What are the important code requirements for dumpsters stored inside buildings?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

Dumpsters can be a source of dangerous fires inside and outside of buildings. They may contain a significant concentration of combustible materials and potentially high ignition sources. When it is necessary to keep dumpsters inside a building, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other codes provide guidance to keep them safe.

The size of the dumpster is important. The NFPA and the International Fire Code (IFC), only allow waste containers and dumpsters less than 1.5 cubic yards to be kept in a building with no specific requirements concerning construction of the space they are kept in or need for automatic sprinklers.

For dumpsters 1.5 cubic yards capacity or greater, special requirements must be met. The dumpster must be kept in a dedicated, 1-hour fire resistive room. This means all components in the room are rated to withstand a fire for 60 minutes. The entire assembly of the room must work together to provide this timeframe of resistance. This includes the entry door, with the entire door assembly including locks, be 1-hour rated. Openings allowing duct work, electrical wires, or plumbing must have firestop material that expands when exposed to heat, and fire dampers for the ductwork. The room must be separated from the rest of the building by at least 1-hour fire rated divisions.

The sprinkler system must be designed to NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and engineered for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 – high demand storage requirements.

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes and other code sources. It does not represent these codes’ official position on the items discussed.

Sprinkler head in a 1-hour fire resistive dumpster room.