Size a dumpster enclosure around the actual containers, the clear gate opening your hauler requires and the collection access, not the container’s capacity alone. For reference, Alpine’s 8 ft single (TE-S12) is 14 ft 2 in × 13 ft 2 in outside and 13 ft 6 in × 12 ft 2 in inside with one 12 ft clear gate; the double (TE-D24C) is 26 ft 10 in × 13 ft 2 in outside with two 12 ft clear gates.
Size the enclosure around the containers and collection method
A dumpster’s capacity does not define its complete dimensions. Obtain the width, depth, height and service requirements for the containers your hauler will supply. Include recycling, carts, grease collection and any other waste stream that needs space.
The enclosure should provide room for everyday use, safe movement and collection. A layout that fits containers tightly may still leave too little space for lids, doors, bollards or service access.
Keep three measurements separate
- Outside footprint: the overall plan dimensions occupied by the enclosure.
- Inside dimensions: the available space within the enclosure; bollards and other obstructions may reduce usable room.
- Clear gate opening: the unobstructed access width with the gates open, measured as detailed on the approved drawing.
Alpine’s standard double-leaf gates provide 12 ft or 16 ft clear access. The clear opening is the unobstructed width available with the gates open; posts and hardware are coordinated outside that required access zone. A 20 ft clear double-leaf gate is a custom option. Confirm the required opening with the hauler and show it on the approved drawing.
Alpine standard enclosure layouts
The following plan dimensions describe the current Alpine reference configurations. They are starting points for coordination, not automatic approval for a particular container or hauler.
- TE-S12, single: 14 ft 2 in × 13 ft 2 in outside footprint; 13 ft 6 in × 12 ft 2 in inside, with one 12 ft clear gate opening.
- TE-S12F, wide single: 17 ft 4 in × 13 ft 2 in outside footprint; 16 ft 8 in × 12 ft 2 in inside, with one 12 ft clear gate opening.
- TE-D24C, double: 26 ft 10 in × 13 ft 2 in outside footprint; 26 ft 2 in × 12 ft 2 in inside, with two 12 ft clear gate openings and a shared center post.
Standard screen heights are 6, 7 and 8 ft. Confirm the selected height against container screening, zoning limits and site engineering. Use the standard-size sheets for planning, then coordinate final dimensions with the approved project drawings.
Leave room for the gate swing and collection vehicle
Coordinate gate swing, hold-open locations and the path for containers or collection equipment. Check the approach, turning space and overhead clearance with the hauler. Keep these service zones clear of parked vehicles, landscaping and building projections.
If the hauler or equipment requires a wider opening, send the required clear width to Alpine before selecting the gate layout. Custom gate arrangements are engineered for the project.
Coordinate the pad, apron and protection
Plan the concrete pad and service apron with the civil and structural design team. The design should consider collection loads, drainage, post anchorage and existing slab conditions. Place bollards so they protect the enclosure without reducing required usable space or access.
Send the information that defines the layout
Share the site address, container dimensions and count, required clear opening, screen height, gate swing, hauler requirements and slab status. A site plan or dimensioned sketch is enough to begin a layout review.
Explore Alpine Citadel, review gates and fencing, check local rules in dumpster enclosure requirements, or request a project layout.