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How do I prepare an enclosure for winter weather?

Related Articles

  • How do I best winterize my farm?
  • How to manage waste before and after a hurricane or storm
  • How to receive alerts and prepare for severe weather
In this article

Learn how to keep your container enclosure clear for winter pickups.

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Containers stored within enclosures must be moved in and out by WM drivers so our trucks can complete pickups. Snow and ice buildups in and around these enclosures can impede access and make it dangerous or impossible for your WM driver or our trucks to complete your service.

These tips will help ensure that your collection days run effectively during cold weather months:

  • Clear snow and ice from areas in front of enclosures and in/on/around and underneath containers. Clear a 10’ x 10’ area in front of all enclosures.

  • Be sure enclosure gates can open all the way and close easily.

  • Check to see if ice or snow inhibits the wheels of your container – if so, clear the winter debris and/or throw down Ice Melt where possible.

Ideal Conditions

These conditions help ensure successful service during the winter months.

Snow cleared in front of the enclosure

Snow cleared inside of the enclosure

Challenging Conditions

These conditions may prevent pickups from being completed.

Ice in front-inside of the enclosure

Snow in front of the enclosure

Snow inside of the enclosure

Was This Information Helpful?

Information in this article may be inapplicable to customers who receive service pursuant to a WM agreement with a municipality, association or other entity, or where applicable law requires differing terms of service.

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Related Articles

How do I best winterize my farm?

Read article

How to manage waste before and after a hurricane or storm

Read article

How to receive alerts and prepare for severe weather

Read article
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California Privacy Notice

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© 2026 WM Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC.

California Privacy Notice

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Privacy Policy

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