How to choose a rubble chute: plastic or rubber?

A rubble chute carries debris from the upper floors straight down into the skip at ground level, with no bags, buckets or wheelbarrows on the stairs. For most renovation jobs a column of plastic (polyethylene) hoppers hooked together is enough; the rubber version is the one to choose when the debris is heavier and more abrasive. In the collection the individual hoppers weigh from about 8 to 24 kg and have diameters of about 38-51 cm. Before ordering, count how many floors you need to cover and where you will rest the frame.

The types

• Plastic rubble chute: polyethylene hoppers that hook one inside the other with small chains. They are light and quick to assemble; one example is the Lightchute by Rubi.
• Rubber rubble chute: heavier and sturdier, for materials that scratch plastic. You will find it in the Rubchute by Rubi.
• Metal starter hopper: the first element at the top, in galvanised steel, which collects the rubble and supports the column beneath it.
• Side-discharge chute: used when the rubble leaves through a window or a side opening, like the Lightchute side-discharge model.
• Hopper frame and brackets: the galvanised steel frame that is fixed to the floor slab, the scaffolding or the window sill and carries the column.
• Accessories: spare chains, bucket holders and discharge slides.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Material: in the collection you will find polyethylene (HDPE), rubber and galvanised steel for frames and starter hoppers. Plastic is light, rubber is tougher, and galvanised steel takes the loads on the frame.
• Diameter: the hoppers have an upper diameter of about 47-51 cm and a lower diameter of about 38-45 cm. The narrow end fits into the element below, which is why they nest together.
• Working height: from about 50 to 140 cm per element. The taller the hopper, the fewer elements you need to cover the drop, but the heavier it is.
• Thickness (mm): the data sheets show values from 6 to 10 mm. In general a greater thickness means better resistance to impact, but also more weight.
• Weight: from about 8 to over 24 kg per element. Think about who has to fit it and how you will get it up to height.

Common mistakes

• Placing the outlet too far from the skip. If the debris falls from a free height, dust is raised and the rubble bounces out: keep the outlet as close to the skip as possible.
• Fixing the frame badly. A column loaded with rubble weighs a lot: the frame and brackets must be securely anchored to the floor slab, the scaffolding or the window sill.
• Not checking the couplings and chains. They should be inspected at the start of every shift: a slack chain lets an element come away.
• Throwing in long items or hazardous materials. Beams, long pipes and hazardous waste must not go down the chute.
• Forgetting to cordon off the area below. Even with the chute, the fall zone must be barriered and covered.

Frequently asked questions

How many elements do I need for a given number of floors?

It depends on the working height of each hopper: divide the drop you need to cover by the working height of the element and add the starter hopper. The AMES technicians can help you work it out.

Is plastic or rubber better?

Plastic is light and suits most renovations. Rubber is the better choice with heavy or sharp debris, where plastic wears out sooner.

Where is the chute fixed?

To the floor slab, the scaffolding or the window sill, with the right frame or bracket. Choose the bracket according to the point you are discharging from.

Can any material be discharged?

No: only rubble of a suitable size. Long items and hazardous materials are excluded.

You will find all the models in the rubble chutes and accessories collection: for a quote or advice on the length of the column, ask the AMES technicians.