Waste Management Tips: Dumpster Placement
How close can a dumpster be placed to my house?
When considering where to place a dumpster near your home, there are several factors to take into account to ensure safety and convenience. While positioning a dumpster directly next to a house on a driveway is technically feasible, it's not always the best choice due to potential hazards.
1. Foundation Concerns
The weight of a fully loaded dumpster truck could pose a threat to the integrity of your home's foundation, especially if it's not robust. Therefore, it's advisable to prevent these heavy vehicles from driving too close to the foundation to mitigate the risk of damage.
2. Obstructions and Overhangs
Many homes have features like awnings, overhanging lines, basketball hoops, or dense vegetation. These can complicate the placement of the dumpster. Ensure the chosen location is free from such obstacles, as they can interfere with the delivery or use of the dumpster.
3. Access and Utility
It's crucial to ensure you can conveniently use the dumpster once it's placed. Ideally, there should be ample space around it to walk, as well as room to swing open its back door fully. For the latter, maintain a clearance of 8-9 feet between the dumpster and any surrounding objects.
4. Street Placement
If the driveway isn’t feasible, placing the dumpster on the street in front of the house is an option. However, this demands thorough research:
Regulations on Dumpster Placement
Municipal Regulations: Not all cities or neighborhoods permit dumpsters on public streets. Before placing a dumpster there, it's essential to check with your local municipality.
Permits: In many cases, if street placement is allowed, you might need a permit. Obtaining this in advance ensures you don’t run into legal issues later on.
Dumpster Company Policies: While the city might allow street placement, the rental company might have its restrictions. Ensure both entities are on board with your preferred location.
