Transfer Station Nears Completion

If you live in south Wallingford as I do, you probably pass by the site of the transfer station quite a bit on your way to Fremont and parts west. You remember the old transfer station, and you know that they’re building a new one in more or less the same spot. But the project seems to be dragging on, and what were the specifics of that project, anyway? Time for another transfer station update!

While most of us think of the transfer station as the place to dispose of items that can’t be picked up curbside, it’s also, of course, the place where all the trash trucks roaming around our neighborhood go to drop off the little loads of trash so that little loads can be united with other little loads to make big loads of trash. Recyclables also end up at the transfer station where they undergo some additional sorting, and then big loads of trash and recyclables go … well … out of Wallingford.

Devotees of Wallyhood will know that we’ve reported on the project a number of times, including on some early legal ups and downs and most recently in January of 2014. The original transfer station was built in the 1960s, but by modern standards, it fell far short of the mark in terms of environmental friendliness and worker safety. The new transfer station will have much improved systems for reducing noise and odor, better access for commercial haulers and private vehicles, and separate buildings for processing recyclables versus other trash. Gone will be the large pits that were so much fun to check your trash off of but such a hazard for those wandering too close to the edge.

In addition, the new station will sport amenities never envisioned for the original 1960s project. Green roofs planted with water absorbing plants will adorn the top of the structures on the eastern part of the lot while solar panels cover the transfer area. An “educational viewing room,” which I take to be an informational display, is part of the design. The new north transfer station also features an administrative building on the east side for which I would happily trade my current World War II era UDub digs.

Parcels of land to the east and northeast will become park space. These areas will feature walking paths, playground equipment, a selection of plantings and a sports court. While I can’t say that I’ve kept informed of the latest in playground technology, the proposed net climbing structure is a new thing to me. (See artist’s concept elsewhere on this page.) It looks to be a whole lot more fun than the parking lot it will replace! A recent driveby on the two-wheeler reveals that the paths and … something … an information kiosk? are already popping out of the ground.

So when will we be able to once again bring our junk to the north transfer station? According to Elaine Yeung, Strategic Communications Advisor for the project, the station is expected to open in 2016 with an exact date to be announced once opening day draws nearer. In the meantime, items not eligible for curbside pick up must be brought to the south transfer station. And as Ben told me, Wallingford dogs can continue to enjoy tracking the rats running around under the metal panels covering the holes in the street, a joy that is sure to go away once the project is complete!