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Transfer stations must handle the peak arrival rate, not the average, because collection vehicles return in clusters at the end of rounds. Handling plant is sized on peak hourly throughput and the tipping floor on several hours of storage so that bulk haulage can continue after collection ends.
Throughput
Average hourly = daily throughput / operating hours; peak = average x peak factor
Storage
Storage mass = average hourly rate x storage hours
Waste transfer stations require an environmental permit covering emissions, leachate, storage limits and fire prevention. Confirm permit conditions before design.
It replaces many small collection vehicle journeys to a distant disposal site with fewer large bulk haulage movements, cutting cost per tonne-kilometre substantially once haul distances exceed 20-30 km.
Enclosure, odour and dust control, leachate collection from the tipping floor, litter screening, noise attenuation and vermin control. All are usually permit conditions.