Category: Decluttering

What All Goes in to Pricing a Dumpster?

If you’re planning a construction project, a home renovation, or even a large-scale cleanout, you’ve likely considered renting a dumpster. Dumpsters provide a convenient and efficient solution for waste disposal, but you might be wondering about the factors that contribute to their pricing. Understanding what goes into pricing a dumpster can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions. Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Dumpster Size: One of the primary factors that affect the cost of a dumpster rental is its size. Dumpsters come in various sizes, typically measured in cubic yards. The larger the dumpster, the higher the price. It’s important to estimate the amount of waste you’ll generate and choose an appropriate size. Renting a dumpster that is too small might require additional trips or result in overflowing waste, while renting a larger dumpster than necessary could lead to unnecessary expenses.
  2. Rental Duration: The length of time you need the dumpster also impacts the pricing. Dumpster rental companies usually offer rental periods ranging from a few days to several weeks. Longer rental durations typically incur higher costs, so it’s crucial to plan your project timeline accurately. If you anticipate needing the dumpster for an extended period, it’s worth comparing rental rates and negotiating a favorable deal with the rental company.
  3. Location: The geographic location of your project can affect dumpster pricing. Prices can vary based on regional market conditions, distance from the rental company’s location, and local regulations. Dumpster rental companies may charge higher rates in areas with high demand or limited availability. It’s advisable to research and compare prices from multiple rental companies in your area to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
  4. Type of Waste: The type of waste you plan to dispose of also plays a role in pricing. Certain types of waste, such as hazardous materials or electronics, require special handling and disposal procedures, which can lead to additional charges. It’s essential to communicate with the dumpster rental company about the specific materials you’ll be disposing of to determine any additional fees or restrictions.
  5. Additional Services: Some dumpster rental companies offer additional services that can impact the overall pricing. For example, if you require a same-day or next-day delivery, there may be an extra charge. Other services like recycling or waste segregation might also incur additional fees. Discuss these options with the rental company to understand the associated costs and determine which services align with your needs and budget.
  6. Weight Limit: Many dumpster rental companies impose weight limits on their containers. If you exceed the weight limit, you may face overage fees. It’s important to be aware of the weight restrictions and estimate the weight of your waste as accurately as possible. Avoid surprises by asking the rental company about the weight limit and associated fees upfront.

In conclusion, pricing a dumpster involves several factors that impact the overall cost. Dumpster size, rental duration, location, type of waste, additional services, and weight limits all play a role in determining the final price. To ensure you get the best value for your money, it’s crucial to plan your project, estimate your waste volume and weight, and compare prices from multiple dumpster rental companies. By understanding what goes into pricing a dumpster, you can budget effectively and make an informed decision that meets both your waste disposal needs and your financial considerations.

Summer is the Perfect Time for Decluttering

As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, there’s no denying that summer has arrived. While many people associate this season with vacations and relaxation, it’s also an ideal time to tackle one often-overlooked task: decluttering. Summer provides the perfect opportunity to rid your living space of unnecessary belongings and create a fresh and organized environment. Here are five reasons why summer is the perfect time for decluttering.

  1. Longer Days and More Energy: With the sun shining and longer daylight hours, summer naturally brings increased energy and motivation. Take advantage of this extra burst of productivity to dive into your decluttering project. You’ll have more time during the day to sort through your belongings and make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard. The added sunlight also helps you better assess your space and identify areas that need attention.
  2. Outdoor Spaces: Summer is the ideal time to extend your decluttering efforts to your outdoor spaces. Whether you have a backyard, a patio, or a balcony, decluttering these areas can transform them into enjoyable and inviting spaces for relaxation or entertaining. Remove any broken or unused furniture, clean up garden tools, and organize outdoor toys or equipment. By decluttering your outdoor spaces, you create an extension of your home that adds value to your overall living experience.
  3. Summer Wardrobe Transition: As the seasons change, so does your wardrobe. Summer is the perfect time to assess your clothes and accessories and declutter your closet. Take the opportunity to pack away bulky winter clothes and make room for lightweight summer outfits. Donate or sell items you no longer wear or that don’t fit your current style. Decluttering your wardrobe not only creates physical space but also makes getting dressed in the morning easier and more enjoyable.
  4. Garage and Basement Organization: For many, the garage and basement become dumping grounds for items that don’t have a designated place in the house. Use the summer months to declutter and organize these spaces. Sort through tools, sports equipment, and seasonal items, and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. By creating an organized and functional garage or basement, you’ll have easier access to the items you need and clear up valuable space in your home.
  5. Preparing for the Fall and Holiday Season: Although summer is associated with warm weather and relaxation, it’s also a time to prepare for the upcoming fall and holiday season. By decluttering during the summer months, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes to preparing your home for festivities and guests. Clearing out excess belongings now allows you to focus on creating a warm and welcoming space when the holiday season approaches.

