Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't see a topic you'd like to see addressed, please send us your question and we will be happy to answer it for you.

Chutes

What are the different kinds of chutes?
How do I know which chute intake door I need?
How do I know which chute discharge door I need?
Why do I need fire-rated chute doors?

Cleaning and Odor Control

How do you clean my chute?
Why isn't my trash collection room cleaned why my trash chutes are cleaned?
What can I do to reduce odors in my trash chutes?
Do I need to be on site for your service?
How do I know when the services have been completed?
My chute has a cleaning system built-in. Why do I need the Chute Doctor's chute cleaning services?
Can I buy cleaning products for my chute?
What if I need stronger odor control?
Can Chute Doctor control insects in my chute?
How does Chute Doctor odor control compare to ozone machines?

Chute Parts

Do you make custom chute parts?
What if I can't find the part I need?
How do Chute Doctor parts quality compare to OEM?

Service/Repairs

What should I expect from your free house call?
Do I have to sign a contract to obtain cleaning, odor control, or maintenance services?
Can I sign up for Chute Door Maintenance Service only?
Can I sign up for Compactor Maintenance Service only?
Why am I required to have my chute doors inspected and certified every year?
What if I'm outside your service area?
Why is the quote I receive online for installation, labor, and service an estimate only?   
What is a Time and Material Repair Order?
When do I select Emergency Repair Service?

Quotes

Will the Chute Doctor remind me I have an open, saved quote to accept?
Can I change the reminder date on my saved quote?
 

Creating An Account

How do I create an account for multiple properties I manage?
How do I specify multiple property names use the same billing address?
How do I use the nickname/property name field when I have multiple properties?

Payments and Accounts

Which account should I apply for on my credit application?
When is payment required on my account?
I'm a new customer. Can I still apply for a new account?

Miscellaneous

How is Buchanan Company related to The Chute Doctor?
Will The Chute Doctor ship internationally?

Chutes

What are the different kinds of chutes?
Chutes convey material from the upper floors in a building to the collection room at the bottom. The different types of chutes are trash, recycle, and linen. All types of chutes are made and work the same way. It is the material they convey which makes them a specific type. Trash chutes convey discarded items and are also called rubbish chutes, garbage chutes, refuse chutes, or waste chutes. Recycle chutes convey recyclable products and are called recycle chutes. Linen chutes convey soiled linen and are also called laundry chutes. Chutes are often misspelled as shoots, shutes, or chutes.

Doors

How do I know which chute intake door I need?
If you are replacing a chute intake door (where you put material into the chute) you probably want to match the existing one. Intake doors are either side-hinged or bottom-hinged, so that is the first thing to match. Then check the size – see How Do I Measure?

If you know the manufacturer of the existing intake door sees our Intake Door Comparison Sheet to find a direct replacement. (Coming soon. In the meantime, please see our individual product pages for their specs or call 1-800-755-2488 for immediate assistance.)

When replacing intake doors, you may also want to add additional features such as keyed locks, ADA-compliant handles, or foot operation. Most of the doors we sell have these options. Check the Related Products section on the door shopping pages.

If the door is to be hooked up to an Electrical Interlock system, identify the manufacturer, voltage of the system (24v or 110v) and wiring to compare to our Electrical Interlock Comparison sheet. (Coming soon. In the meantime, please see our individual product pages for their specs or call 1-800-755-2488 for immediate assistance.)

How do I know which chute discharge door I need?
For chute discharge doors (the door where the material falls out into the bin or compactor) you will need to determine the outside diameter of the chute where it is attached and whether the door is horizontal or vertical. The standard U.S. chute size is 24” diameter; however, they can be made any shape or size. Most linen chutes require a vertical discharge door. Most rubbish and recycle chutes require a horizontal discharge door. See our Discharge Door Comparison Sheet for more information. (Coming soon. In the meantime, please see our individual product pages for their specs or call 1-800-755-2488 for immediate assistance.)

Why do I need fire-rated chute doors?
Building codes require fire-rated chute doors because any vertical shaft in a building has the potential to accelerate the spread of a fire. Fire-rated chute doors are designed to protect the building and tenants in the event of a fire. Properly functioning doors are self-closing and positive latching. If, during a fire, chute doors do not close properly, a wind tunnel effect is created funneling the fire up and down the building.

