Republic Services Design Standards FINAL1
BOISE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SOLID WASTE POLICY 1
January 2020
SOLID WASTE DESIGN STANDARDS
I. INTRODUCTION
A. This policy details requirements for commercial solid waste service and residential
subdivisions, which will provide for the safe and efficient collection of solid waste
materials. Public Works staff shall review and have final approval over safety factors and
space requirements, including enclosure specifications, access to solid waste containers,
and proper distance, height and width clearances.
II. SCOPE
A. This policy applies to all commercial properties within the City of Boise which use
commercial solid waste containers and service with scheduled collection, and new
residential subdivisions.
B. Exterior solid waste enclosures are required for all new commercial solid waste service
locations except those sites with an approved internal room for solid waste storage
(Section V), alley collection (Section VI), or large compactors (Section VII).
C. Residential subdivisions are required to provide adequate maneuvering space for the
collection vehicle and staging space if residential cart service is being used (Section
VIII).
D. Solid waste enclosures will be required to be constructed to current standards for:
1. Construction which impacts parking or driveway areas;
2. Construction which restricts access to, modifies, or changes the location of an
existing enclosure;
3. Interior modifications which change the use of the building.
E. City of Boise Public Works staff have final approval on all compactor installations, and
can deny the use of compactors in a certain project on the grounds of safety or space
requirements.
III. COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS
A. All submittals for commercial projects shall include a scale drawing of the site, clearly
showing:
1. Lot lines;
2. Existing and planned buildings;
3. All existing and planned sidewalks, curb cuts, drives, parking spaces, landscaping,
freestanding signs, posts, poles (e.g., streetlight, telephone and electric poles), overhead
and underground utilities, and other structures that may affect collection;
4. The location of all public rights-of-way, fire hydrants, sidewalks and public
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transportation stops on the premises and adjacent to the premises;
5. Adjacent structures, including distances to the nearest residential areas;
6. Access roadways or drives intended for collection, ingress and egress, fire lanes,
turnaround locations and vertical clearances; and
7. Proposed path for the collection vehicles.
B. For sites utilizing exterior solid waste enclosures, submittals shall include location and
dimensions of all proposed solid waste enclosures and containers, and a detailed drawing of
the proposed solid waste enclosure.
C. For sites utilizing internal solid waste rooms, submittals shall include location and
dimensions of the solid waste room and containers, and the location and dimensions of the
staging area.
D. For sites utilizing alley service, submittals shall include location of solid waste containers.
IV. EXTERIOR ENCLOSURE DESIGN
A. Applicability: Commercial properties where solid waste containers are stored in a
walled structure located outside the building envelope, with one or more gates for
access.
B. The size of the enclosure will depend on what types of containers are to be utilized. The
following table details the required enclosure specifications for various solid waste
containers available from the city’s contracted waste hauler (see Table 1 below, and
Figures 1 through 4 at end).
