Overview
A solid waste transfer station is a facility that receives waste from a community where it is consolidated by transferring it to a larger vehicle for more efficient and economical transport, to another waste management facility for disposal or recycling.
Transfer stations in Alberta are typically used to:
- economically transport waste to a distant landfill
- increase municipal collection efficiency
- provide convenient drop-off locations for residents
- reduce traffic volume at a landfill
Transfer stations are more commonly used as multi-purpose facilities that include storage of:
- recyclable materials
- household hazardous waste collection depots
- collection points for organic compost feedstock (in some cases)
Technical guidance manual
The Alberta government has developed a technical guidance manual to promote best practices in the design and operation of municipal waste transfer stations in Alberta. The manual provides assistance with planning, design and operation of transfer stations. It also provides information on alternative transfer station system designs and their application within rural, urban and regional waste management systems.