Planning For Trash
Address Trash early to get a better system with less work
Have you ever tried to incorporate trash collection into a project during Construction Documents?
It is a mess, and the results will be less than stellar unless you go way in the hole by reworking lots of earlier decisions.
Here is how to avoid the situation next time.
Start solving trash in Pre-Design
Everybody generates trash, even a college dorm dweller. The trick to solving the trash issue well and with the least effort is to start early and get the issue integrated. So what does that look like?
During the earliest review of the program, get the answers to six questions:
How much trash do you generate per week?
What does it consist of?
Any odor issues?
Any HazMat issues?
How is it collected for disposal?
Do you plan to recycle?
These questions are just trying to quantify the issue. No solutions yet. However, if your client knows what he wants, that is great. Document it.
During Schematic Design make three decisions.
Decide if trash collection will happen at the street curb or on site? Maybe a dock?
Decide on wheeled container(s) or a dumpster.
Decide on a location for the container(s) or dumpster. Consider:
Route of the collection truck
Convenience, door access
Aesthetics
Show the results of these decisions on the SD Site Plan. Coordinate with the design team.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
By Design Development you know how the building works, and you will be able to tell how well the trash issue has been incorporated. A few more things need to be documented.
Show any interior space needed for containers and staging.
Show any enclosures that may be required or desirable. Plan. Elevations indicating materials.
Show any pads or aprons required. Concrete is normally used for durability.
Consider drainage and the need for water.
For on-site pick up, consider the truck’s size, and turn around requirements.
Show any facilities you are planning on your Site Plan and Floor Plan. Coordinate with the design team so everyone is on the same page.
Finally during Construction Documents
During CDs you will want to include any details and refinements that are needed. Take a look at McDonalds or Chick fil A if you need inspiration. They know what works and what is maintainable. Gates, in particular, can be a maintenance problem.
Potential documentation needs:
Enclosure plan
Guard posts to protect enclosure, gate, and to prevent dumpster from being pushed out of position (damaging other improvements!).
Enclosure elevations
Enclosure wall section
Gate details
Pad and apron locations, dimensions, and materials.
Pavement details
Sanitary drain
Water supply
Why Bother?
This may seem like a lot of effort over an insignificant part of the design. But by considering the impact of trash throughout the design process, it will take a fraction of the time needed to incorporate it later.
Besides, I think getting these livability issues solved for your client leads to referrals.
