A waste transfer station is a light industrial facility where municipal solid waste is temporarily staged in the course of its eventual journey to the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.

Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.

Learn how waste transfer stations work and how they can impact communities.

What Is a Waste Transfer Station?

The transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones, such as:

Long-haul trucksTrainsBarges

The larger vehicles then take the waste to the final collection or disposal sites.

Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.

Waste transfer stations are a key component of cost-effective solid waste transportation.

How a Waste Transfer Station Works

Typical activities at the waste transfer station involve the unloading of garbage trucks, screening and removal of inappropriate items (such as automobile batteries), compacting loads, and reloading onto larger vehicles.

The facility typically includes a scale location and an enclosed building where tippage and transfer take place. The property requires adequate space to facilitate the queuing of vehicles at the scale and the main building.

Waste transfer stations also need space to accommodate the parking of outbound transfer trailers and for staging unacceptable garbage. In addition to scales, transfer stations typically use equipment such as front-end loaders, cranes, conveyors, walking floors, and compactors.

In urban areas, the location of waste transfer stations can be very controversial. Such facilities are therefore typically fully enclosed. They may be co-located with a material recovery center. 

The day-to-day operations of a transfer station generally include:

Arrivals and scale: Inbound commercial vehicles are first directed to the scale house. Loads are weighed, and tippage fees are assessed as applicable.Public drop off: If a transfer station allows the public also to drop off solid waste, there may be a separate queue and scale for this purpose. Some waste transfer stations provide space for the public to drop off green waste or other approved recyclables.Tipping: Vehicles are unloaded at the main transfer building. Solid waste may be dropped onto the floor, into a pit, or immediately onto another vehicle.Processing: Transfer station employees will screen the waste for any unauthorized materials. Compactors are used at some transfer stations to compact waste and thereby increase the payload of outbound trailers.

Waste transfer stations require customer service and scale house operators, traffic controllers, equipment operators, maintenance mechanics, as well as other technical and management staff.

Benefits of Waste Transfer Stations

Waste transfer stations are a critical part of the waste management process. They provide a variety of benefits to the community, including:

Fuel savings, reduction in road wear, and less air pollution due to fewer vehicles being on the roadTrash, green waste, and recyclable material drop-off location for residentsReduced traffic congestion in the community by consolidating loads onto larger vehiclesReduced total truck traffic and improves safety at the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.Removing hazardous waste or recovering recyclables

Criticism of Waste Transfer Stations

Although waste transfer stations are a vital component of modern waste management programs, the location of such stations can be a flashpoint for local communities.

Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Common Concerns About Waste Transfer Stations and Their Solutions

 Concern  Solution

Increased truck traffic near the station Choosing locations in industrially zoned locations with easy access to major transportation routes

Noise associated with heavy trucks, front-end loaders, and conveyors Design details such as setback, sound barriers, and enclosures

Odor from trash collection, especially if operations become backed up Attention to facility and doorway location, air venting systems, and a first in-first out system to ensure that garbage does not remain at the transfer station longer than necessary

Rodents, birds, and other pests attracted by waste Ensuring the facility is enclosed, as well as creating a pest management plan that includes regularly cleaning

Litter flying from trucks or the transfer station Use of both tarps and facility landscaping to create barriers against litter being picked up by wind

Key Takeaways

A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Featured Video

An Introduction to Solid Waste Management

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) - An Overview

Electronics Waste Recycling Business Opportunities

Mattress Recycling Business Opportunities

The Waste Management Hierarchy

Understanding Recycle and Waste Management Shredders

How to Achieve Zero Waste in Your Business

What Does a Sanitation Worker Do?

How to Improve Your Shrink Wrap Recycling Program

What Is Reusable Packaging?

How to Make Money as a Scrap Pallet Collector

Single-Stream Recycling and the Future of Waste

Waste Treatment and Disposal Methods

What Is a Materials Recovery Facility?

E-Waste Recycling Facts and Figures

Starting a Recycling Business With a Small Investment

Home

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Careers

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About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

A waste transfer station is a light industrial facility where municipal solid waste is temporarily staged in the course of its eventual journey to the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.

Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.

Learn how waste transfer stations work and how they can impact communities.

What Is a Waste Transfer Station?

The transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones, such as:

Long-haul trucksTrainsBarges

The larger vehicles then take the waste to the final collection or disposal sites.

Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.

Waste transfer stations are a key component of cost-effective solid waste transportation.

