Local Enforcement Agency Permit Toolbox

Permitting Transfer/Processing Stations

• What is a transfer/processing facility or operation?
• Which permit is needed for transfer/processing?
• Resources (regulations, advisories, tools, forms, and links).

Please note that other local, State, or federal agencies may also have regulatory authority over solid waste facilities.

What is a transfer/processing facility or operation?

PRC Section 40194: "Solid waste facility" includes a solid waste transfer or processing station, a composting facility, a transformation facility, and a disposal facility.

PRC Section 40200: (a) "Transfer or processing station" or "station" includes those facilities utilized to receive solid wastes, temporarily store, separate, convert, or otherwise process the materials in the solid wastes, or to transfer the solid wastes directly from smaller to larger vehicles for transport, and those facilities utilized for transformation.

(b) "Transfer/processing station" or "station" does not include any of the following: 

(1) A facility, whose principal function is to receive, store, separate, convert, or otherwise process in accordance with State minimum standards, manure. 

(2) A facility, whose principal function is to receive, store, convert, or otherwise process wastes which have already been separated for reuse and are not intended for disposal. 

(3) The operations premises of a duly licensed solid waste handling operator who receives, stores, transfers, or otherwise processes wastes as an activity incidental to the conduct of a refuse collection and disposal business in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to Section 43309.

Also see specific regulatory definitions in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 17402 and 17402.5

Which permit is required for transfer/processing facilities or operations?

The type of permit required for a transfer station depends on the amount of material being transferred or processed.

In determining the tonnage of solid waste received by a transfer/processing facility, the following materials shall not be included: materials received by a recycling center located within the facility, and by beverage container recycling programs in accordance with Public Resources Code sections 14511.7, 14518, or 14520, if the recycling activities are separated from the solid waste handling activities by a defined physical barrier or where the activities are otherwise separated in a manner approved by the enforcement agency [CCR Sections 17402(9) and 17402(11)].

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Resources

Regulations Summary

Other Resources

• Transfer Processing Report (TPR) Review Checklist (MS Word, 51 KB)
• Tier Placement Chart for Transfer/Processing Stations (MS Word, 28 KB)
• Tier Highlights Chart for Transfer/Processing Stations (MS Word, 28 KB)
• Permit Tier Placement Chart
• LEA Advisory No. 23: 1995 Inspection Guidance for Transfer Stations
• LEA Advisory No. 58: Methodology for Determining Compliance with the "Three-Part Test" of Transfer/Processing Facilities and Operations Regulations
• Top 10 Violations at Transfer Stations
• Memorandum of Understanding Between Cal-OSHA and the CIWMB Regarding Worker Health and Safety Issues at Transfer/Processing Operations and Facilities

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Last updated: July 12, 2011