Commercial Garbage Collection

Containers and driveways are to be a minimum four inch thick solid and level surface (concrete or asphalt) with a minimum of 75 foot turning radius for the driveway if not straight to enclosure. This area must be free of all obstacles on the ground and overhead such as roof overhangs and parking and end with the truck lined up with the container in the enclosure.

Enclosures need a minimum of three feet (36 inches) clear space on all sides of the container. At no time is there to be any items within the three foot clear area surrounding the entire container. This includes bagged garbage, snow, grease containers, recycling containers, or any other items. If containers are placed side by side, only one three foot clearance is required between the containers. It is the property owner’s responsibility to keep this area clear. The clear area distance is measured from the furthest protruding part of the container on each side to the closest part of the enclosure, either wall or hinge post.

Enclosure height is a minimum of six feet (72 inches).

Locking of enclosures is permitted but only with City of Moorhead locks which may be used alone or in tandem with property owners locks. The City of Moorhead will provide locks when requested.

Gates are not required. If gates are put on the enclosure, the three foot measurement is from the furthest protruding part of the container to the furthest protruding part of the enclosure walls, the hinge or the gate, which ever is closest to the container. Gate opening width is the same minimum as the interior width dimension of the enclosure. Gates must be able to be mechanically secured in the open position at all times and seasons, including winter. If this catch is not functioning, the City of Moorhead will not be responsible for resulting damages to the enclosure.

Gates should open freely in all seasons. A four inch opening at the bottom works well to prevent binding.

The property owner is responsible for removing all snow and ice from in front of, and inside, the enclosure. All snow and ice removal is to be performed prior to scheduled pickup. If there is still a problem with ice and snow, Sanitation will move the container out of the enclosure to allow for complete snow removal. If no attempt is made to clear ice and snow after an event, the container may be left and a return fee charged.

• Failure to maintain enclosures according to requirements may result in additional fees or fines. Fees and rates are established yearly by the City Council and published as an Appendix to the Moorhead, MN City Code.
• No items are to be placed in containers that are not permitted in the Clay County landfill. Items are listed in the Trash and Recycling section of the City website.
• Contact Sanitation at 218.299.5347 option 1 for any questions.

Screening Fence Interior Dimensions

*This width is for either to the inside of the enclosure or the gate opening if one is put on. At no time should the gate width be any narrower than the specified interior fence dimensions.

Public Works has complied a handy guide for container enclosure guidelines.