PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City and State Officials joined the Sanitation Department in celebrating America Recycles Day at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house of the City’s Northwest Transfer Station at Domino Lane and Umbria Street. The city-owned facility will be used to transfer solid waste and recycling. The new modernized transfer operation station has been redesigned to improve trash collection efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions and fuel use. The new building replaces a facility, and operation built over 50 years ago. It also includes the capability to transfer recyclable materials and permits capacity of 550 tons per day of trash and 100 tons per day of recycling.
The new building replaces a 55-year-old crane and packer operation and is designed to enhance sanitation operations. The project is a $33 million budget funded investment that incorporates new automation and data-driven technology fostering proactive accountability and transparency. “Our city deserves this state-of-the-art facility that allows for increased management and improved efficiency of waste and recycling,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This means more opportunities to support the service provided by our men and women of the Department of Sanitation. Congratulations, Commissioner Shipman and the entire Sanitation Department.”
The new building includes:
- New top loading waste operations (industry standard) allowing for improved efficiencies and reduced down times of vehicles.
- Modernized high tech fire and suppression system that uses infra-red cameras that can provide alerts for lithium batteries included in trash loads. The batteries have often been the source of fires due to their potential for low temperature burns.
- Automated scale system – RFID readers now included on trucks that automatically read the tonnage amount of sanitation trucks as they navigate over the scales for weighing trash and recycling tonnage. Data is captured in the new computerized system that communicates to the Sanitation Department providing real-time data.
System replaces an antiquated paper system and allows for less room for error and accountability.
- New storm water management system with three rain gardens.
This facility plays a critical role in keeping trash and recycling operations running efficiently in the Northwest section of the city. It is the only municipal transfer facility available in the area. “Sanitation crews can reduce turnaround times after they unload waste and return vehicles back to their routes quicker. This helps our crews complete their routes in a more timely and efficient manner, keeping neighborhoods cleaner and services on schedule,” said Carlton Williams, Director, Office of Clean and Green Initiatives.
Over the years the Sanitation Department has experienced various challenges with recycling operations. Now, one of the exciting improvements coming with this project is that the new facility will also include recycling transfer capacity. That’s a big step forward—it’s going to improve overall collection efficiency since sanitation trucks will not need to travel long distances between sites and allows the Sanitation Department to remain committed to recycling.
“This investment in the transfer station represents our commitment to building a cleaner, greener, safer and more efficient Philadelphia that supports both our sanitation workers and the communities they serve every single day,” said Crystal Jacobs Shipman, Commissioner, Department of Sanitation.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony the facility was opened from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an exclusive America Recycles Day event for employees, their families and the local community. This was the only time the Northwest Transfer Station will be open to the public for tours and viewing as it will be used only for sanitation operations. The community and employee appreciation event, which coincided with America Recycles Day, was a great opportunity for family, fun and educational activities to learn about the importance of recycling and managing waste at home.
Activities include:
- Behind-the-scenes look at how recycling and waste management are getting cleaner, greener, and more efficient for our city.
- Explore the fleet, test the equipment
- Fun games and activities
- Refreshments and treats
- Exciting giveaways