In conclusion, summer provides the ideal conditions for decluttering your living space. Take advantage of the longer days, increased energy, and opportunity to utilize outdoor spaces to tackle this task. Whether you’re decluttering your wardrobe, organizing your garage, or preparing for the fall season, summer offers the perfect environment for creating a fresh and organized home. So, grab some boxes, set aside a few hours, and embrace the summer as the ideal time for decluttering. You’ll be rewarded with a more spacious, serene, and stress-free living environment.

What You Can’t Throw Away in a Rented Dumpster

When you rent a dumpster, it can be tempting to throw just about anything in there. After all, it’s a convenient way to get rid of a large amount of junk all at once. However, it’s important to remember that there are certain items that you can’t throw away in a rented dumpster. Here’s a list of items that are typically not allowed in dumpsters and why.

  1. Hazardous waste – This includes items such as chemicals, batteries, pesticides, and oil. These materials can be dangerous to both humans and the environment, and require special handling and disposal methods.
  2. Electronics – Items like computers, televisions, and cell phones contain materials that can be harmful to the environment. In addition, they may also contain sensitive data that needs to be securely erased before disposal.
  3. Medical waste – This includes items like syringes, needles, and medical gloves. Again, these items can be dangerous to both humans and the environment, and require special handling and disposal methods.
  4. Tires – Tires take up a lot of space in landfills, and they can also be a fire hazard. As a result, many dumpster rental companies do not allow them to be disposed of in their dumpsters.
  5. Appliances – Items like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers can contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. In addition, many of these items are large and heavy, which can make them difficult to dispose of properly.
  6. Construction debris – While some types of construction debris may be allowed in a rented dumpster, others may not be. Items like asbestos, lead-based paint, and certain types of wood may require special handling and disposal methods.

It’s important to note that the list of items that can’t be thrown away in a rented dumpster may vary depending on the company you’re renting from and the local regulations in your area. Before renting a dumpster, be sure to check with the rental company to find out what items are allowed and what items are not. If you’re unsure about whether or not an item can be thrown away in a dumpster, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and find a different disposal method. By being responsible with your waste disposal, you can help protect both the environment and the health of those around you.

Spring Cleaning Time is Here

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. This annual tradition is a great opportunity to refresh your home and get rid of the clutter that has accumulated over the winter months. Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and organization, it can be a rewarding experience.

The first step in any spring cleaning project is to declutter your space. Take a look at each room in your home and identify the items that you no longer need or want. This could be anything from old clothes and toys to outdated electronics and appliances. Make a pile of these items and decide whether to donate, sell, or dispose of them. Once you have decluttered your space, you will have a better idea of what needs to be cleaned and organized.

Next, it’s time to tackle the deep cleaning. Start by dusting and wiping down all surfaces, including shelves, countertops, and furniture. Don’t forget to clean hard-to-reach areas such as the tops of cabinets and ceiling fans. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors, and don’t forget to clean your windows and blinds.

If you have a lot of items to organize, consider investing in some storage solutions. There are many options available, from plastic bins to decorative baskets and shelves. These can help you keep your space tidy and make it easier to find what you need.

Spring cleaning is also a great time to do some home maintenance tasks. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly. Replace the batteries if necessary. Test your HVAC system to make sure it’s running efficiently, and change the air filters. Clean out your gutters and check your roof for any damage.

Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself during spring cleaning. It can be physically and mentally exhausting, so be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated. You can also enlist the help of friends or family members to make the task more manageable.

In conclusion, spring cleaning is a great way to refresh your home and start the new season off on the right foot. By decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing your space, you can create a more inviting and functional environment. Don’t be afraid to tackle the task, and remember to take care of yourself along the way. Happy cleaning!

How to Dispose of Your Old Computer

With advances in technology, we upgrade our computers often to make sure we have the latest and greatest technology. Or sometimes, we just get new computers for Christmas or the new year.

