Andover Transfer Station

The Andover Transfer Station

Andover Transfer Station Staff with local residents
Credit: Google Images

     On February 6th, 2016 the AP Environmental Science group went to the local Andover Transfer Station to explore the local process and learn proper management of the local waste the is brought to the station. When we first arrived at the site Alan told us to think of some major concepts; What percent of trash is recovered and what is the national average for recovery compared to Andover? The transfer station consists of different areas where different materials are dropped down. The most significant improvement of the transfer station that I have been able to notice over my life time was the recycling process. When I was a young lad we would have bags of glass, plastic bottles and other groups that we would have to sort into individual containers in order to be properly recycled. The transfer station has now switch to single stream recycling with the NRRA which is the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. The NRRA is "a non-profit 501(c) organization that provides cooperative purchasing programs, educational and networking opportunities, technical assistance, and cooperative marketing programs. NRRA has received national recognition for establishing innovative grassroots recyclables marketing cooperatives with competitive pricing which enable small, rural and large urban communities to manage their own recycling programs!" (NRRA.net)

     When we first arrived at the station we brought our selected materials to certain spots to dispose of them.

Eamonn Healy recycling in the single stream container
Credits: Myself

An inside look at recycling container.
Credit: Myself

After disposing in the proper area the class went inside where they collect electronics and package them up for shipment to be recovered. We spoke with Deborah, an employee who works at the transfer station. Deborah works Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, however the dump is only open on Wednesday and Saturday. Deborah was very knowledgeable with how the recycling process at the dump worked but was unaware of what happens to the electronics and alkaline batteries after they leave the facility.

Packaging area for electronics.
Credit: Myself

     We then let Deborah go back to work and Alan took us on a tour and spoke statistics with the class. "Here are some statistics for you, 600-700 people come through here are week, and out of the participation 72% is recovered. That does not mean recycled, but into the metals and scraps." The 72% is a very strong number but each town is looking to go towards the zero percent mark where none of the trash is being put in the compactor to be incinerated. The state is working towards a composting mandate that will require transfer stations to start composting food waste which will allow for a significant reduction to the trash waste.

White Appliances drop off.
Credit: Myself

Metal Drop off.
Credit: Myself

Swap shop once a month.
Credit: Myself

     The trip to the transfer station in Andover was a site that I normally see every Saturday when I go to the dump, we saw a lot of local people and Proctor faculty and learned about the implications and processes that go on at the transfer station. I enjoyed the trip because it was a place to apply terms that we have been learning in the class. The waste management occupation is an under appreciated occupation however is extremely vital to making sure that each community and eventually the world to take strides away from the waste problems that we are currently facing.