Enclosure Plans are required for all commercial, multi-family, new construction, and alteration projects to demonstrate compliance with California mandated diversion requirements, adequate space to accommodate service needs, and to ensure the safety of those utilizing the service area. This plan is subject to approval by Recology San Benito County, the County of San Benito, and/or the respective jurisdiction in which you are conducting business.

To begin the review process, please contact Recology San Benito County at 831.636.7500 and a Customer Service Representative will connect you with a Waste Zero Specialist who can assist you with your Enclosure Plans. Download our document containing information on Container Dimensions and Collection Vehicle Specifications.

The Enclosure Plan should demonstrate compliance with the following requirements:

Structure: Enclosures should be built to allow for maneuvering of containers with ample space between each container. Enclosures should be designed to accommodate recycling, compost, solid waste services, and any FOG (Fat, Oil & Grease) containers, if applicable. Please note, that Recology San Benito County does not service FOG containers. The design of the enclosure should allow for the growth of mandated diversion programs and collection services.

Enclosure doors and hinges must be flush with the enclosure wall. Doors must open a minimum of 90 degrees utilizing cane bolts to secure doors to the ground during service.

The enclosure should also contain bump stops which are usually concrete or steel and when installed help keeps the bins/carts from hitting and damaging the inside walls of an enclosure.

Drainage: Steel grates are acceptable; however, in order to avoid damage, they must not be placed directly in front of the enclosure. Visit your city’s website for acceptable drainage options.

Service Times: Service times may vary. For commercial properties, collection can begin at 3:00 am Mon – Fri and at 6:00 am for residential/multi-family dwellings. Weekend service for commercial and multi-family properties begins at 6:00 am. If containers are kept underground, they will need to be brought to the street or curb prior to the collection times listed above.

Clearance: Vertical (overhead) clearance of 50 feet is required for accessing containers.

Loading Pad and Weight Limits: A concrete stress apron extending 8’ x 8’ from the enclosure opening engineered to withstand 60,000 lbs. Be advised there are weight limits for all containers, which vary by size and commodity. Compactor front-load containers, by nature, are heavier than standard front-load containers. As such, we cannot pull out compacted bins for service – they must be curbside or positioned in the collection area for direct access by collection vehicle. In addition, RSBC cannot pull out any container that is 3 cubic yards or larger; these containers fall under the same requirements as compactor front load bins.

Collection vehicles weigh approximately 60,000 lbs. when at full capacity; therefore, consider installing wear plates and using concrete over asphalt to avoid more than normal wear at the service location. Should service be performed on a private road or street, a Release of Liability Form must be signed prior to the approval of design and service.

Grade: The enclosure must be street level or at a grade of less than 7%.

Location and Access: The enclosure must be at street level or within 50 feet from a public street or a paved roadway that is at least 16 feet wide. A turning radius of 40 feet is required for collection vehicles. For backup distances of greater than 150 feet, a turnaround area must be provided.

Containers that are housed underground will need to be brought to street-level for service. Recology can provide service containers with tow bars and pneumatic wheels for a one-time fee.

Containers cannot be rolled off of or pushed up onto a curb. A driveway curb-cut is required to roll containers from the curb onto the street for service.

Lighting: Consider installation of lights around the enclosure to allow adequate visibility in early morning hours. Lighting should not impede accessibility to enclosures or containers.

Chutes: All chutes must be equipped with a chute shut-off valve. Recology is unable to provide additional containers for use as a placeholder when full containers are being serviced.

Signage: Weatherproof “No Parking Signs” placed on the outside of the enclosure will mitigate enclosures from being blocked on service days. Contact Recology for recycle, compost, and garbage posters, which can be placed in enclosures to educate customers about the proper use of the containers.

Additional Fees: Contact Recology at 831.636.7500 for more information about the following services, which may result in additional fees.