Trash Chute vs. Valet Trash: Which One is Right for Your Building?
Residents who live in apartment complexes, condominiums, and high-rise buildings have different expectations for community living–even when it comes to disposing of garbage. Trash chutes and valet trash are typically the two options available for enclosed buildings in metropolitan areas.
With Americans throwing out 4.9 points of trash per person every day, thinking about waste management is important. If you’re left making this complex decision for your building, here are some guidelines to help you decide which trash management solution is right for you. Read on to learn more about trash chutes, how valet trash works, and the pros and cons of each.
What is a Trash Chute?
A trash chute is a large, vertical tube in which garbage can be deposited at various points or trash chute rooms and collected in a single location. The trash chute spans multiple levels and each floor has a specific room that residents can use to access a portion of the garbage chute.
What Are the Benefits of Trash Chute Installation?
- Convenience. Residents don’t have to adhere to a set trash schedule; they can dispose of their trash at any time.
- Appearance. Hallways appear cleaner because trash cans aren’t cluttered outside of each unit.
- Cost. Trash chute installation occurs during the construction phase of the building, and existing employees can receive maintenance training.
What Are the Cons of Trash Chute Installation?
- Maintenance. Because trash can get stuck in chutes and pile up in rooms, daily maintenance is required.
- Conditions. There's a lot of science involved in garbage chutes. It’s important to have the correct cleaning chemicals, fresheners, and air pressure throughout the year.
- Recycling. Recycling isn’t always an option because all trash goes to the same place.
- Repairs. While trash chute installation is inexpensive, repairs to the chute doors can be costly.
- Location. The location may not be easily accessible for all units.
RELATED: Trash Cans, Recycle Bins, & Your HOA
What is Valet Trash?
Valet trash is a garbage pick-up service that a property can offer to its residents. With a trash valet service, at a scheduled time, residents place a provided trash can outside of their unit, and an employee will empty the trash can and dispose of the garbage for them. After the trash has been discarded, residents are responsible for bringing the empty trash can back into their unit.
What Are the Benefits of Trash Valet?
- Convenience. Residents don’t have to carry heavy or dripping bags of trash down the hall or flights of stairs.
- Volume. Trash won’t pile up and smell in units or trash chute rooms.
- Recycling. Residents typically have the option to recycle because discarded items are sorted by hand.
- Added value. Just like valet parking or a concierge, trash valet is another service that makes the apartment or high-rise building more sellable and attractive.
What Are the Cons of Trash Valet?
- Scheduling. Residents must adhere to a strict trash pickup schedule.
- Enforcement. If residents don’t comply with the trash schedule, warnings or fines may be issued.
- Appearance. The trash cans can make hallways appear cluttered or dirty at times.
- Cost. A staff member must be available to collect trash after hours, or outside vendors may need to be hired for support.
Trash Chutes vs. Valet Trash: Which is Better?
Overall, both trash chutes and valet trash have many benefits and challenges. While apartment, condominium, and high-rise residents may live similar lifestyles, each building is different. Weigh your options carefully and choose what makes the most sense for your building. Regardless of your decision, always be consistent and set clear standards and expectations for the community.
Trash Chute FAQs
1. How do you clean a trash chute?
Typically, a professional trash chute cleaning service is needed to clean, degrease, and sanitize a trash chute. They'll use a specialized technique and solution to eliminate debris, grime, pests, and odors.
2. How often should a garbage chute be cleaned?
Garbage chutes should be cleaned at least twice a year.
Valet Trash FAQs
1. What is the point of valet trash?
The point of valet trash is to add value to the living experience, provide convenience, and reduce trash volume.
2. How much does valet trash cost per month?
Typically, residents pay between $25-$50 a month for valet trash.
3. Is valet trash worth the cost?
It depends on your priorities. While some residents won't be happy about mandatory fees, valet trash does add convenience, enhance cleanliness, improve safety, and more.