PDFWAC 173-304-410
Transfer stations, baling and compaction systems, and drop box facilities.
(1) Applicability. All transfer stations, baling and compaction systems and drop boxes receiving solid waste from offsite shall meet the requirements of this section. Facilities receiving solid waste from on-site shall meet the requirements of WAC 173-304-200.
(2) Transfer stations, baling and compacting systems standards. Transfer stations, baling and compaction systems shall be designed, constructed, and operated so as to:
(a) Be surrounded by a fence, trees, shrubbery, or natural features so as to control access and be screened from the view of immediately adjacent neighbors, unless the tipping floor is fully enclosed by a building;
(b) Be sturdy and constructed of easily cleanable materials;
(c) Be free of potential rat harborages, and provide effective means to control rodents, insects, birds and other vermin;
(d) Be adequately screened to prevent blowing of litter and to provide effective means to control litter;
(e) Provide protection of the tipping floor from wind, rain or snow other than below grade bins or detachable containers;
(f) Have an adequate buffer zone around the operating area to minimize noise and dust nuisances, and for transfer stations, baling, or compaction systems, a buffer zone of fifty feet from the active area to the nearest property line in areas zoned residential;
(g) Comply with local zoning and building codes including approved local variances and waivers;
(h) Provide pollution control measures to protect surface and groundwaters, including runoff collection and discharge designed and operated to handle a twenty-four hour, twenty-five year storm and equipment cleaning and washdown water;
(i) Provide all-weather approach roads, exit roads, and all other vehicular areas;
(j) Provide pollution control measures to protect air quality including a prohibition against all burning and the development of odor and dust control plans to be made a part of the plan of operation in WAC 173-304-405(2);
(k) Prohibit scavenging;
(l) Provide attendant(s) on-site during hours of operation;
(m) Have a sign that identifies the facility and shows at least the name of the site, and, if applicable, hours during which the site is open for public use, what constitutes materials not to be accepted and other necessary information posted at the site entrance;
(n) Have communication capabilities to immediately summon fire, police, or emergency service personnel in the event of an emergency; and
(o) Remove all wastes at closure, as defined in WAC 173-304-100, from the facility to a permitted facility.
(3) Drop box facility standards. Drop box facilities, as defined in WAC 173-304-100, shall:
(a) Be constructed of durable water tight materials with a lid or screen on top that prevents the loss of materials during transport and access by rats and other vermin;
(b) Be located in an easily identifiable place accessible by all-weather roads;
(c) Be designed and serviced as often as necessary to ensure adequate dumping capacity at all times. Storage of solid waste outside the drop boxes is prohibited;
(d) Comply with subsection (2)(m) of this section, signs; and
(e) Remove all remaining wastes at closure, as defined in WAC 173-304-100, to a permitted facility, and remove the drop box from the facility.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.21A RCW. WSR 85-22-013 (Order 85-18), ยง 173-304-410, filed 10/28/85.]