The 60-Second Dumpster Check

Before rain, check five things

1. Close every lid

Make sure lids can close fully and are not blocked by overfilled waste or cardboard.

2. Pick up loose trash

Remove loose bags, cups, film, cardboard and other material that wind or runoff can move.

3. Look for leaks

Check the bottom and lower sides of containers for holes, failed seams, wet staining or active dripping.

4. Prevent overflow

If the container is full before service day, arrange service or reduce loading. Waste above the rim makes lid closure impossible.

5. Keep nearby drains clear

Do not sweep litter into drains or use the drain as a cleanup shortcut. Remove debris and keep the drainage path visible.

During routine maintenance

• Keep cardboard protected from rain.
• Sweep enclosure pads instead of hosing residue toward storm drains.
• Report damaged lids and leaking containers to the responsible property team or hauler.
• Know where trench drains and floor drains discharge.
• Photograph recurring problems so they can be tracked and corrected.

For employees

The most important behavior may take less than five seconds: put the material in the correct container and close the lid after use.

For property managers

Add the dumpster area to pre-rain walks. It is usually easier to correct an open lid, loose waste or blocked drain before the storm than clean it up afterward.

Close it. Contain it. Clear the drain.

Sources & further reading

• CASQA – SC-34 Waste Handling & Disposal
• U.S. EPA – Industrial Stormwater SWPPP Guide

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