Keep Your Business Clean With a Dumpster Corral
A good permanent dumpster service is necessary to keep your organization running efficiently, but your bins are better off hidden from your customers. Not to mention the people who see them as their own personal dumping ground. They're also the best way to keep wildlife like raccoons or coyotes from getting into your trash.
A commercial dumpster enclosure will keep your property looking spiffy and prevent passersby from overloading your bins— which can rack up extra fees for you in the process. The good news: building a dumpster corral isn't difficult. We're here to show you how.
Choose a Material for Your Dumpster Fence
Dumpster fences can be made out of several different materials. The chart below shows some pros and cons of each to help you choose.
Pro-Tip: Some cities require dumpster fences to be made out of a specific material. Check the regulations in your area by searching your local Building Department's website or giving them a call.
Determine Your Dumpster Enclosure Dimensions
The dimensions of your dumpster enclosure need to account not only for the size of the dumpster itself but also for leaving enough room for employees to use your bin and for a garbage truck to pick it up. Dumpster corrals can be built with a variety of dimensions, but use the table below as a general starting point.
Choose DIY or Professional Enclosure Installation
It's tempting to try to save some money by putting up your enclosure yourself, but it may end up costing more in the long run if you make mistakes. Some types of dumpster corrals are better candidates for DIY installation than others.
Since you'll likely be building your dumpster enclosure on a parking lot or other concrete surface, keep in mind that if you choose DIY installation, you'll need to rent a hammer drill to create post holes. Whatever surface you're building your fence on, you'll need to mix and pour concrete to make the posts sturdy. If you're not up for either of those tasks, choose pro installation, no matter what type of corral you're building. It's much more cost-effective to get it done right upfront than to build a flimsy fence that can't stand up to repeated use.
If you've decided to DIY your dumpster enclosure installation, read on for our handy instructions.
How to Build a Wood or Vinyl Dumpster Enclosure
Step 1: Make Post Holes
Use a string line to mark the perimeter of your fence. Determine where the posts will go. Mark where the center of each post will sit. Measure the width of your fence posts. Multiply that number by 3. This gives you the diameter needed for your post holes. Draw a circle with the proper diameter around each of the center-post marks.
Drill holes about one inch apart around the perimeter of each circle using a hammer drill. Then, drill several holes within the circle. This will prevent spider web cracks from forming in the surrounding concrete during the next step.
Switch to a chisel drill bit. This turns your hammer drill into a small-scale jackhammer to begin breaking up the concrete within the circle.
Once all the concrete has been broken up and removed, use a post-hole digger to create a hole 24 inches deep.
Add a few inches of gravel to the hole for drainage.
Repeat steps 6-8 for each post.
Important Safety Tip: Always call Colorado Utility Locate at 8-1-1 before any digging project to make sure you're not in danger of hitting utility lines. This protects you from potential injury and extremely costly damages.
Step 2: Dry Fit Posts
Place posts in their holes. Brace them upright with 2 x 4s.
Use a string line to ensure they all sit at the same height and are level.
Step 3: Pour Concrete
Mix quick-set concrete in a bucket following the instructions on the package.
Double-check that your posts are level and at the right height.
Pour concrete into the top of each hole. Be careful not to let a dip form around the post.
Step 4: Follow Your Dumpster Enclosure Instructions
From here on out, simply assemble your wood or vinyl dumpster corral according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Safe and Secure Dumpsters
Once you've installed a commercial dumpster enclosure, you can take out the trash without it being an eye-sore for your customers--or finding other people's rubbish hitching a ride with the garbage service you pay for. If you have more questions about sizing or placement for your dumpster corral, give our team a call at (719) 655-2833. We're here to help.