Cost to Build a Concrete Trash or Dumpster Enclosure

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Commercial concrete trash or dumpster enclosures are fenced-in areas that allow you to keep away your commercial or temporary container from view, so your property looks always presentable and clean. Also, it prevents trash from being accessed by animals or picked up by the wind and prevents strangers from illegally dumping in your container, causing additional rack-up fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Concrete Trash or Dumpster Enclosure?

In the US, most dumpster enclosures have a three sides block wall which is also supported by rebars installed in the foundation. A fact that results in a higher cost.

Engineering and architect plans will vary for these dumpster enclosures, depending on the building size and details such as one-door, two-door, and four-door types for multiple dumpsters.

Also, the cost of building a dumpster enclosure is affected by factors such as the number of dumpsters the enclosure is meant to contain, the materials it is made of, the existence of a concrete foundation for the dumpster to sit on, and whether you plan to hire a professional or build it yourself.

Expect to spend anywhere between $15 and $35 per square foot for digging and pouring a dumpster enclosure foundation, not including the gates and block wall.

Dumpster Enclosure Overview

Commercial concrete trash or dumpster enclosures are very complex structures, with a strong foundation designed to support heavy weights. In general, dumpster enclosure slabs are thicker than normal concrete slabs because they must handle waste containers and the weight of the trucks hitting the floor.

You might also like our articles on the cost of Bagster pickup, 1-800-GOT-JUNK services, or the costs of monthly household garbage bills.

Typically, dumpster enclosures have heavy steel gates installed on thick steel poles that, for support, are either embedded or bolted into the foundation. Also, these structures need bollards along the inside of the back wall, which are practically concrete-filled steel poles. These are required to avoid block wall ramming in case the trash company pushes the dumpster too far.

There are different materials that dumpster enclosures can be made of such as concrete, brick, wood, and chain-link. Heavier materials are recommended to keep unwanted intruders out, while lighter materials are great for easy access.

Things to consider

The layout and size of your dumpster enclosure may be affected by the type of dumpster you use. For example, front-load dumpsters stay on-site and are used, in general, by apartment complexes, schools, businesses, and other buildings for periodic garbage collection. This type of dumpster is taken as a benchmark when the standard sizes for dumpster enclosures are calculated, so you will not have to modify your enclosure to house them.

On the other hand, roll-off dumpsters are, in general, larger than front-load dumpsters. These are used for temporary projects such as home renovation, demolition, and construction. Though, in this case, a dumpster enclosure may not be practical as the delivery trucks remove the trash dumpster at the end of the project. But if the truck has easy access to the enclosure, you can build a larger structure.

The minimum required sizes for your dumpster enclosure will also be impacted by the city you live in. Regulations may vary from one city to another, so in order to get information about it you should contact your local trash collection service or government agency.

FAQs

Is a permit required to build a dumpster enclosure?

Yes, you will have to get a permit in order to build a dumpster enclosure on your property. For more information, you should visit your city’s official website page.

How far must a dumpster enclosure be from a building?

A dumpster enclosure has to be placed at a minimum of fifty feet from a building. But if you have enough space, you can build it at a minimum of one hundred feet from the closest entrance. It is important to mention that this can influence the dimension requirements for your dumpster enclosure.

How large should I build my dumpster enclosure?

The dimensions of a typical dumpster enclosure are 19 feet deep/wide, 8 feet high, and 14 feet long. The size of the gate opening should be 15 feet and should be able to swing more than ninety degrees, with a headroom of 20 feet. Usually, the truck length approach is 60 feet.

Should I build a fence around my worksite?

Yes, it would be a good idea to get a fence around your dumpster enclosure during its construction.