Corral Plans for Dumpsters
How to Build an Enclosure for Your Commercial Dumpster
Dumpster corrals, also known as enclosures, are an important part of your weekly garbage service and the overall plan of your commercial property. Corrals hide garbage containers and make the neighborhood look a little classier. But, poorly planned dumpster corrals can lead to property damage, improper disposal, and injury to employees. Over the decades, we’ve gathered some of the best practices for corral design to share with our customers. Please ask your Homewood Disposal account representative or contact your local village for specific enclosure rules in your area.
Tip 1: Bigger the Better
Your corral could need to hold more than one dumpster, a grease trap, or additional large waste. Create a garbage collection area with room to access all sides of your dumpster. Listed below are only the minimum requirements.
Tip 2: Access for Employees
Employees need to use the corral each day. Large gates are difficult to use, and can be dangerous while carrying bags of garbage. Employees can accidentally break or leave gates open. Create a small door or access area on the side of the corral.
Tip 3: Go Big with Concrete
Concrete under the corral is required by most towns. Also required is a concrete apron in front of the corral area. Without it, deep ruts and cracks in the asphalt or dirt will develop. These fill with water and ice, making an unsafe area for employees and the garbage truck driver.
Gate Opening – The garbage truck will need room to drive into the enclosure to dump the container. Not all containers have wheels. Gate openings should have a minimum 10 foot wide opening. Please mount the hinges outside of the wall.
Gate Stops – Please put in gate stops to hold gate open when we dump the container.
Depth of Enclosure – Allow a minimum of 10 feet for a front load container and a minimum of 16 feet for rear load containers. These measurements (see diagram) allow for an 8 yard container. Enclosure dimensions will be larger for multiple containers. Consult your account manager to determine what type of container and enclosure depth you will need.
Truck Access – Please leave 45 feet of unobstructed clearance in front of the enclosure to allow truck direct access.
Extras – Allow extra space for grease containers and other items. Leave room for employees to walk on every side of the container. Gates are often left open by employees and can be damaged by the wind. These swinging gates pose a danger to employees, customers, and vehicles. For safety, and to limit gate damage, a side opening is recommended so employees do not have to open the large entry gates. The height of enclosure is usually 6-7 feet.
Building Material – Chain link is recommended because the hinges are adjustable as the ground settles. Consult your municipality for fencing and height requirements. There should be a 6-8 inch thick concrete pad inside the enclosure and extending at least 10 feet in front of the opening. (Reinforced 4000 psi is recommended.) This extended concrete apron reduces damage to your pavement and the trucks.
Download a Quick Guide
Corral Construction Details
Corral and Garbage Truck Height Clearance
Trucks Require Direct Access
Examples of Corral Designs with Employee Access
Gate on the side
Hidden access on side
Large corral with hidden access
Our Services
Homewood Disposal has been serving Chicagoland and NW Indiana since 1956.
Garbage Service
We serve businesses like yours. Restaurants, schools, apartment buildings, medical centers, hospitals, industrial complexes – the right service for you. Your scheduled commercial trash is our specialty.
Recycling Service
Fill your container will all types of recycling and we sort the material for processing. Our customer friendly WeSort program makes recycling easy for property owners.
Temporary Dumpsters
A temporary dumpster is perfect for Palos Hills businesses that are remodeling or have a construction project.
