Hi James, From what I have seen these are challenging applications. They are typically called “transfer stations” by municipalities and/or recycling companies that operate them. The issue is that waste materials are dumped onto the ground and pushed into piles with heavy machinery like bulldozers, which means mixed commodities but most certainly expanded plastics that are in piles that exceed “miscellaneous storage”. This combined with the modern cigarette butts (e-cigarette batteries) plus other lithium ion batteries that get discarded and end up in the pile.
Fires are typically deep-seated lower in the piles and sprinklers are often ineffective because the water cannot get down to the seat of the fire due to other trash sitting on top of it. There are often significant losses or damages to the structure. I wouldn’t look at this as anything less than extra hazard. In northern parts of the country these buildings will also not be heated, adding to additional friction loss and adding to pipe sizes to maintain operating pressure. [signature_2544299208] Patrick tomaszewski | Estimator www.valiantfireco.com<http://www.valiantfireco.comorg> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected] > 📍3910 Howe rd. Wayne, MI 48184 “Every Second Matters.” IG<https://www.instagram.com/valiantsec.mi/> • FB<https://www.facebook.com/valiantsec.mi> • LINKED IN<https://www.linkedin.com/company/valiant-security-llc> From: James Crawford <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 4:21 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Sprinklerforum] Re: Recycling Plant More information Storage of standard household recyclables, paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, glass. Standard recycling, bulk drop off, then separation into classes then baled and shipped out. Thank You James Crawford Phaser Fire Protection Ltd. Phone 604-888-0318 Cel: 604-790-0938 Email [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Web: www.phaserfire.ca<http://www.phaserfire.ca> From: James Crawford <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 1:03 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [Sprinklerforum] Recycling Plant We are looking at a recycling plant where the pipes could be up to 18’ high. Are we looking at general storage or is there a standard for this type of application? My design brain is saying this is a higher hazard than normal. Thank You James Crawford Phaser Fire Protection Ltd. Phone 604-888-0318 Cel: 604-790-0938 Email [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Web: www.phaserfire.ca<http://www.phaserfire.ca>
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