The average person in the developed world generates almost 2.6 pounds of garbage a day. As the Great Pacific Garbage patch and other monuments of pollution demonstrate, proper waste management is crucial for the health of the planet. Unfortunately, operating and maintaining these facilities can be very expensive. Based on World Bank estimates, waste management currently comprises up to 50 percent of some municipal budgets. To minimize the financial burden, cities and private sector entities alike are creating more efficient and sustainable transfer stations. When designing a cost-effective and safe waste transfer facility there are many strategies and models to keep in mind.

Location, Location, Location

First and foremost, location is key -- especially when taking collection routes and disposal sites into consideration. While cost-effectiveness will vary from facility to facility, “transfer stations generally become economically viable when the hauling distance to the disposal facility is greater than 15 to 20 miles,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Estimated scale is another important initial design consideration. An unnecessarily large facility may be a huge upfront construction cost just to be underutilized, whereas an undersized facility can be plagued by operational bottlenecks. How large will a facility need to be to accommodate the service area population?

“A useful exercise is calculating how much tipping floor space a facility would require to store a full day’s waste in case of extreme emergency. One approach to estimating the required tipping floor space is to begin with a base area of 4,000 square feet and add to it 20 square feet for each ton of waste received in a day (assuming the waste will be temporarily piled 6 feet high on the tipping floor),” per the EPA.

Plan with the Future in Mind

It is probably obvious that estimations of the daily and weekly waste volume would be important when designing a waste transfer station. A savvy planner remembers to include room for growth and a possible rapid expansion as the community grows. In essence, when constructing the facility, planners shouldn’t be building the waste transfer station needed today or tomorrow, but for the next decade and beyond. Therefore, the projected population growth of an area is just as relevant as the current service area population to the overall design. “In a region with annual population growth of 3 to 4 percent, a facility anticipating a 20- year operating life would typically be designed for about twice the capacity that it uses in its first year of operation,” per the EPA.

There are Many Transfer Configurations to Consider

The main transfer area can be configured and utilized in different ways to adequately manage both the scale of the operation and the types of materials being processed. Any of these models will have pros and cons. For example, directly dumping shipments into a transfer vehicle will minimize the need for secondary compaction machinery, but will limit the ability to screen waste beforehand. Furthermore, this method doesn't offer short-term storage and during peak hours long queuing should be expected, especially if the main transfer area doesn’t offer ample unloading stalls.

Unloading directly onto the tipping floor, on the other hand, requires a pretty basic interior arrangement and such a layout is appropriate for both small and large waste transfer stations. This method is acceptable for all types of waste and also makes it easier for personnel to screen items beforehand, however, additional machinery is required to then reload this material for transport.

Safety is Key

Regardless of which transfer configuration is utilized, the space must be designed with safety in mind, due to the potentially dangerous combination of personnel, machinery, and vehicles operating within the main transfer area. Larger commercial vehicles often come with larger blind spots, which may increase the risk of collision during unloading and backing. Unloading areas may include both commercial vehicles and public vehicles, so measures should be taken to minimize inadvertent collision and injury. Separate entrances and exits for commercial vehicles and public vehicles can be incorporated into the overall traffic pattern. It’s also logistically important to include a bypass lane alongside the queue lines to accommodate emergency vehicles and personnel.

Respect Your Neighbors

No matter if this waste transfer station is serving a rural population or a densely populated urban area, this facility will function as an integral part of the larger community and a little goodwill goes a long way. Thoughtful and mindful initiatives range from design strategies focused on optimal air quality to minimizing noise pollution. For example, installing two-door vestibule systems at facility entrances and exits may help control foul odors. Closed trailers and transfer vehicles can also mitigate odor issues. Additionally, many waste transfer facilities begin operations in the early morning and continue into the evening and the constant industrial noise can become a nuisance especially for facilities in or near residential areas. “The principal way to reduce the effects of high-decibel noise in enclosed tipping areas is to apply a sound-absorbing finish over some ceiling and wall surface areas. Typically, spray-on acoustical coatings are used,” according to the EPA.

Finally, controlling litter in and around the facility is imperative for all waste transfer facilities. This is especially true for materials that may have fallen off transfer vehicles as well as loose windblown tipping floor materials. There are many basic steps waste transfer sites can implement, including the use of covered transfer vehicles and ensuring these vehicles are properly maintained and leak-proof. A fence around the perimeter of the property can also contain loose refuse. Daily patrols around the premises to collect stray materials and to ensure these items are placed in the proper receptacles are highly recommended.

There are many potential approaches to consider when laying the groundwork for an efficient and safe waste transfer station.While there remains no one-size-fits-all blueprint to follow, having the right tools and accessories onsite is always key. With this in mind, Trashcans Unlimited offers affordable prices on durable commercial and decorative trash cans and is a trustworthy source for all trash can needs.