How to set up a dumpster? Rules regarding the distance of the dumpster from the building

The distance between the dumpster and the building - what does the law say about it?

Collection of solid waste is a must. However, an ordinary trash can, placed anywhere in the estate or in the home garden, is not enough. Detailed rules specifying the distance of a garbage bin from a residential building (and others) can be found in the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of April 12, 2002 on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location. In § 23 of this document, you can read that:

“The distance of places for containers and containers for solid waste [...] should be at least 10 m from windows and doors to buildings with rooms intended for people and at least 3 m from the border with the neighboring plot [...]”.

However, there are exceptions. When can the waste container be placed elsewhere?

1. Maintaining the indicated distances from the border of the neighboring plot is not necessary in a situation where garbage arbors or covers are in contact with similar protective rooms on the other plot.
2. The distance may be reduced (maximum by half) also at the time of reconstruction of buildings that already exist. However, a positive opinion of the state provincial sanitary inspector will be necessary.
3. An exception also applies to single-family buildings, homesteads and individual recreation - in this case, the distance of the garbage bin from the windows of a residential (or other) building may be reduced to 3 m, and from the plot boundary to 2 m.

When determining the distance of the garbage bin from the apartment block, multi-family buildings or public buildings, you must also remember that the containers cannot be placed too far from the entrance. Waste containers should be placed relatively close to the entrance doors to buildings (no further than 80 m), so as to ensure the convenience of garbage disposal for all residents. The exception is when the building is located in a closed area. Then this regulation does not apply, and the garbage can be placed at a further distance, appropriate for the given area.

Location of the garbage bin – regulations specifying the place where the container can be placed

What is important is not only the location of the garbage bin at a specific distance from the building, but also where exactly the container can be placed. In § 22 of the previously mentioned Regulation we read that:

“On construction plots, places should be provided for containers for the temporary collection of solid waste, taking into account the possibility of segregating it”.

What places are we talking about? To comply with regulations, the trashcan can be placed above all:

• in special covered covers (such as gazebos or garbage shelters) or rooms intended for this purpose (both solid and openwork walls are allowed),
• directly in buildingsif there is a room specially separated for this purpose, equipped with, among others, in: sewage grate, gravity ventilation, washable floor, water draw-off point and lighting (detailed guidelines can be found in § 22 section 2 of the above-mentioned Regulation),
• on sites with adequate hardeningon which closed containers can be placed.

Regardless of where the garbage can is placed, the access to it must be paved in such a way that the container can be easily transported on wheels or on a trolley. For housing estates and multi-family buildings access to containers must not be difficult for disabled people.

How to camouflage a garbage can to make it look aesthetically pleasing?

Properly positioning the waste container in accordance with regulations is one thing. However, it is also worth ensuring that the waste bin does not disturb the aesthetics of the surroundings. Fortunately, there are many ways to disguise containers without making them difficult to access.

Special solutions are an effective solution garbage sheds, which not only cover the containers, but also make it easier to keep them clean and keeping tanks clean. They also facilitate the development of space on plots and housing estates.

In maintaining good appearance and order around the house, workplace or other space, will also work well compact covers for garbage containers. Made of galvanized steel, they are characterized by high durability and resistance to adverse weather conditions. They are available in various colors and shapes, which allows them to perfectly match the surroundings. Thanks to this, they can be not only functional, but also an eye-pleasing addition to the space around the building.

One of the most interesting and innovative solutions are garbage gazebos with a green roof. This is not only an aesthetic, but above all an ecological option for covering containers, which increases the amount of greenery in urban housing estates. A garden on the gazebo's roof stores water, improves air quality, reduces noise, and also contributes to improving the climate. It can help reduce temperatures, especially on hot days, and also increase biodiversity.