Stonington -- The town has announced that beginning Monday, it will increase the number of people who will be allowed to bring items to the transfer station by appointment.

At the beginning of last month, after record numbers of people not adhering to social distancing recommendations began coming to the transfer station, the town instituted an appointment system to limit the number of people who would be at the transfer station at any one time. It also closed the station on Sundays. The system, designed to protect the safety and employees and residents, was criticized by some residents on social media.

The town has announced that it will now double the number of appointments allowed each day and will resume Sunday hours, also by appointment. Residents will still have to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Beginning Monday, the transfer station will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents must call (860) 535-5088 weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon to schedule their time slot. The town again asked residents to be patient as there is only one phone line at the station. It also does not have staff available to take appointments on weekends. There is also no internet service at the transfer station so the town can not take online appointments.

The town thanked residents “who have been patient and flexible with us during this challenging time.”

“We are taking these steps to ensure the health of our workers and residents. As some municipalities still have fully closing their transfer station, or made changes that would require additional funds, we are striving to keep ours open in a fiscally prudent manner to continue to serve residents and small businesses,” stated the town in announcing the changes.