Table 1. Enclosure Design Specifications
Solid Waste
Containers
Minimum
Dimensions
(interior)
Enclosure
Gates/Doors Surface Pad
One dumpster:
3, 6, or 8-yard
12’ X 12’ with a
12’-wide gate
opening
Must open at least
120 degrees, and
have a mechanism to
hold them in the
open position
Minimum four-inch-
thick reinforced
concrete with an apron,
sized to fit the
enclosure
Two containers:
3, 6, or 8-yard
dumpster,
and one grease
container or up to two
95-gallon carts
16’ X 12’ with
a 16’-wide gate
opening
Must open at least
120 degrees, and
have a mechanism to
hold them in the
open position
Minimum four-inch-
thick reinforced
concrete with an apron,
sized to fit the
enclosure
Two dumpsters:
3, 6, or 8-yard
18’ X 12’ with
an 18’-wide
gate opening
Must open at least
120 degrees, and
have a mechanism to
hold them in the
open position
Minimum four-inch-
thick reinforced
concrete with an apron,
sized to fit the
enclosure
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One 3, 6, or 8-yard
dumpster and up to
four 95-gallon carts
18’ X 12’ with
an 18’-wide
gate opening
Must open at least
120 degrees, and
have a mechanism to
hold them in the
open position
Minimum four-inch-
thick reinforced
concrete with an apron,
sized to fit the
enclosure
Two 3, 6, or 8-yard
dumpsters and
up to four 95-gallon
carts
18’-wide gate
opening and 16’
deep, with
additional 4’
access door for
cart service
Must open at least
120 degrees, and
have a mechanism to
hold them in the
open position
Minimum four-inch-
thick reinforced
concrete with an apron,
sized to fit the
enclosure
One or two 95-gallon
carts
4’ X 8’ 4’-wide gate, or a
three-sided enclosure
with no gate
Paved and sized to
fit enclosure
Three or four
95-gallon carts
8’ X 8’ or
4’ X 16’
7’-wide gate, or a
three-sided enclosure
with no gate
Paved and sized to
fit enclosure
C. Multiple-dumpster enclosures designed with a partition or center gate post separating the
dumpsters are treated as two separate enclosures for the purpose of determining
minimum interior dimensions. For example, if a proposed enclosure contains two
dumpsters with a separate gate opening for each container, they would be treated as
separate single enclosures with 12’-wide gate openings required for each (see Figure 5 at
end).
D. Minimum 3’-wide pedestrian entrances are a preferred design feature of all solid waste
enclosures. Multi-family residential or mixed-use properties (residential and commercial
uses) utilizing 3-yard or larger containers must provide a minimum 3’-wide pedestrian
entrance to the enclosure separate from the gate access used for the collection vehicle
(see Figure 6 at end).
E. Wheeled carts may also be stored inside a service area or garage and brought to the curb
by building staff prior to scheduled collection. Carts must then be returned to their
storage location within 24 hours by building staff.
F. Solid waste enclosures may not be used for storage of any other materials except solid
waste and all waste must be stored within the provided container(s).
G. If bollards are placed inside the enclosure to protect the back wall, they must be
located at least 9’ back from the enclosure gate opening. Bollards cannot be placed
within or near an enclosure in such a way as to restrict dimensions of the gate opening
(see Figure 6 at end).
H. Enclosures may not be covered or have a roof.
I. Solid waste containers must be completely shielded from public view by a minimum
6’ high fence or wall, and enclosure gate.
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V. ACCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR ENCLOSURES
A. Applicability: Commercial properties where solid waste containers are stored in a walled
structure located outside the building envelope, with one or more gates for access.
B. Enclosures must be located and configured so there is at least 50’ of unobstructed access
in front of the enclosure as measured from the center of the enclosure gates, extending
to the width of the enclosure gates (see Figures 1 through 3 at end).
C. The site plan must be designed so that backing movements of the collection vehicle do
not exceed 70’ in length, measured from the front of the enclosure to the edge of an
intersecting drive aisle or paved area where the vehicle can turn around. Additionally,
all backing must be in a straight line; vehicles cannot perform turning maneuvers while
backing.
D. There must be at least 25’ of overhead clearance above and 30’ in front of all
enclosures to avoid damage and interference while containers are being emptied.
E. If the vehicle circulation plan does not allow collection vehicles forward access to a
public street after collection, a paved hammerhead turnaround 15’-wide and 50’-long or a
70’-diameter cul-de-sac must be provided. Parking is not permitted in the cul-de-sac or
turnaround area (see Figure 7 at end).
F. Adequate maneuvering room for a collection vehicle with an overall approximate length
of 35’ and a 40’ minimum outside turning radius must be provided. Separate site plans
detailing the proposed collection vehicle drive path may be required for projects with
limited paved maneuvering areas.
G. All roads, alleys, or service drives must provide an unobstructed path at least 15’ high
and 16’ wide to allow for safe access to enclosures.
H. The area 40’ in front of the enclosure may not have a slope of greater than 4%.
I. Access to enclosures must be maintained by the property owner by keeping path to the
enclosure free of accumulating snow, parked cars, or debris.
