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Whether you’re renovating your home, landscaping, moving, or spring cleaning, there might be a time you need to use a dumpster. Of course, there are many codes regarding dumping and dumpsters, and throwing trash in a business’s dumpster is simply wrong and illegal. Instead, you may need to call a dumpster rental company, but first, there are a few things to consider.
First, you need to consider your project and what materials you are disposing of – not just anything can be thrown in a dumpster. Second, you need to consider whether or not a dumpster is worth the cost, and most of the time, it will be. Finally, you need to find a dumpster rental company near you that you can trust, as many companies have been caught participating in illegal dumping practices.
So, now it is time to ask yourself – do you need a dumpster?
Why Do I Need to Rent a Dumpster?
Trash can pile up quickly, especially when working on various projects. The problem is, you can’t just shove all of this trash on the curb or in your trash cans, expecting them to be picked up. There are legal and ethical issues surrounding just dumping your trash anyway, so you need to do what is right, cost-effective, and easier for you.
Many people rent dumpsters because they are working on various products including:
- General household waste – Be careful to check on regulations on waste, which we will talk about in the next section.
- Remodeling projects – Most remodeling projects require huge, heavy materials that can’t just be thrown in the trash.
- Wood/Metal – Dumpsters are often needed for large pieces.
- Concrete/Dirt and Bricks – A regular trash can simply not handle these items, and leaving them out makes the appearance of an area look unkempt.
- Roofing – Roofing products usually require a huge amount of waste.
- Other – Sometimes you are throwing a large celebration, and a dumpster is needed for a venue. In other words, there are endless occasions that may require time to rent a dumpster.
Essentially, there will come a time when you may be working on a large project, and the most cost-effective way to remove waste is to rent a dumpster.
Types of Waste to Consider
You can’t throw just anything in a dumpster, so it is important to consider your project before you decide to rent one. Also, there can be fees and violations for improper dumpster disposal, which can constitute illegal dumping in most counties in the United States. There have been many legal cases centered around dumping, and this is largely due to protecting our environment.
So, what can you put in a dumpster?
- Household junk
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Renovation Debris
- Yard Waste
- Roofing Shingles
- Concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, or dirt.
As long as your materials do not have toxic chemicals and warnings associated with them, they are probably safe to put in a dumpster. However, you must be careful because some of your dry materials may end up having toxic substances, so you must check everything before you throw materials in. The rule of thumb is that if it is not hazardous waste material, or doesn’t contain hazardous waste material, it is probably safe to throw in. This is what you can put in the dumpster.
What can’t I throw in the dumpster?
You should always check the labeling and packages of anything you are about to throw in the dumpster. It can be dangerous to throw a substance in a dumpster without considering its toxicity. If a substance is flammable or toxic and you are unaware, that could cost you time, money, and even a lawsuit! So, to prevent any worry, here are some basic substances to consider when in doubt:
- Adhesives such as glue or epoxy adhesive. These can end up sticking to the dumpster walls or other materials.
- Asbestos
- Contaminated soil
- Household cleaning fluids
- Ink and reins
- Medical infectious waste
- Hazardous waste
- Flammable materials
Of course, there is no way to mention every item in this list, and there may be slight variations in rules and restrictions depending on where you live. It is important to check with local guidelines before throwing anything away. Think about it this way, a mistake in waste management could cost you a lot of money.
Choosing a Dumpster Rental Company
The best way to avoid any legal or financial hassles is to work with a dumpster company directly. They will know everything there is to know about regulations where you live, and they can give you helpful advice about your project.
While renting a dumpster may seem expensive at first glance, the truth is they will save you money in the end. Their knowledge and experience can help save you time and worry about disposing of materials. Though there may be ways to dispose of things yourself, sometimes it is best to just call the experts.