Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council: Essential Cover for Waste Transfer Compliance with Zappshelter

The Client:

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is responsible for providing essential services to the local community, including waste management and recycling. Currently, the Council is in the process of constructing a new waste transfer station, due to be fully operational by April 2026. This facility represents a major investment in the borough’s infrastructure, designed to handle recycling more efficiently and sustainably. 

With a deadline approaching and environmental standards to meet, the Council needed a reliable partner to ensure their new outdoor bays were up to spec. When they required a robust weatherproof solution to work alongside their indoor facilities, they turned to Zappshelter.

The Challenge:

While the new station includes a main shed for recyclable materials, the site design also features two external bays for food waste and glass. However, storing these materials outdoors presented an issue – it is stipulated that this type of waste must be covered.

For a recycling centre, covering stockpiles is not just about keeping things dry; it is vital for preventing contamination. If rain washes into food waste or glass, the material can lose its value for reprocessing. The Council also needed to prevent litter from blowing out of the bays and ensure full compliance with environmental regulations. They needed a solution that could be installed quickly before the April deadline, fit their specific bay dimensions and allow ease of access for refuse vehicles to operate.

The Solution:

Our solution was to install two 10m wide x 12.2m long Zappshelters, mounted directly onto their existing U-shaped concrete lego block bays. To ensure the site remains efficient, both shelters were designed with open ends. This allows refuse vehicles to reverse in, tip off and upload waste directly into the station without any height restrictions.

Recognising the importance of site drainage, the Council also opted for a galvanised valley gutter and outlet to bridge the two shelters, ensuring rainwater is managed effectively away from the recyclables. The installation was efficient and precise, ensuring the Council stays on track for their opening.

The Result:

The installation of the twin Zappshelters has ensured the new waste transfer station is compliant, protected and ready for action. By covering these external bays, the Council is benefiting from:

• Regulatory Compliance: The site now meets the strict stipulations for covered waste storage, ensuring they are ready for the April 2026 launch.
• Contamination Control: By keeping the elements out, the Zappshelters ensure the glass and food waste remain uncontaminated and valuable for reprocessing.
• Operational Flow: The open-ended design means the “tip and go” nature of the waste station is not compromised. Drivers have full access to the bays. The feedback has been positive, with the site now visually and functionally ready to serve the borough. The Council has secured a durable solution that protects both the environment and their operations. 

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