How a Waste Transfer Station Works

Typical activities at the waste transfer station involve the unloading of garbage trucks, screening and removal of inappropriate items (such as automobile batteries), compacting loads, and reloading onto larger vehicles.

The facility typically includes a scale location and an enclosed building where tippage and transfer take place. The property requires adequate space to facilitate the queuing of vehicles at the scale and the main building.

Waste transfer stations also need space to accommodate the parking of outbound transfer trailers and for staging unacceptable garbage. In addition to scales, transfer stations typically use equipment such as front-end loaders, cranes, conveyors, walking floors, and compactors.

In urban areas, the location of waste transfer stations can be very controversial. Such facilities are therefore typically fully enclosed. They may be co-located with a material recovery center. 

The day-to-day operations of a transfer station generally include:

Arrivals and scale: Inbound commercial vehicles are first directed to the scale house. Loads are weighed, and tippage fees are assessed as applicable.Public drop off: If a transfer station allows the public also to drop off solid waste, there may be a separate queue and scale for this purpose. Some waste transfer stations provide space for the public to drop off green waste or other approved recyclables.Tipping: Vehicles are unloaded at the main transfer building. Solid waste may be dropped onto the floor, into a pit, or immediately onto another vehicle.Processing: Transfer station employees will screen the waste for any unauthorized materials. Compactors are used at some transfer stations to compact waste and thereby increase the payload of outbound trailers.

Waste transfer stations require customer service and scale house operators, traffic controllers, equipment operators, maintenance mechanics, as well as other technical and management staff.

Benefits of Waste Transfer Stations

Waste transfer stations are a critical part of the waste management process. They provide a variety of benefits to the community, including:

Fuel savings, reduction in road wear, and less air pollution due to fewer vehicles being on the roadTrash, green waste, and recyclable material drop-off location for residentsReduced traffic congestion in the community by consolidating loads onto larger vehiclesReduced total truck traffic and improves safety at the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.Removing hazardous waste or recovering recyclables

Criticism of Waste Transfer Stations

Although waste transfer stations are a vital component of modern waste management programs, the location of such stations can be a flashpoint for local communities.

Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Common Concerns About Waste Transfer Stations and Their Solutions

 Concern  Solution

Increased truck traffic near the station Choosing locations in industrially zoned locations with easy access to major transportation routes

Noise associated with heavy trucks, front-end loaders, and conveyors Design details such as setback, sound barriers, and enclosures

Odor from trash collection, especially if operations become backed up Attention to facility and doorway location, air venting systems, and a first in-first out system to ensure that garbage does not remain at the transfer station longer than necessary

Rodents, birds, and other pests attracted by waste Ensuring the facility is enclosed, as well as creating a pest management plan that includes regularly cleaning

Litter flying from trucks or the transfer station Use of both tarps and facility landscaping to create barriers against litter being picked up by wind

Key Takeaways

A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Featured Video

An Introduction to Solid Waste Management

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) - An Overview

Electronics Waste Recycling Business Opportunities

Mattress Recycling Business Opportunities

The Waste Management Hierarchy

Understanding Recycle and Waste Management Shredders

How to Achieve Zero Waste in Your Business

What Does a Sanitation Worker Do?

How to Improve Your Shrink Wrap Recycling Program

What Is Reusable Packaging?

How to Make Money as a Scrap Pallet Collector

Single-Stream Recycling and the Future of Waste

Waste Treatment and Disposal Methods

What Is a Materials Recovery Facility?

E-Waste Recycling Facts and Figures

Starting a Recycling Business With a Small Investment

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

A waste transfer station is a light industrial facility where municipal solid waste is temporarily staged in the course of its eventual journey to the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.

Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.

Learn how waste transfer stations work and how they can impact communities.

What Is a Waste Transfer Station?

The transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones, such as:

Long-haul trucksTrainsBarges

The larger vehicles then take the waste to the final collection or disposal sites.

Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.

Waste transfer stations are a key component of cost-effective solid waste transportation.

How a Waste Transfer Station Works

Typical activities at the waste transfer station involve the unloading of garbage trucks, screening and removal of inappropriate items (such as automobile batteries), compacting loads, and reloading onto larger vehicles.

The facility typically includes a scale location and an enclosed building where tippage and transfer take place. The property requires adequate space to facilitate the queuing of vehicles at the scale and the main building.

Waste transfer stations also need space to accommodate the parking of outbound transfer trailers and for staging unacceptable garbage. In addition to scales, transfer stations typically use equipment such as front-end loaders, cranes, conveyors, walking floors, and compactors.

