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FIGURE 5.4 Routing patterns for one-way street collection (U.S. EPA, 1974b).

Figures 5.5 and 5.6 are examples of heuristic tools that can be applied depending on the block
patterns within a collection area.

5.3.10 COMPUTER-ASSISTED ROUTING
Computer programs are becoming popular in establishing route design, especially when routes need
to be adjusted periodically. Programs can be used to develop detailed microroutes or to adjust exist-
ing routes. To program detailed microroutes, planners require information similar to that needed for
heuristic routing, for example block configurations, waste generation rates, distances between res-
idences, distances between routes and disposal or transfer sites, and loading times (U.S. EPA,
2003). Municipalities that have a geographic information system (GIS) database can utilize data for
their area to facilitate computerized route balancing.

5.3.11 WASTE TRANSFER
Waste transportation costs will be substantial if the distance between a collection zone and the final
destination (e.g., landfill, incinerator) is significant. In the interest of economics, many municipalities
choose to transfer waste from neighborhood collection trucks or stationary containers to larger vehi-
cles before transporting it to the disposal site. A transfer station may be established between the waste
collection sources and the final destination to serve in this capacity.
The primary objective in using a transfer station is to reduce the traffic of smaller vehicles to
the disposal site, ultimately resulting in reduced transport costs including labor (crews spend less