Enclosure Guidelines

Waste Sorting Guidelines

Clear guidelines for safe and compliant waste handling

Help keep our community clean and ensure safe, efficient service by following these guidelines:

  • 1
    Provide driving surfaces of sufficient strength to withstand regular traversing of collection vehicles.
  • 2
    Install and maintain a concrete pad in front of enclosure that will accommodate maximum gross vehicle weight of 60,000 pounds.
  • 3
    Assure that the roadway in front of enclosure has a level surface that prevents a waste container from rolling away while positioned for emptying.
  • 4
    Provide adequate space for collection vehicle(s) to safely turn around and back-up. Collection vehicles have a wheel base of approximately 252 inches, a turning radius of approximately 43 feet, and a turning diameter of approximately 94 feet.
  • 5
    Assure that the gate opening of enclosure is at least 12 feet wide and maintain tie backs on each enclosure gate/door.
  • 6
    Provide adequate room (2-3 feet) to walk around each waste container and not have to move one to get to another for use or emptying. If waste chutes will be used, be sure to design so that appropriate collection bin(s) will fit at the bottom of each chute.
  • 7
    Install and maintain bumpers or rub rails along the walls inside the enclosure. Place protective guards on all piping (gas, electrical, water, etc.).
  • 8
    Assure there are no obstacles above or in front of enclosure. Collection vehicles require 30’ feet of vertical clearance. Paint NO PARKING on ground and/or post on front of enclosure.
  • 9
    Prevent illegal dumping and scavenging by fully enclosing (including a roof) and locking waste containers and/or the enclosure itself. If needed, add lights activated by motion-sensors and cameras.
  • 10
    Prevent litter by subscribing to an adequate level of service. Take a moment to review this Litter Reduction Fact Sheet from flowstobay.org.
  • 11
    Provide and maintain appropriate signage indicating what belongs in each waste container. Post signs prohibiting illegal dumping as well. Install appropriate lighting so these signs can be easily read.
  • 12
    Keep waste container lid(s) closed and the surrounding area clear and swept. South San Francisco Scavenger Company is not responsible for any damage to driving surfaces traveled in the course of servicing waste containers.

Regulatory Requirements & Compliance

In addition, it is the waste account holder’s responsibility to comply with applicable legislation.
There are multiple municipal codes and state laws that mandate trash, recycling, and organics
service. For details, use these links: