A Step-by-Step Guide to Trash Dumpster Removal
There can be different reasons why you may have excessive trash that requires a dumpster for removal. A DIY project or contractor remodel work is one of these reasons. As time goes on, debris like drywall, flooring, and other materials can be a source of frustration. Leaving these materials in your driveways, yard, home, or business can get messy quick and get in the way of your continued work. A dumpster is a great solution for getting rid of this kind of mess.
Follow this step-by-step guide to trash dumpster removal and enjoy the benefits. Whether its your first time or you want to avoid issues of the past, this guide will help streamline the process.
Plan
Any successful project or cleanup starts with a plan. Renting a dumpster can seem like an “it-is-what-it-is” situation. However, you can’t toss anything into a dumpster without a second though. It requires planning to decide what can be thrown in the dumpster and what cannot. Aside from materials, you’ll also have to choose what kind of dumpster you want to rent.
A roll off dumpster rental is one of the more common rentals. This is usually an open-top dumpster that has wheels so it’s easier to move. These can vary in size, so you’ll also want to plan where you want the dumpster placed according to its size and where your materials and trash are. An industrial-sized dumpster can be difficult to get close to your house. You’ll want to call the company you’re renting from and see if they have a license from the city or county to place a dumpster on the street. If they don’t, although they should, you’ll have to invest in one yourself.
Here are a few more questions to ask yourself before you start:
What day will you need to start?
How long will you need the dumpster for?
What is your overall deadline?
Before you start throwing things away, double check that the dumpster is where you need it most, so it doesn’t need to be picked up and moved at any point. Scheduling this placement may be one of the most important steps in this step-by-step guide to trash dumpster removal.
Choose a Dumpster Company
After you’ve locked down a date, it’s time to contact the dumpster rental company. Depending on where you live, you may have several different options. Because of this, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare pricing, drop-off and pick-up policies, dumpster sizes, and limitations. A few things you’ll want to find in your company of choice include but are not limited to:
Fair and flexible pricing.
A fair, flat fee that has been communicated to you so there are no surprises.
Education and help choosing the right size dumpster for your project. You don’t want to choose a dumpster and only fill it halfway. This will be a waste of money and time. Professionals should be able to help point you in the right direction.
Ask the company what kind of daily pricing they have. This can range between three-, five-, and seven-day pricing. This will prevent any confusion as to your limitations and when to pick up your dumpster.
Sustainability
Most junk removal companies take everything to the nearest landfill. However, it’s worth investigating if there’s more sustainable junk removal solutions. Some dumpster removal companies will pull out items that can be recycled, reused, or repurposed. When you work with the right company, you protect the environment without wasting time sorting all of your recyclables. If the company you’ve chosen doesn’t offer this, then you’ll want to go through and decide what needs to be recycled and what doesn’t. As mentioned before, it’s easiest to categorize things before they get tossed in the dumpster.
Stay Organized
After you’ve gotten off the phone and made arrangements for your dumpster, mark the date on your calendar and set a reminder on your phone. This will help you to remember this important date so that you’re prepared. Start by sorting through your home, business, or trash beforehand. If needed, prepare your driveway for the drop-off as well. This means parking your cars elsewhere and removing anything else occupying the space. Ask your rental company if they will call you before they’re on their way. They should reach out to you 15 minutes before the appointment.
Fill the Dumpster
Once the dumpster is in your driveway or on your street, it’s time to get to work. Keep in mind that materials may be recycled depending on your building project and location:
Lumber and wood products for reuse or converted to mulch or biomass fuel
Vegetation and trees for replating or biomass fuel
Cardboard and paper for pulping
Plastic crates, containers, bags, and sheets
Masonry for reuse or crushed to create a base for roadwork
Appliances and fixtures, including sinks and baths, for reuse elsewhere
Metals for smelting and converted into other products
Windows, doors, and roofing for reuse and used in other habitations
If materials are unable to be reused or recycled, then throw them in the dumpster. Once you’ve disposed of everything you’ve wanted to get ride of, it’s time to wait for the pre-set pickup date for dumpster retrieval. If you had more material than expected, make a call to the rental company to let them know. They can arrange for you to get your current dumpster removed and replaced with a new one. This will give you more space to throw things away.
Keep in mind that if any food or perishables are thrown away in your dumpster you may attract local animals to the dumpster. Avoid doing this by properly storing food on the worksite and throwing food away in bins inside the house. Small animals can start to become pests over time. Avoid this issue and handle food properly around the dumpster. Once the dumpster is filled appropriately, enjoy having a cleaned space and progress made towards your projects. If your dumpster location caused any grief for strangers or neighbors, thank them for your patience and communicate with them when pick up of the dumpster will be. They will appreciate this communication and likely respect your efforts to clean up.
