2013 Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG)

4.5 Trash, Recycling, and Other Essential Containers

4.5.1 General.

Where trash, recycling, and other essential containers are provided, each shall comply with section 4.5.

Exception 1. Fifty percent of the bins in multi-bin containers are exempt from section 4.5.1.

Exception 2. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface, slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.

4.5.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space.

A clear floor or ground space shall be provided for each trash, recycling, and other essential container. The space shall be positioned for either forward or side approach to the container opening and be adjacent to or overlap the ORAR.

4.5.2.1 Forward Approach.

The clear floor or ground space for a forward approach shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 48 inches (1220 mm).

4.5.2.2 Side Approach.

The clear floor or ground space for a side approach shall be 30 inches (760 mm) by 60 inches (1525 mm).

4.5.3 Slope.

The slope of the clear floor or ground space for trash, recycling, and other essential containers shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.

Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage. 

4.5.4 Surface.

The surface of the clear floor or ground space for trash, recycling, and other essential containers shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development. 

4.5.5 Controls and Operating Mechanisms.

Controls and operating mechanisms shall comply with the operable parts requirements in sections 308 and 309.4 of the ABAAS.

Exception. Trash and recycling containers with hinged lids and controls designed to keep out large animals shall not be required to comply with the operable parts requirements in ABAAS section 309.4 until models that comply are readily available from more than one source. 

4.5.6 Openings.

Openings in the clear floor or ground space surface shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter. Where possible, elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.