Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-35
Chutes and service openings
Operative Text
A. Structures in which compactor equipment is installed pursuant to this section shall have installed therein sufficient chutes or similar devices capable of accepting and delivering to the required compactor equipment all waste matter disposed of by the residents of such structure. B. Every such chute or device shall be straight in plumb and shall have an inside diameter of at least 24 inches for its full height. C. Every service opening of every chute or similar device used in connection with and directly or indirectly feeding or depositing any waste matter into the hopper or reduction chamber of compactor equipment shall be equipped with a self-closing door or assembly having a fire-resistive rating of at least one and one-half (1 1/2) hours and shall be located in a room or compartment separated from the rest of the structure by walls or partitions, floor and ceiling having fire-resistive ratings of at least one and one-half (1 1/2) hours. D. No room or compartment in which is located a service opening into a chute or similar device shall open directly on any required means of egress, elevator opening or public hallway unless such opening thereto is cut off by a self-closing fire door having a fire-resistive rating of at least one and one-half (1 1/2) hours. E. Over every service opening into any chute or similar device there shall be posted a conspicuous notice of a permanent nature, approved by the Building Inspector, reading substantially as follows: WARNING It is UNLAWFUL for any person to cause, permit or allow carpet sweepings containing napthalene camphor balls and flakes, floor scrapings, oil soaked rags, empty paint cans or any other flammable or highly combustible substance to be thrown or deposited into this opening, and such conduct is subject to a penalty. F. Every chute or similar device used in connection with and directly or indirectly feeding or depositing the above waste matter into the hopper or reduction chamber of compactor equipment shall be equipped with sufficient thermostatically controlled sprinkler heads to be capable of extinguishing any fire in such chute or device and with an automatic sanitizing and deodorizing device capable of eliminating all odors and destroying and preventing any vermin in such chute or device. G. The interior of every chute or similar device shall be provided with and shall be made of smooth-surfaced fireproof materials, without any projections, capable of easy and efficient cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing.
Section 116-35 of Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 establishes detailed construction and safety standards for waste chutes connected to compactor equipment in residential structures. Chutes must be straight, at least 24 inches in interior diameter, lined with smooth fireproof materials, and equipped with thermostatically controlled sprinklers along with automatic sanitizing and deodorizing systems. Every service opening must be fitted with a self-closing fire door rated for at least one and a half hours of fire resistance, housed in a fire-rated compartment that does not open directly onto egress routes or public hallways without an additional fire door. A Building Inspector-approved warning notice must be posted at each opening, alerting users that depositing flammable or combustible materials is unlawful and subject to penalty.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating buildings with compactor equipment under § 116-35 of Thomaston's Code of Ordinances ch. 116 generally ensure that all chutes meet the 24-inch minimum diameter requirement, are constructed of smooth fireproof materials, and are outfitted with compliant sprinkler and sanitizing systems. Compliant operators maintain self-closing, one-and-a-half-hour fire-rated doors at every service opening and verify that no service-opening compartment connects directly to egress paths or public hallways without the required fire door. Posting the Building Inspector-approved warning notice at each chute opening in a conspicuous and permanent manner is also a standard part of maintaining compliance with this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 116-35 of Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116, residents of buildings with compactor chutes are protected by requirements that those chutes be safely constructed, fire-rated, and equipped with sprinklers and odor-control systems. The posted warning notice at each chute opening informs residents that disposing of flammable or combustible materials—such as oil-soaked rags or empty paint cans—through the chute is unlawful and carries a penalty. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to fall short of these standards, such as missing fire doors, absent warning notices, or malfunctioning equipment, may consider reporting concerns to the Thomaston Building Inspector or consulting a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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