Trash Talk: Finding The Right Dumpster Enclosure and Gate

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Commercial Fencing

“There is considerable overlap between the intelligence of the smartest bears and the dumbest tourists.”

While this quote from a Yosemite park ranger is a humorous exaggeration, many commercial property owners face a similar problem. How do you keep unwanted visitors out of your dumpsters without creating unnecessary complications for employees?

There are many solutions to protect your dumpster areas, and each offers a different blend of security, ease, and appeal. Before you invest in an enclosure, understand all the options so you can choose the right one to protect your business and your bottom line.

The Value of a Secure Dumpster Area

The right dumpster security solution will allow employees to easily dispose of trash while preventing critters and the general public from using your dumpster as their own. Some of the main benefits of a secure dumpster area include the following.

  • Avoid time-consuming cleanup of messes made by animals.
  • Control waste management costs by preventing unauthorized dumping.
  • Eliminate the risk of vandalism.
  • Improve aesthetic appeal by hiding dumpsters from view.
  • Prevent theft of discarded products and information.
  • Reduce the risk of dumpster fires caused by unintentional mixing of chemicals.

Choosing A Dumpster Enclosure

The ideal enclosure to secure your dumpster area varies depending on your industry and individual needs. For example, restaurants often favor dumpster enclosures that protect against animals seeking discarded food while manufacturers are typically more concerned with keeping thieves at bay.

Fortunately, there are several types of enclosures that can help you achieve your unique goals. The most important factors you need to consider when comparing these options are security, privacy, cost, maintenance, and visual appeal.

Wooden Enclosures

Dumpster enclosures made of wood are one of the most cost-effective solutions to install. Depending on the options you choose, they can also provide a tall, sturdy barrier that blocks your dumpster from view and prevents most people and animals from accessing it. However, wood weathers over time, causing the enclosure to become less attractive and require more maintenance.

Vinyl Enclosures

Enclosures made of vinyl offer many of the same benefits as wood including privacy and moderate security. Vinyl also succeeds where wooden fencing falls short – offering low maintenance and long-lasting visual appeal. On the other hand, vinyl enclosures typically have a slightly higher price than wooden alternatives.

Chain-Link Enclosures

Another relatively low-cost option for your dumpster enclosure is chain-link fencing. This type of enclosure offers moderate security, low maintenance, and a long lifespan. The addition of slats to your chain-link enclosure adds a modicum of privacy, but this option still falls short in terms of visual appeal.

Metal Enclosures

For companies that value security above all else, metal dumpster enclosures are an excellent option. They offer a virtually impenetrable barrier that is long-lasting and simple to maintain. However, metal enclosures are generally more expensive to install than other options and their visual appeal can vary greatly depending on the style you choose.

Concrete and Brick Enclosures

Similar to metal enclosures, brick and concrete options offer maximum security with low maintenance and a long lifespan. Also like metal, brick and concrete enclosures can be expensive to install. Where these differ from metal options, however, is their unparalleled visual appeal.

Choosing A Dumpster Gate

In addition to a type of dumpster enclosure, you will also need to choose a type of gate to provide access to your trash area. When determining which type of gate is right for you, compare the ease of employee access, cost, and security.

Swingable Gates

Gates that swing outward from a central point are the most common type of dumpster gate. This type of access is generally available in wood, vinyl, chain-link, and metal to match the style of your enclosure. The cost of this type of gate varies based on the material but is generally the simplest and least expensive type of gate.

Swingable gates also offer various methods for locking, which allow you to balance the level of security you need with ease of access. On the downside, these gates can be heavy and difficult for employees to open.

Swingable Gates with Access Doors

To combat the difficulty of opening swingable gates, you can choose to install an additional access door in your enclosure. This is generally a smaller gate used by employees discarding trash. Adding an access door often raises the total cost of your enclosure but can be well worth it if your employees need to access the dumpsters frequently.

Automated Gates

For enhanced security and ease of access, you can choose to install an automated gate on your dumpster enclosure. This type of gate provides the highest level of security and can even allow you to track when the gates are opened. However, automation adds an additional expense to your enclosure installation.

Finding the right dumpster gate and enclosure can be a challenge due to the vast number of options. An experienced commercial property services company can help you weigh the pros and cons of each choice and find the right one for your business.

Dumpster Enclosure and Gate Installation from Terra Commercial Property Services

At Terra Commercial Property Services, we can install a variety of dumpster enclosures and gates to meet your needs. We partner with businesses across a wide range of industries and have the specific knowledge to help you determine the right solution to balance security, aesthetics, and cost.

In addition to helping you choose an alternative, our experienced fencing team will install your dumpster enclosure and gate to maximize security and longevity. Once your dumpster area is secure, we can also keep it clean through our commercial pressure washing and maintenance program.

To discuss the right dumpster area solution for your company, contact us today.