That is also why most areas now require annual inspections to make sure all fire-rated doors are functioning properly. The Chute Doctor provides the annual chute door fire inspection and certification service, as well as cleaning and servicing.

For more information, your local building and fire department inspectors can usually advise you as to your compliance with the codes. Also, see the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication #82, the International Code Council Building Codes (ICC), and the Uniform Fire Code (UFC).

Cleaning And Odor Control

How do you clean my chute?
Our process cleans, disinfects, and is environmentally safe. First, using 3,000 pounds of pressure, we wash the chute with a 200°F solution of botanical bactericide and insecticide. Then, we saturate the chute with disinfectants and odor control solutions that will continue working between regular cleanings. And for your safety and the safety of our environment, we use only EPA registered, FDA approved natural botanical solutions.

Before leaving, we clean up any water and debris in the collection room which was a result of the cleaning process. Finally, we will leave all work areas in a clean and orderly condition (of course this does not apply to pre-existing, messy conditions).

Why isn't my trash collection room cleaned when my trash chutes are cleaned?
The Chute Doctor offers, as an additional service, cleaning of the collection room. This includes cleaning the exterior only of the compactor and bin if one exists. As a perfect complement to having a clean trash chute, we will also power wash up to 6' of masonry walls and the collection room floor. This additional service helps with exceptionally smelly collection rooms.

What can I do to reduce odors in my trash chutes?
Odors can come from two different sources, dirty trash chutes, and odorous air rising up the chute from the collection room where smelly trash sits between garbage pick-ups. The Chute Doctor’s regular cleaning service ensures that trash does not cling to the inside of the chute and doors creating a smelly build-up.

To control the odor coming from trash collection rooms the Chute Doctor installs and maintains odor control systems, or you may lease the systems. These systems operate continuously, dispensing cleaning solution and odor control solution with bacteria-eating enzymes that eliminate smells rather than just masking them. Together, regular trash chute cleaning and effective odor control systems minimize odors in the trash room and trash chute that otherwise flow up the chute into the building.

Do I need to be on-site for your service?
As long as our technician is able to access all areas relating to the chutes, we do not require anyone to be on site for our visit. If access is compromised by locked doors or passageways, our technician will be unable to properly clean and disinfect the chutes.

How do I know when the services have been completed?
The chute will look and smell clean! Our technician also leaves a card at the property stating we performed the selected services.

My chute has a cleaning system built-in. Why do I need the Chute Doctor's chute cleaning services?
Factory cleaning systems are helpful for maintaining clean, healthy trash chutes; however, they are not sufficient alone. A regular cleaning service is needed as well. Most built-in cleaning systems have a single spray head at the top, whereas our cleaning service provides high-pressure washing with a 200-degree cleaning solution. Plus, we clean each door individually. This is not accomplished by the built-in system.

Can I buy cleaning products for my chute?
Yes. The Chute Doctor sells environmentally safe and effective cleaning concentrate, plus supplies necessary to repair the cleaning system. Click here to purchase cleaning and odor control supplies.

What if I need stronger odor control?
The Chute Doctor offers odor control systems for every trash and recycling chute application. Our experts can advise you on a system and cleaning schedule that will meet the needs of your property. We can then install and maintain the system and provide regular cleanings.

Can Chute Doctor control insects in my chute?
By creating a clean, odor-free environment, insects are not attracted to the chute or collection room. Also, the essential oil cleaning solution we use kills many insects it comes in contact with. The Chute Doctor doesn’t treat for insects, however, and cannot guarantee insects will not be present.

How does Chute Doctor odor control compare to ozone machines?
Ozone machines are not safe to use in occupied areas. When used in concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, it can take months or years for the odor to improve. Even low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, and worsen chronic respiratory diseases, among others. See the EPA Report on ozone generators for more information on the effects of ozone on your health and the building's equipment.

The Chute Doctor's trash chute odor control systems work automatically. Our odor control solution is a safe, essential oil-based solution of odor eating enzymes. It is safe to occupy the room during use and will not cause problems when the chute intake doors are opened by the building occupants.

Chute Parts

Do you make custom trash, recycle, and laundry chute parts?
Yes! We handle custom fabrication to fit your specific needs, measurements, and out-of-the-ordinary situations. Please call (800) 755-CHUTE to discuss your needs.

