Everything You Never Knew About The Recycling Process

Have you ever wondered what happens to that plastic jar you rinse and recycle? Where does it go after your garbage service picks it up? Here's what you need to know about the recycling process and recycling transfer stations.

What is the purpose of the transfer station?

The purpose of a transfer station is to provide a safe and effective way to transfer waste from one location to another. Transfer stations are often used to move the waste from collection trucks to larger disposal vehicles, such as trains or barges. By using a transfer station, waste can be consolidated and transported more efficiently, which can help reduce overall costs.

What are the different types of transfer stations?

There are two main types of transfer stations:

  • Type I transfer stations. These transfer stations are typically used to transfer waste from smaller vehicles, such as garbage trucks, to larger ones for further transport.
  • Type II transfer stations. At Type II transfer stations, waste is consolidated from multiple small vehicles before it is transferred to a larger disposal vehicle.

Transfer stations are just one of many steps in the waste disposal system. 

How do transfer stations work?

Transfer stations typically have two loading docks, One dock is used for incoming waste while the other dock is used for outgoing waste. Waste is first brought to the incoming dock, where it is sorted. Once the waste is sorted, it is then transferred to the outgoing dock and loaded onto the larger disposal vehicle.

What happens at a recycling transfer station?

Recycling transfer stations work similarly to regular transfer stations, but with one key difference. Instead of sorting waste for disposal, recycling transfer stations sort waste for recycling, further processing, and eventual re-use. Recycling transfer stations typically have three loading docks: one for incoming recyclables, one for outgoing recyclables, and one for garbage.

Incoming recyclables are sorted and then transferred to the outgoing dock, where they are loaded onto a recycling truck. The garbage is then sorted and transferred to the outgoing dock, where it is loaded onto a garbage truck.

What happens to recyclables after they leave the transfer station?

Recyclable materials are transported to a materials recovery facility (MRF), where they are sorted further and baled or shredded into small pieces. Finally, the sorted recyclables are sent to manufacturers where they are made into new products.

Recycling transfer stations play an important role in waste management. 

For more information, visit a transfer station like Nevada Recycling & Salvage.


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