Waste Transfer Stations Looking to LEED

Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station in Washington certified by the US Green Building Council as a LEED Platinum project (photo by Lydig construction).

Even though residents often associate waste transfer stations as blights to surrounding communities, they can actually become strong assets to the community, especially if they incorporate green design and practices.

Waste Age recently featured an article on transfer stations using sustainable construction techniques to improve operations and image. "A Healthy Shade of Green" describes LEED certification and how transfer stations have earned LEED or are well on their way. "By documenting transfer station design and construction standards already in practice and adding relatively inexpensive modifications, transfer stations can achieve LEED certification fairly easily," the article reports.

Of course, the way that LEED can help transfer stations become more community-friendly is in the siting requirements for certification. One of the key goals of any transfer station project should be to minimize the impact of traffic and the building's aesthetics on the surrounding community. Energy consumption, water consumption and using recycled materials are other ways transfer stations can earn LEED credits.