What if I can't find the part I need?
If we don't stock the parts you need, we will be happy to special order or custom-make them, if necessary. Contact our knowledgeable staff by online chat, phone or email. Being in the chute industry for four generations, if we don’t have it we can find it! If we can't find it, we can make it!

How do Chute Doctor parts quality compare to OEM?
Chute Doctor guarantees our products are equal to or better than those originally installed in your building. In many cases, Chute Doctor is a supplier of parts to other brand manufacturers.

Service/Repairs

What should I expect from your free house call?
Our qualified technician will inspect all the chute in your building. Each intake door, discharge door, the interior of the chutes that can be visually observed, and all compactors will be inspected to determine whether all parts are working properly and in good condition or if repairs are needed. A comprehensive inspection report will be provided to you with a list of the necessary repairs.

In addition, we will recommend what cleaning, odor control, and regular maintenance services are needed to keep your chutes and compactors clean, fire-safe, and in good operating condition. This is very important to maintain the health and safety of the tenants and building.

Do I have to sign a contract to obtain cleaning, odor control, or maintenance services?
We offer cleaning on a one-time basis without a contract. In order to keep your chutes clean and in good operating condition, regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary. We offer one, two, and three-year contracts for these services, with reduced rates for longer contracts and more frequent service.

Can I sign up for a Chute Door Maintenance Service only?
Properly working chute doors are aided by keeping them clean. In order for The Chute Doctor to provide proper chute door maintenance, we require one of our Chute Cleaning Services in addition to a Maintenance Service.

Can I sign up for a Compactor Maintenance Service only?
Compactors can be clogged with crud and trsh coming down the trash chute. In order for The Chute Doctor to provide proper compactor maintenance, we require one of our Chute Cleaning Services in addition to a Compactor Maintenance Service.

Why am I required to have my trash chute and linen chute fire doors inspected and certified every year?
Any vertical shaft in a building has the potential to accelerate the spread of a fire. If chute doors are not fire-resistant or do not close properly, in the event of a fire, a wind tunnel effect is created funneling the fire up and down the building. That is why building codes require fire-rated chute doors and most areas now require annual inspection and certification to make sure all fire-rated doors are functioning properly.

The Chute Doctor provides the annual chute door fire inspection and certification service, in addition to cleaning and servicing. No one knows chute doors like the Chute Doctor. We've worked with every make and model for over 35 years and have inspectors who specialize in "chute type fire doors."

If you have an annual contract for chute door maintenance with us, we inspect and certify your chute doors for free!

What if I'm outside your service area?
The Chute Doctor can still help you with odor control systems and parts. We also travel further by special arrangement -- call us.

We offer one to three-year leases on odor control equipment, and we sell environmentally-safe odor control and cleaning solution. The Buy Parts section of this site features hundreds of chute and chute-fed compactor parts that can be delivered anywhere.

If you would like to be notified if we start providing trash chute service in your area, please sign up here.

Why is the quote I receive online for installation, labor, and service an estimate only?
The Chute Doctor needs to inspect every property to determine the property data and conditions are the same as represented when the data was entered into the site. Should the inspection require a change to the quote a revised quote will be provided for approval prior to any services being performed. 

What is a Time and Material Repair Order? A Time and Material Repair Order is used when a chute or compactor is damaged or malfunctioning and service are needed right away. Our technicians will come to the site, assess the problem, fix the problem, and bill for the time and material used. Service vehicles may not have all materials required and trips to and from the warehouse or vendors to complete the work will be charged at the same rates. This service will use our current standard hourly rate. Overtime rate and double-time rates may also apply. Time and Material Repair Orders should be used when service is required within 1-2 business days. Our Emergency Service should be used when our technicians are required immediately at any time of day or night. Use of the Time and Material Repair Order authorizes the full repair of the system and guarantees payment in full within 30 days of completion. In cases where major repairs or replacement is found to be required a quotation will be provided for approval.

When do I select Emergency Repair Service? Our emergency chute and compactor repair service is for after-hours response to urgent situations. We consider any service appointments between 3:30 pm and 7:00 am Pacific Time to be after-hours. Our technicians can troubleshoot and correct chute blockages, broken doors, odor control systems, compactors, and more. Use of the Emergency Service authorizes the full repair of the system and guarantees payment in full within 30 days of completion. In cases where major repairs or replacement is found to be required a quotation will be provided for approval. Rates for emergency services are at Overtime and/or Double Time, as applicable. For a reduced rate, see our Time and Material Repair Order, where work is completed during normal business hours. 