But what happens to the old computer when it has been replaced? Disposing of an old computer correctly is an important process. Your old computer can contain your most sensitive and personal information – credit card information, details of your purchases and contacts, and even access to bank accounts and email accounts. In the wrong hands, your old computer can give someone access to essentially become you online.

So whether you decide to donate, recycle, or destroy the computer or hard drive, there are several considerations when disposing of an old computer.

Assess your computer

Information: What kind of information did you have on your computer? Was it primarily a work computer with a few files and documents, and access to a work account or two? While it sounds innocuous, in the wrong hands this could give someone access to your company hard drive. Did it have all of your personal accounts? This information can determine how careful you need to be in your steps to wipe the memory.

Age: Is the computer so old that it is hardly usable? Or is it a fairly new model that might have a few years left being used by a family who might not otherwise have a decent computer in their home? This can determine whether your next step is simply to recycle the parts, or to donate it to a charity or foundation in your area.

Brand and upgradability: Certain computers were made to be easily modified and upgraded. These are somewhat future-proof and might be good targets for donation. Others are harder or more expensive to upgrade, and hit a wall for operability over time. This can influence your decision.

Examine your options

Trade it in: Most manufacturers offer a modest trade-in value for your same-brand computer. They re-use the parts they can, and see that remaining parts get recycled or upcycled. Also, as large corporations, they have an incentive to be careful with whatever data remains (though you should ALWAYS do a factory reset before sending it in. This helps make data far harder to access.

Donate it: Many cities have multiple charities that can get your old computer to someone who needs it. Sure, you have access to the latest and greatest items, but others are thankful just for the chance to get online from home instead of the library. Your donation can make someone’s life a little easier. ALWAYS do a factory reset first.

Recycle it: your community likely has a computer recycling business. These businesses will often erase or physically destroy the hard drive, then break the computer into parts based on their value. Sometimes they will even pay you a small amount for the computer, but often they make their money from recycling or selling usable parts. I don’t know if I said it yet, but ALWAYS do a factory reset first.

How to Dispose of Old Insulation

One of the most cost effective improvements you can make to an old house during a renovation or flip is to replace or enhance the insulation. In some cases, this means the relatively simple task of adding blown insulation or another roll of sheet insulation to existing layers.

 

Other times it involves the challenging task of removing a lot of old insulation. And that means finding out how to correctly dispose of it in a safe and economical way.

Fiberglass

Perhaps the most common form of insulation used in the United States is fiberglass. Whether blown into walls and cavities, or laid in sheets in walls and crawl spaces, fiberglass is a lightweight and efficient insulator.

 

 

For that reason, many new insulation jobs involve simply adding to the existing fiberglass and leaving the old stuff where it is.

 

If you must replace good fiberglass insulation, perhaps to achieve a certain LEED rating; you can examine donating existing insulation to a cooperative or recycling center in your area.

 

However, time, heat, dust and humidity – or water and mud – can take its toll on fiberglass and render it useless. When this happens you will need to dispose of it.

 

Fortunately most communities accept fiberglass insulation in their dumps. You should always do a reality check, and communicate with your dumpster supplier to confirm. But you can usually cheaply and safely simply carry the fiberglass insulation to your rented dumpster.

Mineral Wool

A less commonly used form of insulation is mineral wool. Often used to combine soundproofing with heat and cold insulation, this product can also be blown or come in sheets.

 

There are various types of mineral wool, made with different ingredients. There is no general advice about this. It is your responsibility to determine whether it complies with your community’s waste disposal requirements.

 

The experts who rent you your dumpster can help with this identification and in making sure you are following community guidelines.

Vermiculite

A final commonly used form of insulation in old homes is vermiculite. This is a most problematic form of insulation because it often includes the hazardous material asbestos. In the case that your vermiculite has asbestos, you should proceed with caution. Your project might involve trapping the asbestos in place and working around it.

 

If you have expert help who confirms no asbestos content, again check your community’s waste disposal guidelines to determine whether you can safely rent a dumpster and fill it with your old insulation.

Image created by author on Dall*E

This Trash Does NOT Belong in Your Dumpster

When you rent a dumpster for a project, there is always the temptation to fill it with all the waste you have lying around. However, there are restrictions on what you can put in your dumpster. This is because landfills need to maintain standards for what might leak into groundwater, or what might cause problems – like fires and collapses – at the landfill itself.

Here is a short guide to what one large southwest Ohio waste landfill company does not allow dumped in their landfill.

