Waste transfer stations

A solid waste transfer station is simply 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, and in some cases collection points for organic materials destined for composting sites.

Alberta Environment has developed a technical guidance manual to promote best practices in the design and operation of municipal waste transfer stations in Alberta. The manual will provide assistance with planning, design and operation of transfer stations. It will also provides information on alternative transfer station system designs and their application within rural and urban waste management systems, and within regional waste management systems.