How to Build a Dumpster Enclosure

---

 

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 or the raccoons and coyotes who may find your trash appetizing. Not to worry - building a dumpster corral can help with these problems, and it isn't difficult. We're here to show you how.

What is a Dumpster Enclosure?

A dumpster enclosure is a fenced-in area that allows you to hide your temporary or commercial container from view in order to keep your property looking clean and presentable. It will also prevent trash from being picked up by the wind, animals from accessing your bin and strangers from illegally dumping in your container, which could cause you to rack up extra fees. 

 

Article Quick Links:

Choose a Step

1. Choose a Material
2. Determine Dimensions
3. Pick an Installation Method
4. Make Post Holes
5. Dry Fit Posts
6. Pour Concrete
7. Follow Enclosure Directions

 

---

 

Steps to Build an Enclosure

When you're ready to build a dumpster corral, it helps if you go in with a plan. Use these steps to choose the right material for your enclosure, ensure you have enough space and successfully build your fence.

 

Prep

The last thing you want to do is go into the project not feeling confident. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you prepare to build your corral and pick a dumpster enclosure design.

1. Choose a Material for Your 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.

Material	Pros	Cons
Wood	Inexpensive Easy to repair	Weathers easily Lots of maintenance
Vinyl	Visually appealing Maintenance-free	Expensive Can’t be repaired
Chain link with slats	Affordable Easy to install	Less visual appeal Easy to climb
Metal	Professional look Little Maintenance	Less privacy Difficult to install
Concrete	Long-lasting No Maintenance	Can’t be moved Very expensive

Pro-Tip: Some cities require dumpster fences 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.

How Much Does a Dumpster Enclosure Cost?

The cost of your dumpster enclosure will depend on the following factors:

• The material you choose.
• Whether there's an existing concrete foundation on the property for the dumpster to sit on.
• The number of dumpsters the fence is meant to contain.
• Whether you plan to build the enclosure yourself or hire a pro.

Keep in Mind: In addition to maintaining the aesthetic of your property, installing a dumpster enclosure is also a cost-saving measure. It protects your container from illegal dumpers who may toss the wrong materials in your bin or overload the container, resulting in extra fees.

2. Determine Dumpster Enclosure Dimensions

The dimensions of your dumpster enclosure need to account not only for the size of the dumpster itself but leave 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.

Typical Minimum Dumpster Enclosure Dimensions 

Height:	8 feet
Length:	14 feet
Width/Depth:	19 feet
Gate Opening:	15 feet
Gate Swing:	More than 90 degrees
Overhead Clearance:	20 feet
Truck Approach Length:	60 feet

Pro-Tip: Some cities require their own dimensions for dumpster enclosures. Check with your local Building Department to find out if any rules apply in your area.

3. Decide an Installation Method

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.

Choose DIY or Professional Enclosure Installation
Type of Fence	Do It Yourself	Hire a Pro
Wood	X
Vinyl	X
Chain link		X
Metal		X
Concrete		X

Since you’ll likely be building your dumpster enclosure on a parking lot or other concrete surface, keep in mind that you 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 Your Dumpster Enclosure

4. Make Post Holes

1. Use a string line to mark the perimeter of your fence.
2. Determine where the posts will go. Mark where the center of each post will sit.
3. Measure the width of your fence posts. Multiply that number by 3. This gives you the diameter needed for your post holes. 
4. Draw a circle with the proper diameter around each of the center-post marks.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Once all the concrete has been broken up and removed, use a post hole digger to create a hole 24 inches deep.
8. Add a few inches of gravel to the hole for drainage.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 for each post.

Important Safety Tip: Always call Digline 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.

5. Dry Fit Posts

1. Place posts in their holes. Brace them upright with 2 x 4s. 
2. Use a string line to ensure they all sit at the same height and are level.

6. Pour Concrete

1. Mix quick-set concrete in a bucket following the instructions on the package.
2. Double-check that your posts are level and at the right height.
3. Pour concrete to the top of each hole. Be careful not to let a dip form around the post.

7. Follow Your Dumpster Enclosure Directions

From here on out, simply assemble your wood or vinyl dumpster corral according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  

 

Important Enclosure FAQs

 

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 1-877-880-5286. We’re here to help.

 

Recommended reading: How to Plan a Waste Audit | Setting Waste Diversion Goals