Section 5.
SOLID WASTE TRANSFER
5.1 Introduction. A solid waste transfer system becomes economical when
the overall cost of transfer station construction and operation and waste
haul to the disposal site in transfer vehicles is less than the cost of
direct haul in collection vehicles.
Solid waste transfer is not required at most bases since the distance
from the collection areas to the disposal site is generally short (e.g.,
less than 5 miles [8 kilometers]). In instances where the disposal site
might be located at a remote onsite location or at an off-base regional
facility, a transfer system could prove economical.
5.2 Types of Transfer Stations. There are several types of transfer
station systems commonly employed, which can be categorized into
noncompaction and compaction systems.
5.2.1 Noncompaction Systems. The direct dump to container system is the
most basic and simple form of transfer system. This system is employed
where small volumes (100 cubic yards [76 cubic meters] or less) of solid
wastes are handled. Container volumes range from about 15 to 55 cubic ya
(12 to 42 cubic meters). Full containers are replaced with empty ones, a
the full container is transported to the disposal site by tilt-frame truc
This type of system is advantageous because of low capital costs and simp
loading methods. However, because of the low solid waste densities (abou
200 pounds per cubic yard [112 kilograms per cubic material] obtained, sp
containers may be required to handle incoming waste during peak periods.
Also there are potential hazards associated with this method, including
leachate generation due to rainfall into the open box and the possibility
someone falling into the container while unloading solid waste.
With the dump into trailer method, solid waste is dumped from an
elevated area into trailers instead of drop boxes. It is more commonly u
than the drop box system. Trailers are available to handle up to and eve
over 130 cubic yards (100 cubic meters). Open-top trailers are less
expensive initially and require less maintenance than the alternative
compactor trailer types. Disadvantages of trailer systems are the same a
for the drop box systems except haul costs are less due to the larger loa
Once the solid waste is in the trailer, it is generally leveled and furth
compacted by a backhoe or similar tamping device.
At the disposal site, various methods are used to unload the trailers
with the most efficient being the live bottom trailer. The floor of thes
trailers consists basically of a conveyor or other active type floor syst
which, when activated, automatically unloads the trailer.
There are several methods commonly employed to feed waste into transf
trailers, including the methods described below.
5.10-27
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