1213.3 Refuse Chute

A multiple dwelling that is five or more stories in height and that contains more than 9 or more dwelling units shall be provided with a refuse chute, refuse chute access rooms, and refuse chute termination room constructed in accordance with Section 707.13. A minimum of 5 square feet (0.470 m²) of floor area within each refuse chute access room shall be provided for the temporary holding of recyclables. Such floor area shall be clearly identified on the construction documents. In I-1 and R-1 occupancies, access to the chute access room shall be permitted to be restricted to employees provided that separate refuse storage rooms are located on each story for general occupant use.

Exceptions:

1. In buildings without an elevator, floor area within refuse chute access rooms for the temporary holding of recyclables is not required.

2. In buildings equipped with separate chutes designated for refuse, for paper and cardboard, and for metal, glass and plastic, and in buildings equipped with a chute system that provides for source separation of recyclable materials without cross contamination, floor area within refuse chute access rooms for the temporary holding of recyclables is not required. Chutes for designated recyclable materials shall be constructed in accordance with Section 707.13 of this code.

3. The refuse chute and the occupant use storage rooms shall not be required in transient hotels meeting the following requirements:

3.1. the refuse is removed from rooms by a daily cleaning service, with the staff using a service elevator that is not accessed by hotel guests;

3.2. the building is of Group I or Group II construction; or

3.3. a compactor and refuse storage room is provided in accordance with Section 1213.2.

Refuse chute access rooms shall have a smooth, hard and nonabsorbent surface. The intersection of such floors with walls shall have a smooth, hard and nonabsorbent vertical base that extends upward onto the walls at least 4 inches (101.6 mm).