N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 304: Section FC 304: Storage and Accumulation of Rubbish and Other Combustible Waste

304.1 Accumulation of combustible waste.

It shall be unlawful to cause or allow rubbish and other combustible waste to accumulate in a building or structure or upon a premises.

304.1.1 Maintenance.

Roofs, courts, yards, vacant lots, alleys, parking lots, open spaces, and the space beneath a grandstand, bleacher, pier, wharf, or other similar structure, shall be regularly cleaned so as to prevent the accumulation of any rubbish, vegetation or other combustible waste.

304.1.2 Vegetation.

Weeds, grass, vines, brush or other vegetation that is capable of being ignited shall be regularly pruned, or cleared and removed for a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any building or structure.

304.2 Unsafe storage of combustible waste prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to store rubbish or other combustible waste in a manner that creates a fire hazard or public nuisance.

304.3 Containers.

Rubbish and other combustible waste stored pending removal in a building or structure or upon a premises shall be stored in accordance with this section, and any other applicable law, rule or regulation.

304.3.1 Spontaneous ignition.

Rubbish and other combustible waste susceptible to spontaneous ignition, such as oily rags, shall be stored in a listed disposal container. Contents of such containers shall be removed and disposed of daily.

304.3.2 Capacity exceeding 40 gallons.

Dumpsters and other containers with a capacity exceeding 40 gallons (0.15 m

3

) shall be provided with lids. Such containers and their lids shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of materials having a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m

2

when tested in accordance with ASTM E 1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m

2

in the horizontal orientation, and listed and labeled as such.

304.3.3 Capacity exceeding 200 gallons.

Dumpsters and other containers with an individual capacity exceeding 200 gallons (0.76 m

3

) shall not be stored indoors, and shall not be stored outdoors within 5 feet (1524 mm) of combustible walls, openings or combustible roof eave lines.

Exceptions:

1. Dumpsters or containers in areas protected throughout by a sprinkler system.

2. Storage in a building or structure of Type I or Type IIA construction or other construction with an equivalent fire rating, where such building or structure is located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from other buildings or structures and used exclusively for container or dumpster storage.

304.3.4 Wastebaskets in Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies.

Wastebaskets and other waste containers, including their lids, used in Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of materials having a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m

2

when tested in accordance with ASTM E 1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m

2

in the horizontal orientation. Metal wastebaskets and other metal waste containers with a capacity of 20 gallons (76 L) or more shall be listed in accordance with UL 1315 and shall be provided with a noncombustible lid.

304.4 Outdoor storage.

Outdoor storage of combustible waste at a transfer station, recycling facility, or other lawful outdoor combustible waste storage facility, shall comply with the requirements of FC 315.