Solid Waste and Recycling Transfer Station Replacement Project

The City of Berkeley Public Works Department, Zero Waste Division, is undertaking the Solid Waste and Recycling Transfer Station Replacement Project on a 7.48-acre site located primarily at 1201 Second Street. The project involves the demolition of outdated facilities and the construction of a new 45,500-square-foot transfer station, a 35,000-square-foot Materials Recovery Facility, a 17,700-square-foot administrative building, and a 14,000-square-foot vehicle maintenance building. Additional infrastructure includes a public recycling center with buyback and free drop-off areas, fueling and parking facilities, a truck wash, and site improvements such as bioswales, pervious pavement, and roadway and pedestrian enhancements along Second and Gilman streets. The project is designed to achieve net zero energy and LEED certification, with construction planned in eight phases over approximately five years. Comprehensive environmental reviews have been conducted under CEQA and NEPA, addressing air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, hydrology, and geotechnical hazards. Key compliance requirements include the use of qualified environmental professionals for the stabilization and removal of hazardous materials, sub-slab vapor and soil gas sampling in consultation with the Toxics Management Division, and the adherence to strict protocols for the discovery of tribal cultural resources or human remains. The project also mandates that any impacted Caltrans facilities meet ADA standards and that bicycle and pedestrian access be maintained throughout the construction period. Geotechnical work must follow specific 2021 report recommendations regarding over-excavation for low expansion material to ensure seismic and structural stability.