The regional disposal of solid waste requires a multi-stage system of collection, transport, consolidation, delivery, and ultimate disposal. Many states and counties have established transfer stations, where solid waste collected from curbsides and other local sources by small municipal garbage trucks is consolidated and transferred to a larger capacity vehicle, such as a refuse transfer truck, for transportation to a disposal facility. Typically, municipal garbage trucks have a capacity of 20 cubic yd (15.3 cubic m) and refuse transfer trucks may have a capacity of 80–100 cubic yd (61–76.4 cubic m). The use of transfer stations reduces hauling costs and promotes a regional approach to waste management.

See Also

Garbage; Landfill; Municipal Waste; Tipping Fee; Waste Stream