In urban areas, the location of waste transfer stations can be very controversial. Such facilities are therefore typically fully enclosed. They may be co-located with a material recovery center. 

The day-to-day operations of a transfer station generally include:

Arrivals and scale: Inbound commercial vehicles are first directed to the scale house. Loads are weighed, and tippage fees are assessed as applicable.Public drop off: If a transfer station allows the public also to drop off solid waste, there may be a separate queue and scale for this purpose. Some waste transfer stations provide space for the public to drop off green waste or other approved recyclables.Tipping: Vehicles are unloaded at the main transfer building. Solid waste may be dropped onto the floor, into a pit, or immediately onto another vehicle.Processing: Transfer station employees will screen the waste for any unauthorized materials. Compactors are used at some transfer stations to compact waste and thereby increase the payload of outbound trailers.

Waste transfer stations require customer service and scale house operators, traffic controllers, equipment operators, maintenance mechanics, as well as other technical and management staff.

Benefits of Waste Transfer Stations

Waste transfer stations are a critical part of the waste management process. They provide a variety of benefits to the community, including:

Fuel savings, reduction in road wear, and less air pollution due to fewer vehicles being on the roadTrash, green waste, and recyclable material drop-off location for residentsReduced traffic congestion in the community by consolidating loads onto larger vehiclesReduced total truck traffic and improves safety at the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.Removing hazardous waste or recovering recyclables

Criticism of Waste Transfer Stations

Although waste transfer stations are a vital component of modern waste management programs, the location of such stations can be a flashpoint for local communities.

Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Common Concerns About Waste Transfer Stations and Their Solutions

 Concern  Solution

Increased truck traffic near the station Choosing locations in industrially zoned locations with easy access to major transportation routes

Noise associated with heavy trucks, front-end loaders, and conveyors Design details such as setback, sound barriers, and enclosures

Odor from trash collection, especially if operations become backed up Attention to facility and doorway location, air venting systems, and a first in-first out system to ensure that garbage does not remain at the transfer station longer than necessary

Rodents, birds, and other pests attracted by waste Ensuring the facility is enclosed, as well as creating a pest management plan that includes regularly cleaning

Litter flying from trucks or the transfer station Use of both tarps and facility landscaping to create barriers against litter being picked up by wind

Key Takeaways

A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

A waste transfer station is a light industrial facility where municipal solid waste is temporarily staged in the course of its eventual journey to the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.

Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.

Learn how waste transfer stations work and how they can impact communities.

What Is a Waste Transfer Station?

The transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones, such as:

  • Long-haul trucksTrainsBarges

The larger vehicles then take the waste to the final collection or disposal sites.

Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.

Waste transfer stations are a key component of cost-effective solid waste transportation.

How a Waste Transfer Station Works

Typical activities at the waste transfer station involve the unloading of garbage trucks, screening and removal of inappropriate items (such as automobile batteries), compacting loads, and reloading onto larger vehicles.

The facility typically includes a scale location and an enclosed building where tippage and transfer take place. The property requires adequate space to facilitate the queuing of vehicles at the scale and the main building.

Waste transfer stations also need space to accommodate the parking of outbound transfer trailers and for staging unacceptable garbage. In addition to scales, transfer stations typically use equipment such as front-end loaders, cranes, conveyors, walking floors, and compactors.

In urban areas, the location of waste transfer stations can be very controversial. Such facilities are therefore typically fully enclosed. They may be co-located with a material recovery center. 

The day-to-day operations of a transfer station generally include:

  • Arrivals and scale: Inbound commercial vehicles are first directed to the scale house. Loads are weighed, and tippage fees are assessed as applicable.Public drop off: If a transfer station allows the public also to drop off solid waste, there may be a separate queue and scale for this purpose. Some waste transfer stations provide space for the public to drop off green waste or other approved recyclables.Tipping: Vehicles are unloaded at the main transfer building. Solid waste may be dropped onto the floor, into a pit, or immediately onto another vehicle.Processing: Transfer station employees will screen the waste for any unauthorized materials. Compactors are used at some transfer stations to compact waste and thereby increase the payload of outbound trailers.

Waste transfer stations require customer service and scale house operators, traffic controllers, equipment operators, maintenance mechanics, as well as other technical and management staff.

