A trash chute, also known as a garbage chute, is a tube typically made of galvanized steel that allows trash to fall from higher areas of a building to lower levels. Chutes must be one length from top to bottom and must be installed and maintained following the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 82 standards.
Although there are different types of chutes, they are all identical in construction with the exception of their entry and exit points. Lets discuss some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to these building workhorses.
Trash Chutes 101
What are Building Chutes Used for?
Mid-rise and high-rise buildings use chutes to efficiently and hygienically collect and dispose of garbage and other large-volume materials. The type of chute installed depends on the materials it will handle, such as:
- trash
- recycling
- linen
- laundry
Chutes for trash and recycling are usually found in apartment buildings and residential high-rises, while linen chutes are more common in hotels.
Where Does Trash Go When Using a Trash Chute?
In a large high-rise building, trash chutes typically empty directly into a trash compactor. Smaller buildings may have a manual door that empties into a dumpster, which can then be pushed out for garbage pickup.
What Type of Garbage Can I Put in a Trash Chute?
Although a building manager must ensure trash chutes are properly maintained, a large part of chute maintenance falls on the residents who live there because they are the ones using the chutes daily.
- Garbage chute: all household waste should be wrapped and sealed tightly in plastic bags.
- Recycling chute: it is best to crush milk cartons and large plastic jugs, as well as soda cans and other things that can be made smaller.
Most building managers have signs posted at the entrance of trash chutes outlining what can and cannot be put down the chute, as well as how to break down or dispose of certain items.
Trash Chute Cleaning and Maintenance
How Often Should I Clean My Trash Chute?
This depends on how much traffic your chute receives. Higher traffic chutes should be cleaned more often. Even those that get average use should be cleaned at least twice a year, especially before major holidays when your trash compactor will get a lot of use.
Again, this depends on how often people are using the chute, as well as what they are dumping. If rotting food and cat litter are regularly dumped down your chute, cleaning it more frequently may help alleviate persistent odors.
Can I Reduce Odors in the Trash Chute?
Regular cleaning of your trash chute ensures that buildup doesn’t occur on the inside of the trash chute and doors creating a lasting odor. There are also options for controlling the odor between cleanings. Call us to figure out what will work best for your building!
Is Pressure Washing My Chute Enough?
Unfortunately, no. There can be a lot of build up along the walls of your trash chute, as well as the doors and base. It’s important to work with commercial cleaning companies like Fresh Focus that go beyond pressure washing to thoroughly clean all areas with other methods like cleaning foam.
Should I Have My Trash Chute Professionally Cleaned?
There are a lot of areas you simply can’t reach trying to clean your trash maintenance areas on your own. Professional technicians like those on the Fresh Focus team have the tools to reach places you may not even realize need cleaned. In addition, we are able deep clean, disinfect, and troubleshoot any problems you may be having.
How Does Fresh Focus Trash Chute Cleaning Work?
Traditional power washing helps remove stubborn grime and can be good for an initial deep cleaning. But professional trash chute cleaning should go beyond cleaning to disinfect as well. Our innovative no-rinse foaming cleaner uses live bacteria to thoroughly and safely clean and deodorize your trash maintenance areas. The foam cleaner sticks to any surface to absorb grime and eliminate pest attractions. Our cleaning technology is quicker, more effective, less disruptive, and more environmentally friendly than other methods.
What Happens If I Don’t Clean My Trash Chute?
Trash chutes and other trash maintenance areas are breeding grounds for toxins, bacteria, insects, and rodents. Cleaning and disinfecting your trash maintenance areas on a regular basis helps alleviate the risk of these unwanted hazards, as well as keeping unwanted odors from forming.
Are There Monetary Impacts to Not Maintaining My Trash Chute?
Leaving your trash chute and compactor dirty too long can cost money. If too much dirt and grime builds up, it can cause equipment undue stress which could results in costly repairs you will have to pay to fix. Build up can also make the machinery work harder which can result in higher electrical bills.
To learn more about Fresh Focus and the cleaning services we offer, including trash chute cleaning, contact us today at (844) 487-3626 or email us at info@freshfoam.com.