Last edited 08 Oct 2020

Rubble chute

A rubble chute is used to enable the safe and efficient transfer of debris/materials from a structure’s scaffold to a skip at street level. The simple concept is that several cylindrical dustbin-like sections are linked together using chains and hung from the side of a building or scaffold. The reinforced rubber cylinders, together with steel inner lining, are tapered and fit together, at effective lengths of 1-metre.

The usual dimensions of the sections are 510 mm diameter that tapers to 380 mm. There must be metal ring reinforcement every 6 section units. Overall length should not exceed 40 sections and should be tied back to the scaffold every 6m.

A steel top hipper is required to provide an improved aperture at the point where debris is being placed into the chute to prevent unnecessary spillage. Y-sections can be used to allow debris to be placed into the chute at intermediate positions along its length. The chute is not designed to cope with large, long or heavy items such as structural beams, timbers, poles, etc. Neither should hazardous, corrosive or liquid materials be disposed of down the chute.

The chute is assembled horizontally at ground level before being lifted into position by a scaffold hoist, with additional sections being added to the bottom in order to achieve the required length.

Rubble chutes should be hosed down regularly so as to avoid unnecessary damage or obstruction.

Local authorities may need to give permission or special licences for rubble chutes to be erected on, across or adjacent to a public highway, and may require safety barriers, cones, warning lights, tape, signs and so on. Skips may need to be covered to prevent the spread of dust and other debris.