Revised on: April 11, 2024 - 1:34 p.m.

A transfer facility¹ (also referred to as a “transfer station”) is a site that is owned, operated, or used for handling or storing solid waste for 90 days or less, or solid waste that was generated off-site for the primary purpose of transporting that solid waste.

Waste Transfer Stations Requiring Submittal of a Solid Waste Facility Notice

Transfer stations with a daily throughput of less than 180 cubic yards are required to file a solid waste facility notice with ADEQ's Solid Waste Unit no later than 30 days prior to operation for new facilities.

A notice must provide:²

• Facility name and mailing address
• Legal description by township, range and section, and county assessor's book, map and parcel number
• Description of waste storage and treatment equipment and methods of waste management, including types and volumes of waste handled and time the waste remains on site
• Description of waste management practices used at the facility including measures taken to protect the environment and to protect the public health
• A diagram of the property showing the location of the solid waste facility or facilities

There are no registration or annual fees for transfer stations requiring only the submittal of a solid waste facility notice.

Waste Transfer Stations Requiring Self-Certification/Registration Fees

Transfer stations with a daily throughput of more than 180 cubic yards,³ including a material recover facility, are required to comply with self-certification registration requirements prior to construction.⁴

This does not include the following types of facility:

• A material recovery facility where the incoming materials are primarily source separated recyclables
• Community or neighborhood recycling bins including drop boxes, roll off containers, plastic containers used to collect residential, business, and/or governmental recyclable solid waste

Waste transfer stations requiring self-certification must complete and submit a Department-approved registration form to the Solid Waste Unit | View/Download >

Facilities requiring self-certification are required to pay initial registration  and annual registration fees⁵  | Learn More >

What types of waste can be accepted at a solid waste transfer station?

Solid waste transfer stations accept and handle a variety of solid waste. Waste streams accepted must be determined to be neither hazardous nor special wastes (unless generated onsite and an AZ Special Waste ID has been obtained) in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Solid waste transfer stations within the state of Arizona may accept the following types of waste:

• Garbage, rubbish, and refuse generated by households, commercial entities, or municipalities.
• Green wastes (yard clippings, wood)
• Food wastes
• Household Hazardous Waste | Learn More >
• Biohazardous medical waste from households
• Non-hazardous liquid waste
• Wastes from Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQGs)

What types of waste cannot be accepted at a solid waste transfer facility?

Solid waste transfer stations within the state of Arizona cannot accept the following types of waste:

• Biohazardous medical waste from non-residences | Learn More >
• Special wastes (unless generated onsite and obtained AZ Special Waste ID)  | Learn More >
• Hazardous waste | Learn More >

Transfer stations may choose to not accept certain types of solid waste, or may do so by appointment only. Contact your local transfer facility to check their acceptance policies if you have:

• Biohazardous Medical Waste (Including Sharps) from households
• Household Hazardous Waste 
• Wastes from CESQGs

Waste Transfer Stations by County | View >

What if my waste is not accepted at my local transfer facility?

If your local transfer facility does not accept your waste, there are local retailers or specialized companies that will | Learn More >

What if my community does not have a transfer facility?

The EPA has created a waste transfer station manual that can help in determining if a transfer station may benefit your community | Learn more >

¹Defined in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 49-701 (34)
²Per ARS § 49-762.07
³Per ARS § 49-762.05
⁴Per ARS § 49-762.01
⁵Per Arizona Administrative Code R18-13-501 (E)