 

Quotes

Will the Chute Doctor remind me I have an open, saved quote to accept?   When a quote is saved the Chute Doctor system automatically sets a reminder date at 5 days after the creation of the quote. You will receive an automated follow up reminding you of the saved quote and to check back in to buy. After the first reminder, you will receive subsequent reminders every 30 days until you manually change the date, place the order, or delete the quote. A shared quote is treated the same as a new quote.

Can I change the reminder date on my saved quote? At any time you can go to the "Saved Quotes" link at the top of the page and edit the next date, place the order, or delete the quote. The date field includes a handy calendar to select the date easily. A link to the quote is provided in the follow-up email as well. 

Creating An Account

How do I create an account for multiple properties I manage? At the top of the page click on "Log In" or "Create An Account". If creating a new account, enter in the information as seen below. If logging in, click on "Add Another Billing Address" or "Add Another Shipping/Service Address" and fill in the fields.

Under the Billing Information Tab click on the box marked "Same as Account Info above". This will complete the first three boxes with the information entered above. In the Company field enter the name of the property where the chutes and compactors are located. In the Address 1 field enter "c/o" then the Property Management Company name. In the Address 2 field enter the Property Management Company address as normal.
 


Under the Shipping Information tab, using the first and last name fields you can indicate a specific person and their department, a specific person's name only, or a person's name and apartment/office number at the property. In the Company field enter the name of the property and complete with the property's address as normal.



Click on "Create Account". Once the account is created you can go to Your Address Book and add more billing and/or shipping addresses in the same manner. See the sample image below as an example.

 
How do I specify multiple property names use the same billing address? If you manage several properties and want all bills to go to the same address, create a new billing address in Your Address Book with the name of the property in the Company field for each property you manage. See the image below as an example of what an Address Book with three different properties all managed by the same Property Management Company will look like.



How do I use the nickname/property name field when I have multiple properties? After you have created an account you can edit any exisiting properties or when adding new properties nicknames can be assigned. These nicknames can assist you in keeping the properties identified in ways that help you manage them. The examples below show how to enter information in a new shipping address and how it will look once the property is added to your address book.



After clicking on "Add New Address" the following will appear in your address book. The nickname you entered will appear in parenthesis.

Payments and Accounts

>Which account should I apply for on my credit application?
The Chute Doctor offers five different levels to fit every need.
• Retail (Insured): Used by customers who occasionally purchase chute parts and products for their own use. This might be the owner of a single property or chute. This level gives the customer a preferred discount.
• Service Customer: Used by customers who have entered into a service contract with The Chute Doctor. Service customers experience regular visits for chute cleaning, odor control, and chute and compactor maintenance. Parts used to repair chutes and compactors are discounted above the Retail level.
• Contractor: This level is issued by The Chute Doctor to customers who routinely make purchases greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000 per year.
• Dealer: This level is issued by The Chute Doctor to customers who routinely make purchases greater than $50,000 per year.
• Distributor: This level is issued by The Chute Doctor to customers who routinely make purchases greater than $100,000 per year.

>When is payment required on my account?
Payment for all items delivered to or at the request of the approved credit customer are due on or before the 30th day following the date of purchase (Net 30 Days).

>I’m a new customer. Can I still apply for an account?
New customers must make their first purchase using a credit card or check. Application for an account can still be made. When approved, future purchases can be made using the approved credit terms. A full application can be completed and submitted to sales for approval.

Miscellaneous

How is Buchanan Company related to The Chute Doctor?
The Chute Doctor is part of the Buchanan family of companies. For over 75 years, Buchanan Company, Inc. continues to be the chute industry leader in the western states specializing in manufacturing, new construction, repairs, replacement and maintenance of rubbish and linen chutes, chute fed compactors and recycling systems. The Chute Doctor takes the local chute services and parts sales to a national level, opening offices nation wide.

Will The Chute Doctor ship internationally?
The Chute Doctor will not ship internationally. Orders shipping outside of the U.S. need to be done so at the customer’s cost, arrangements & responsibility.