Benefits of Waste Transfer Stations

Waste transfer stations are a critical part of the waste management process. They provide a variety of benefits to the community, including:

  • Fuel savings, reduction in road wear, and less air pollution due to fewer vehicles being on the roadTrash, green waste, and recyclable material drop-off location for residentsReduced traffic congestion in the community by consolidating loads onto larger vehiclesReduced total truck traffic and improves safety at the landfill or waste-to-energy facility.Removing hazardous waste or recovering recyclables

Criticism of Waste Transfer Stations

Although waste transfer stations are a vital component of modern waste management programs, the location of such stations can be a flashpoint for local communities.

Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Common Concerns About Waste Transfer Stations and Their Solutions

 Concern  Solution

Increased truck traffic near the station Choosing locations in industrially zoned locations with easy access to major transportation routes

Noise associated with heavy trucks, front-end loaders, and conveyors Design details such as setback, sound barriers, and enclosures

Odor from trash collection, especially if operations become backed up Attention to facility and doorway location, air venting systems, and a first in-first out system to ensure that garbage does not remain at the transfer station longer than necessary

Rodents, birds, and other pests attracted by waste Ensuring the facility is enclosed, as well as creating a pest management plan that includes regularly cleaning

Litter flying from trucks or the transfer station Use of both tarps and facility landscaping to create barriers against litter being picked up by wind

Key Takeaways

A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Key Takeaways

A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Key Takeaways

A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

  • A waste transfer station is the central location where municipal solid waste is brought by collection crews. Once there, it is unloaded from smaller vehicles and loaded into larger ones and taken to the final collection or disposal sites.Transferring waste from local collection vehicles onto larger trailers or other transport modes reduces the cost of transportation to distant disposal sites. This frees collection-specific vehicles and crews to devote their time to actual collection activities within the community.Waste transfer stations are a necessary part of municipal waste management. However, their locations and operations can sometimes be controversial within communities where they are located.Residents may have a variety of concerns about the construction of a nearby transfer station. Many of these can be addressed through careful facility design.

Featured Video

Featured Video

Featured Video

Featured Video

Featured Video

Featured Video

  • An Introduction to Solid Waste Management

  • Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) - An Overview

  • Electronics Waste Recycling Business Opportunities

  • Mattress Recycling Business Opportunities

  • The Waste Management Hierarchy

  • Understanding Recycle and Waste Management Shredders

  • How to Achieve Zero Waste in Your Business

  • What Does a Sanitation Worker Do?

  • How to Improve Your Shrink Wrap Recycling Program

  • What Is Reusable Packaging?

  • How to Make Money as a Scrap Pallet Collector

  • Single-Stream Recycling and the Future of Waste

  • Waste Treatment and Disposal Methods

  • What Is a Materials Recovery Facility?

  • E-Waste Recycling Facts and Figures

  • Starting a Recycling Business With a Small Investment

An Introduction to Solid Waste Management

An Introduction to Solid Waste Management

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) - An Overview

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) - An Overview

Electronics Waste Recycling Business Opportunities

Electronics Waste Recycling Business Opportunities

Mattress Recycling Business Opportunities

Mattress Recycling Business Opportunities

The Waste Management Hierarchy

The Waste Management Hierarchy

Understanding Recycle and Waste Management Shredders

Understanding Recycle and Waste Management Shredders

How to Achieve Zero Waste in Your Business

How to Achieve Zero Waste in Your Business

What Does a Sanitation Worker Do?

What Does a Sanitation Worker Do?

How to Improve Your Shrink Wrap Recycling Program

How to Improve Your Shrink Wrap Recycling Program

What Is Reusable Packaging?

What Is Reusable Packaging?

How to Make Money as a Scrap Pallet Collector

How to Make Money as a Scrap Pallet Collector

Single-Stream Recycling and the Future of Waste

Single-Stream Recycling and the Future of Waste

Waste Treatment and Disposal Methods

Waste Treatment and Disposal Methods

What Is a Materials Recovery Facility?

What Is a Materials Recovery Facility?

E-Waste Recycling Facts and Figures

E-Waste Recycling Facts and Figures

Starting a Recycling Business With a Small Investment

Starting a Recycling Business With a Small Investment

Home

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Activities

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About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

Home

Home

Entertainment

Careers

Activities

Humor

About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

  • About Us

  • Advertise

  • Careers

  • Privacy Policy

  • Editorial Guidelines

  • Contact

  • Terms of Use

  • EU Privacy

  • Entertainment

  • Careers

  • Activities

  • Humor

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies