The town notified residents of the issue Wednesday. Repairs were scheduled to begin Friday. Perow said he hoped to have full service restored by early next week, “if not sooner.”
Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said the town has contacted its insurer to determine whether the repairs will be covered.
