Internal Trash Chutes for Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Durable, code-compliant, and easy to maintain, at CHUTES International, our internal trash chutes are built to meet the demands of high-rise waste management. Engineered for longevity, safety, and easy use, our systems are trusted by apartment buildings, hospitals, hotels, dormitories, and other multi-story facilities across the country.
As with our internal linen chutes, our trash chutes are better looking, longer lasting, easier to clean, and require less maintenance. Our trash chutes are also outfitted with the only intake door on the market with both front and back stainless panels and skirts.
If you’re asking “What are commercial trash chutes, and which kind is best for my building?”—you’re in the right place.
Why Choose CHUTES International Internal Trash Chutes?
- 100% Stainless Steel Construction — resists corrosion and damage
- UL- and NFPA-Compliant — meets strict safety and fire-rating standards. Visit our free NFPA compliance chute fire prevention and control inspection protocol.
- Factory-Applied Sound Coating — minimizes noise across all levels
- Electric Interlock System (Optional) — enhances safety and door control
- Available in Multiple Sizes — including 24″, 28″, 30″, and 36″ diameters
- Fast Installation & Long-Term Reliability — designed to simplify building operations
From hospital-grade trash chute systems to solutions for condos and dormitories, our chutes can be customized to meet your building’s footprint and fire code.
Typical Trash Chute Assembly Components:
Trash Chute Door
Standard hand operated intake, noiseless, self-closing, bottom hinged, 1 1⁄2 hour, 250°, U.L. “B” labeled doors meet the standard of the New York City Material and Equipment acceptance Division. Available options include interlocking doors and hands-free operation.
Trash Chute Section
Standard chute section for centralized handling of rubbish and debris. All materials are prefabricated to shop drawing specifications. Height expansion joints are provided. Chutes are made of impact and corrosion resistant plastic.
Accordion Discharge
Standard discharge on trash chutes. The damper is spring loaded and held open by a 165° fusible link assembly. In the event of fire, the link releases the accordion style slats, preventing the spread of fire into the chute.
Smart System
The Smart System is a hands-free door system for our trash chutes that allows centralized, touch screen or remote monitoring of all the chute doors in your system for building personnel. Fully ADA-Compliant and includes service and lockout modes.
Odor Control
Odor Butler is our patented line of odor control products designed to prevent pests and mitigate unpleasant smells in your building’s trash room. Available in a variety of applications suited for both prevention and immediate treatment, the Odor Butler line ensures a simple and continuously effective solution at any scale.
Floor Retainer Flange
A Floor Retainer Flange is installed at the first floor of every chute. This is a twenty-two inch (22″) gauge galvanized sheet with a 24″ or 30″ flange under deck at penetration for retaining of fire stop material to help prevent spread at the base of the chute.
Trash Chute Features
Sound Insulation – To reduce noise, the product is factory sprayed on sound coating and isolator pads.
Electric Interlock Locking mechanism that locks out other chute doors, when one intake is in use.
Access Doors – A stainless steel door (15″x15″) is standard with ‘UL’ Label.
Pass-Thru Door – Located in the discharge room wall. Side hinged, 18″W x 18″H with thru-wall liner.
INTAKE DOOR SIZES
| CHUTE Ø | WIDTH | HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ | 15″ | 18″ |
| 28″ | 21″ | 18″ |
| 30″ | 21″ | 18″ |
| 36″ | 24″ | 24″ |
ACCORDION DISCHARGE SIZES
| CHUTE Ø | WIDTH | HEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ | 28″ | 32″ |
| 28″ | 32″ | 37″ |
| 30″ | 34″ | 39″ |
| 36″ | 40″ | 46″ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my chute system cleaned?
We recommend chute cleaning be done twice annually. Check out our page on chute maintenance and cleaning for more information.
How much does it cost to clean trash chutes?
The exact price of your service will depend on the nature of your system and the work and/or parts required in the job. Contact us and we can provide a more detailed estimate.
What not to put in a trash chute?
Trash Chute Usage Guidelines
To keep the chute running smoothly and avoid damage or clogs, please follow these simple rules when disposing of your trash:
DO:
- Use 13-gallon trash bags
- Tie bags securely to prevent spills or messes in the chute
DO NOT place the following in the trash chute: (Per the trash compactor manufacturer)
- Cardboard: Boxes, packaging materials, etc.
- Construction debris: Drywall, wood, carpet, etc.
- Hazardous items: Paint, oil, cleaning chemicals, loose glass
- Bulk items: Rugs, wire hangers, furniture, Christmas trees
- Electronics: TVs, light bulbs, small appliances, etc.
For disposal of any of the above, please get in touch with the building’s management company for proper guidance and assistance.
Thanks for doing your part to keep the building safe, clean, and fully functional!
Are trash chutes a fire hazard?
Maintenance is key. Stay Out of Trouble – and Out of the Hot Seat! Avoid citations, fines, and fire hazards by making sure your trash chute system is up to code with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulations. According to NFPA guidelines, waste and linen chutes—including intake doors and transport systems—must be inspected and maintained at least once a year per the manufacturer’s instructions. Skip it, and you’re risking more than just a foul odor. We offer preventive chute maintenance & repairs, 24/7 emergency service calls, and replacement parts—everything you need to keep your chute system running safely and smoothly. Let us help you stay compliant, avoid costly fines, and keep your property protected.
Why do I need to maintain my trash or linen chute system?
Regular maintenance isn’t just good practice—it’s required. According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulations, all waste and linen chutes, including intake doors and transport systems, must be inspected and maintained at least annually per the manufacturer’s instructions. Skipping maintenance can lead to code violations, fines, and potential fire hazards.
How can CHUTES help me stay in compliance?
We offer a full range of services to keep your chute system safe and compliant:
Our expert team ensures your system meets NFPA requirements and runs smoothly year-round.
Designed for Your Property Type
Our internal trash chutes are ideal for:
- Apartments and Condominiums
- Hotels and Hospitality Venues
- University Dormitories
- Medical Centers and Hospitals
- Mixed-Use and High-Rise Buildings
No matter your building type, we provide layout recommendations and chute system specifications that suit your environment and occupancy load.
Safety, Code Compliance & Hygiene
All CHUTES International trash chutes are designed to meet local and national fire codes, including UL standards and NFPA guidelines. Optional electric interlocks restrict simultaneous door use for added safety.
We also offer chute odor control and sanitizing system integrations for hygiene-sensitive buildings like hospitals or residential towers.
Shop Our Chute, Trash Room & Common Area Odor Control Solutions (BUTTON)
Need Help Choosing the Right Trash Chute?
Whether you’re comparing chute sizes, fire code specs, or deciding on retrofit vs. new build, we can help.
Contact us today for product recommendations, estimates, or layout support.
Visit Our Internal Chutes Resource Center For More Information
