East of West Seattle: New transfer station’s dedication next week

(Photo by Hal Tangen)
As Seattle Public Utilities‘ massive new South Transfer Station has gone up just east of West Seattle, on the west side of South Park, it’s brought double takes and questions – especially when a paint problem caused its partial dismantling last year – and photos. Today, the city announced it’s finally about to open. Mayor McGinn and City Councilmembers Jean Godden and Richard Conlin are scheduled to dedicate it next Wednesday morning. From the media advisory, some factoids you might not know about it:

Features of the New South Transfer Station:

Reduced dust due to a misting system that can also be used to reduce odors.
A rainwater collection system that stores rain in a cistern to be used for washing.
Automated weigh-and-pay station for better efficiency, shorter lines and wait times.
Increased safety inside the station for customers and employees; a separate entrance for commercial collection trucks for added safety and efficiency.
Hydraulic compactors to optimize loads for efficiency.
High-quality architecture that meets the gold standard in environmental design.
Public art that features salvaged street signs and parts from the old South Park Bridge. Other artwork made from recycled plastic forks and spoons.
Niches for station staff to display “interesting items” that are found in the trash.
A viewing room for tour groups, individuals to safely see the activity on the sorting floor.

If you haven’t seen it yet, the station is on South Kenyon right alongside Highway 509.

12 Replies to "East of West Seattle: New transfer station's dedication next week"

  • miws May 25, 2012 (12:26 pm)

    Sounds like a real dump! ;-)

    .

    Mike

  • chris May 25, 2012 (12:48 pm)

    The dump of my dreams…I want to live there!! J.P. Patches would love it.

  • KD May 25, 2012 (1:10 pm)

    Has information been given yet on how to get to the station? Use the same exits now used to get to current site, and then what road to there? It does’nt look too accessable from 599 or alongside 509 yet. Also, what are the plans for the current site when the new one opens? So much is wasted by folks that just dump totally reuseable household items. My thought is to use that site as a permanent place for clean, “use it again” items,(pay it forward mentality), making it a year round Community Donation Station instead of those once a year ones in each neighborhood. Keep landfills less and some folks with tight budgets very happy! You would not believe what I’ve seen people throw out – sinful! Should be free to deposit (with employees watching for ‘correct’ deposits, no cheapo dump evaders), and free to pick up whatever you need. How about it King County?

  • KD May 25, 2012 (1:24 pm)

    To Chris; HaHaHa! Maybe the City and County should have our beloved Mayor of City Dump do the actual ribbon cutting ceremony, AND dedicate some future little spot there honoring J.P. Patches,(Chris Wedes) due to what he has done for this city and his favorite charity Children’s Orthopedic Hospital. The Mayor of City Dump donation bucket on the way out would be cute and a way to eternally thank our favorite friend and clown.

  • sw May 25, 2012 (3:07 pm)

    KD: You will use the same exits as before. It’s just around the bend from the old one.

  • Neal Chism May 25, 2012 (10:11 pm)

    “Use the same exits now used to get to current site, and then what road to there?”
    .
    It’s on the same block and it is so big that you would have a hard time missing it…… Great question though!

  • Photon May 25, 2012 (11:56 pm)

    I hope “automated pay station” doesn’t mean the super-nice guy at the current weigh & pay hut is losing his job. He’s the best!

  • JoAnne May 26, 2012 (12:21 am)

    Oh boy! I can’t wait to go!

  • Been There May 26, 2012 (4:32 am)

    Photon – Right on, that guy is the best. He handed me a free frozen Popsicle on a hot summer day and is always on his game. The epitome of a stellar public employee! I hope he and the rest of the Fee Pay Booth staff did not lose their jobs due to automation.

  • Chris June 1, 2012 (6:35 pm)

    Anyone know when it is slated to open? I’ve got a dump coming up and wondering if I should wait to go to the one . Never having to go back to the current one would be great!
    Thanks

    • WSB June 1, 2012 (8:03 pm)

      Chris – it’s going to be a few months. I still have to write the story – I covered the dedication event this past Wednesday, which was immediately before all heck broke loose with the shootings, and I still haven’t caught up, but hope to, no later than tomorrow! – TR

  • Chris June 2, 2012 (8:50 pm)

    Thanks so much for your reply. You all work so hard on your great West Seattle news coverage! I look forward to the dedication story and the new dump opening soon.

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