What is a waste transfer station and how do they work?

Posted 1 week ago

What is a waste transfer station and how do they work?

Understanding what a waste transfer station is and how waste transfer stations work is important for anyone involved in waste management and construction. This is because they are beneficial for disposing of general waste and recyclable materials. Hurleys are suppliers of a variety of recycled aggregates, including crushed concrete.

This guide will explain what a waste transfer station is by introducing the concept and its role. We’ll also explain how waste transfer stations work and the importance of these facilities in recycling and reducing landfill waste.

What is a waste transfer station?

A waste transfer station is a location where users can dispose of their general waste and recyclable materials. The materials are then sorted and separated into larger containers ready to be transported to other destinations where they will be recycled, given further treatment or disposed of completely.

Waste transfer stations are ideal for commercial and industrial waste. These sites act as a midway point in the recycling process and comply with UK environmental regulations, such as the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. So, how do waste transfer stations work? Let’s find out.

How do they work?

A waste transfer station can seem quite complex if you haven’t used one before. Therefore, we have compiled a breakdown of the process to help you understand how waste transfer stations work.

1. Arrive and weigh: Waste collection vehicles arrive at the site and go to the scales. 
2. Unloading the waste: The waste is taken off the vehicle and screened to help identify any hazardous materials that cannot be recycled, which we then remove.
3. Additional sorting: The waste will then be separated and sorted into sections based on its material, recyclability, and size.
4. Reload: The separated recycled materials are placed into a larger vehicle and transported to the next destination.

The importance of a waste transfer station

Our Potters Bar Waste Transfer Station handles over 25,000 tonnes of waste annually. Over 90% of this waste is recycled. The waste transfer stations have a myriad of benefits:

• Environmental impact: Over 90% of waste collected is recycled, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural resources. It reduces the overall amount of waste sent to landfill sites. Compiling the waste onto larger vehicles saves lots of smaller trucks and cars completing the same journey. It can also help combat fly tipping.
• Cost efficiency: Consolidating waste at transfer stations reduces transport costs by minimising long-haul journeys.
• Safety: We remove azardous materials.
• Easy access: Our waste transfer station is easily accessible. We accommodate vehicles of all sizes, from 18-tonne trucks to standard cars, so everyone can use them and recycle their materials. There is no need to make an appointment to use the waste transfer station.
• Compliance: Hurleys Waste Management holds a Certificate of Registration under the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.

Now that you know what a waste transfer station is and how waste transfer stations work, it’s worth finding one that is local to you. Our Potters Bar Waste Transfer Station disposes of general waste and recyclable materials across Hertfordshire, North London and Home Counties.

At Hurleys Skip Hire, we’re here to support your site with professional, reliable Skip Hire, recycling services, and a commitment to responsible waste disposal. Contact us today and help us recycle as much waste as possible. 

 

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