J. The following cases require a legal agreement signed by all affected parties to be
submitted to the Public Works Department, with one entity to be responsible for
service billing:
1. Two or more adjacent properties opting to share a dumpster enclosure, where
feasible and approved by Public Works staff.
2. An enclosure with collection vehicle access located on an adjacent property with
separate ownership.
VI. INTERNAL SOLID WASTE ROOMS
A. Applicability: Commercial properties where solid waste containers are stored in an enclosed
room within a building.
B. All internal rooms (rooms within the building envelope) used for solid waste storage must:
1. Be located on surface level. Internal rooms are not allowed in basements, or in
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underground or above ground-level garage areas.
2. Provide an 8’-wide paved access ramp sloped towards the street or alley within 15’
of the solid waste room exterior door. No curbs, rolled curbs or pavement gaps
may obstruct movement of containers to the street.
3. Provide a staging area on the street in front of the access ramp, with minimum
dimensions of 15’ along the curb and 9’ out from the curb. This area must be marked
with appropriate signage stating, “No parking or staging.” Public Works staff shall
have final approval on the location and design of this staging area.
4. Use 3-yard wheeled dumpsters or 95-gallon carts for service, or compactors where
feasible.
5. Not be located within 20’ of an intersection.
C. Required dimensions for solid waste rooms are detailed in the following table (Table
2). It is important to build a room for the containers of sufficient size to accommodate
growth, since a change in building use or tenants can greatly affect the required
service needs.
Table 2. Solid Waste Room Design Specifications
Containers Minimum Dimensions of Solid Waste Room
One 3-yard dumpster or up to four 95-
gallon carts
8’-wide door opening and 10’ deep
One 3-yard dumpster and up to four 95-
gallon carts or a single grease container
12’-wide door opening and 10’ deep; or 8’
door opening and 10’ deep with a separate
standard size access door for recycling cart
access
Two 3-yard dumpsters 12’-wide door opening and 10’ deep
Two 3-yard dumpsters and up to four 95-
gallon carts or a single grease container
12’-wide door opening and 10’ deep, with
additional access door for recycling cart
access; or 16’ door opening & 16’ deep
D. No other equipment or materials may be stored in solid waste rooms.
E. A structure separate from other buildings that is designed solely to house solid waste
containers is not considered a solid waste room, but rather an enclosure.
F. Internal solid waste rooms either opening into an alley or having a staging area in an alley
must also be in compliance with Section VII of this policy.
G. If compactors are used the containers must be moved by the property owner to a staging
area on the street (or alley where applicable) for collection (per Section V.B.3).
VII. ALLEY SERVICE
A. Applicability: Commercial properties which border maintained alleys may utilize
the alley as a solid waste collection location, provided the alley is accessible to
collection vehicles and has through-access to streets at both ends.
B. The alley must be clear and accessible along the entire length; collection vehicles
will not back up when servicing solid waste containers.
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C. All solid waste materials must be contained in a city-provided container. The
container placement must provide at least 12’ of clearance along the width of the
alley so as to not block passage of vehicles.
D. All solid waste containers must be stored along the property which they service.
E. An enclosure may not be required for alley service.
F. Alley service is limited to 3-yard wheeled dumpsters or 95-gallon carts, or compactors
where feasible.
VIII. LARGE COMPACTORS AND ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS
A. Applicability: Commercial service locations proposing the use of compactors with
greater than 8-yards of capacity. Compactors with 8-yards or less of capacity are
subject to the same requirements and limitations as dumpsters as covered in this
policy.
B. Compactors and roll-off containers must be located in an accessible area (see
Section IV) away from public view.
C. Compactors and roll-off containers must be placed on a minimum 4-inch thick
reinforced concrete pad, with apron, sized to fit the compactor.
D. Compactors and roll-off containers require 60’ of clearance in front of the container.
E. Any gates used to access the compactor or roll-off container must open 120 degrees
minimum and have wind stops.
IX. RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS
A. Applicability: Residential subdivisions where a separate set of carts is kept with each
dwelling unit, to be serviced at the curb (or alley if applicable).
