Trash

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.
​
How to avoid the situation next time is the topic of this post.

---

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?


PRE-DESIGN 
During the earliest review of the program, get the answers to six questions:

1. How much trash do you generate per week?
2. What does it consist of? 
3. Any odor issues? 
4. Any HazMat issues?
5. How is it collected for disposal?
6. 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.


SCHEMATIC DESIGN 
During Schematic Design make three decisions and locate the facilities. 

1. Decide if trash collection will happen at the street curb or on site?
2. Decide on wheeled container(s) or a dumpster.
3. Decide on a location for the container(s) or dumpster. Consider:

• ⬜️ Route of the collection truck
• ⬜️ Convenience
• ⬜️ Aesthetics 
• ⬜️ Zoning constraints

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.


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

​
This may seem like a lot of bother 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 infrastructure issues solved for your client leads to eager referrals.