Hide the Bins, Keep the Curb Appeal
Trash cans and recycling bins are a necessary part of every home, but they do not need to be visible from the street, the driveway, or your outdoor entertaining areas. A custom trash enclosure conceals your bins behind a structure that looks like it belongs with the rest of your property. HOA requirements, neighborhood aesthetics, and personal preference all drive demand for properly designed bin enclosures across Sussex County.
Many communities in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach have ordinances or HOA rules that require trash cans to be screened from public view. Even where codes do not require them, a well-built enclosure eliminates the eyesore of exposed bins sitting alongside a home that otherwise features beautiful hardscaping and landscaping.
At Just Imagine Hardscapes & Pools, we build trash enclosures as permanent hardscape structures using the same materials, techniques, and attention to detail that go into our patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens. The result is an enclosure that looks intentional — not like an afterthought.
Trash Enclosure Options
We design enclosures to match your existing hardscape, home exterior, or landscape style.
Stone & Paver Enclosures
Full masonry enclosures built from stone veneer, concrete block with stucco finish, or matching pavers. These permanent structures offer the most polished appearance and the longest lifespan. Ideal for homes with existing stone or paver hardscaping where visual continuity matters.
Composite & Vinyl Enclosures
Composite board or vinyl panel enclosures that resist rot, fading, and insect damage. Lighter in construction than masonry, these enclosures are cost-effective, low-maintenance, and available in a range of colors and textures. Well-suited to coastal properties where salt air accelerates wood deterioration.
Multi-Bin & Utility Enclosures
Larger enclosures designed to hold two to four bins plus additional items like propane tanks, pool equipment, or HVAC condensers. We build these with internal dividers, separate access doors, and ventilation where required for equipment cooling or gas line safety.
Features That Make Daily Use Easy
A trash enclosure only works if it is easy to use. If opening it, rolling bins in and out, or accessing it on pickup day is inconvenient, it becomes a frustration instead of an improvement. We design every enclosure with access, ventilation, and durability as top priorities.
- Wide front opening or hinged gates for easy bin access on pickup day
- Interior dimensions sized to your specific bin dimensions with clearance for lids to open fully
- Ventilation gaps or panels to prevent odor buildup and heat accumulation
- Paver or gravel pad inside the enclosure for a clean, level surface
- Gravity-close gates with weather-resistant latches that keep bins secure in wind
- Optional locking mechanism for bear country or areas with wildlife concerns
- Roof cap option for properties where rain protection is desired
Meeting Community Standards
Many planned communities, beach neighborhoods, and HOA-governed subdivisions in Sussex County have specific rules about trash can storage and screening. Some require full concealment from the street, others specify minimum setbacks or maximum heights, and some dictate approved materials or colors.
We build enclosures that meet your community's specific requirements. During the on-site estimate, we review any applicable HOA guidelines or municipal codes and design accordingly. If you are unsure about your community's rules, we can help you find the relevant regulations before we begin design.
Common requirements we accommodate include:
- Full screening from street view as required by many beach community HOAs
- Height restrictions that keep enclosures below fence line or sight line limits
- Setback requirements from property lines and rights-of-way
- Material restrictions that dictate stone, composite, or specific finish types
- Color matching requirements to coordinate with home exterior
How Much Does a Trash Enclosure Cost?
Costs depend on size, material, and design complexity:
- Basic two-bin composite enclosure: $1,500 to $3,500. Standard size for two cans, composite or vinyl panels, simple gate.
- Stone veneer enclosure: $3,500 to $7,000. Masonry construction, stone or stucco finish, hinged gate, paver pad interior.
- Multi-bin or utility enclosure: $5,000 to $12,000+. Larger footprint, multiple compartments, premium materials, roof cap option.
When built as part of a larger hardscape project, trash enclosure costs are reduced since crew mobilization, material delivery, and site prep are shared with the overall scope.
Trash Enclosure FAQ
Standard residential enclosures are sized for two 64-gallon or 96-gallon bins. A typical two-bin enclosure measures approximately 6 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and 4 feet tall. We measure your specific bins during the estimate to ensure proper fit with room for lids to open and bins to roll in and out easily.
Most standalone trash enclosures under 6 feet tall do not require a building permit in Sussex County. However, enclosures in flood zones, near property lines, or in communities with specific zoning overlays may have additional requirements. We verify requirements during the design phase.
Yes. We select materials that complement your existing hardscape, siding, or stone work. If your home has a stone veneer, we can match or closely coordinate the enclosure finish. For painted or stucco homes, we offer color-matched stucco or composite finishes. The goal is always a cohesive look that appears intentionally designed.
We design enclosures with ventilation gaps at the base and upper walls to promote airflow and prevent odor buildup. The open-air design allows natural ventilation while still fully concealing bins from view. In warmer months, adequate ventilation is especially important, and our designs account for Sussex County's coastal humidity.
Let's Build Your Trash Enclosure
Tell us about your bins, your property, and any HOA requirements. We will design an enclosure that looks great and functions perfectly.