B. The following are general requirements of residential subdivisions:
1. All streets and alleys must be designed so that collection vehicles are not forced to
back up at any time. A paved hammerhead turnaround 15’ wide and 50’ long may be
provided for this purpose; parking is not permitted in the turn-around area (See
Figure 7 at end).
2. All developments utilizing residential service, including condominiums, town homes
and patio homes, must provide a minimum of 15 feet of curb space per dwelling unit
for the carts to be placed at the curb for collection.
3. Cul-de-sacs must have an unobstructed 70’ minimum diameter.
4. Alleys and service drives designated for solid waste collection shall be a minimum
of 16’ wide (curb-to-curb) with no parking permitted.
5. Trees, street lights, wiring and other overhead obstacles shall not impede solid waste
collection and will be maintained to provide an 18’ high clearance above the cart
collection location(s).
6. Designated parking areas shall not impede curbside solid waste collection; no
parking is permitted in cul-de-sacs.
7. Developers of gated subdivisions shall provide the solid waste hauler with access to
the subdivision.
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8. Lots not accessible to collection vehicles, including flag lots, lots on dead-end streets
and lots with private or shared driveways, must take their carts to the street for
collection or pay for carry-out or premium carry-out service.
9. A signed service agreement is required for solid waste service on private streets.
C. If the above general requirements cannot be met, commercial service or separate
collection locations may be required.
X. WAIVERS AND APPEALS
A. Any person may request a waiver of any provision of this policy.
B. All waivers and appeals must be submitted the Public Works Department in writing.
C. Reference Boise City Solid Waste Ordinance (Sec. 10-4-5-3 and 10-4-5-4) for the
waivers and appeals process.
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Figure 1. Typical Exterior Enclosure, Single Dumpster
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
12’ gate opening
Gates open 120
degrees, with a
cane bolt to
hold open
12’ Interior dimension 12’ 12’ gate opening
Dumpster
50’ of
straight-line
access
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Dumpster
Gates open 120
degrees, with a
cane bolt to hold
open
Up to two 95-
gallon carts or
one grease
container
16’ Interior dimension
12’
16’ gate opening
50’ of
straight-line
access
Figure 2. Typical Exterior Enclosure, Single Dumpster
with Carts and/or Grease Container
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
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Figure 3. Typical Exterior Enclosure, Dual Dumpsters
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
18’ gate opening
Gates open
120 degrees
with a cane
bolt to hold
open
18’ Interior dimension
50’ of
straight-line
access
12’
Dumpster
Or up to four
95-gallon carts
Dumpster
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Figure 4. Typical Exterior Enclosure, Carts Only
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
16’ Interior dimension
4’
Up to four 95-gallon
wheeled carts
12
12’ gate opening
Gates open 120
degrees, with a
cane bolt to
hold open
12’ Interior dimension
12’ gate opening
12’ gate opening
Gates open 120
degrees
12’ Interior dimension 12’ 12’ gate opening
Dumpster
50’ of
straight-line
access
50’ of
straight-line
access
Dumpster
Figure 5. Dual Dumpsters in Single Enclosures
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
13
12’ gate opening
3’
9’
Pedestrian entrance
Bollards (optional)
set back at least 9’
from gate opening
Dumpster
Figure 6. Typical Exterior Enclosure, Bollard
and Pedestrian Entrance Locations
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
14
15’
50’ 16’
Min. 40’ outside
turning radius
Figure 7. Hammerhead Turnaround
(Drawing not to scale, for reference only)
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Figure 8. Exterior Enclosure Access Examples
(Drawings not to scale, for reference only)
Acceptable location. Vehicle can
access enclosure with minimal
backing.
Enclosure Truck Through-access to street
Acceptable location. Vehicle can
access enclosure with minimal
backing.
Through-access to street
Unacceptable location (except for
alley service). Vehicle does not have
50’ of access in front of enclosure.
Unacceptable location. Vehicle is
required to turn while backing.