As always, check with the company you rent your dumpster from, and check with your local landfill for specific regulations and expectations. Always follow the law. Failure to do so can lead to major fines and loss of permits or worse.

Some of the restrictions are obvious. Others will be easily violated if you don’t pay careful attention during your project.

Here’s what one major landfill prohibits

The first check of the list reveals a few anticipated items.

As you’d expect, you are not to throw away hazardous items including items that are flammable, explosive, toxic, or corrosive. Every community has different rules for dispensing of these hazardous materials. These are matters of community safety and should be followed.

Also expected, landfills do not permit dumping radioactive waste. If your waste is radioactive, renting a dumpster is probably not the right path for you!

Final expected banned items are batteries, because they are corrosive and toxic, and medical or other biohazard waste.

The other items on the list might not be as expected, and merit a closer look.

Check closely before dumping to see if tires can be included. At this landfill they cannot. Fluorescent lamps and ballasts are also forbidden items that are easy to miss, especially when doing a demo of factory or office space. These locations often make extensive use of fluorescent bulbs and ballasts. Those materials should be set aside and discarded in accordance with local regulations. If you are doing a home demolition, especially in a garage, it might be tempting to throw items from the shelves into the dumpster without a second thought. However, these can include some of the forbidden items: pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These items are hazardous alone, and worse, they can combine with other chemicals to become toxic or explosive. Again, check local restrictions before tossing them in your dumpster.

 

Rent a Dumpster for Your Massive 4th of July Party

You’ve rented the tents. You’ve ordered the ice cream. You’ve designated who will bring the ice, and who will bring firewood.

You have planned a birthday party for America that the country, and certainly your friends and family, will not soon forget.

You’re going to make a mess, and you don’t want to make dozens of extra trips hauling full garbage bags to the curb. Or worse, you don’t want all that mess sitting in your garage or back yard for days until garbage pickup day – a day that has been delayed because of the holiday.

You should rent a dumpster.

Why a dumpster is a better option

Sure, you could just buy a bunch of trash bags. After all, you will have help cleaning up. Aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors will all be willing to take a bag or two and walk around the area.

But then what?

Where will you put them? This is not ordinary trash.

After all, most of what made it a fabulous, unforgettable blowout party is also what will bring raccoons and cats, flies and bees, and all sorts of other critters to the pile of trash.

You will want to put those bags in a dumpster.

Designed to save you time and energy in just this sort of situation, a dumpster will also save you headaches and even greater mess.

If you tried to shove all those bags into your trash cans, you would run out of trash cans. Additionally, a lot of communities have limits on how much trash they will pick up at one location on trash day.

Worse yet, even if you could leave all those bags piled up on the curb, one night of neighborhood critters could create a massive mess as the critters attempt to open, eat, and drag those bags back home to their young ones. It could end up looking like a bomb went off, even after your efforts to clean everything up.

In this case, while renting a dumpster might incur a little extra expense, it more than makes up for it in making a more enjoyable party, and easier clean-up and a smaller trash hangover.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/waving-flag-of-united-states-of-america-4386426/

 

 

Get a Bigger Dumpster Than You Think You Need, Here’s Why

Sure, a dumpster rental place is going to tell you to get a bigger dumpster than you think they need. Of course they are, right? It’s called an upsell, and every company does it.

Except there’s more to it than simply upselling.

Getting a bigger dumpster than you initially think you need is good planning advice for multiple reasons. The bottom line is, in most cases it will ultimately save you time and money. Here’s a list of reasons, some related to each other, and overlapping, but each unique.

Your estimation skills are strong

Years of experience have taught you that you have a strong sense of spatial reasoning. You can see how things fit together. You have planned it all out and this will  fit perfectly in the dumpster you have picked out.

Here’s the problem. The act of tearing things out, breaking them down, and throwing them in the dumpster creates space. It creates jagged edges and ill-fitting corners that don’t settle.

That means your project has air pockets in it.

If you’ve planned for that, great. However, if you imagined a compact dumpster neatly packed tight with your rubbish, like a truck on moving day, that is not what you are getting.

Consider rounding up to the next biggest size to allow for the spaces you can’t fill.

You’re a good neighbor

Over the years, or even the past few weeks, you have developed a great relationship with at least a couple of your neighbors. You’re a good person, and you understand the value of getting along with the people who live closest to you, and can keep an eye on things when you’re not around.

So you might offer to let them throw a few things in your dumpster. Or they might assume, because you are so terrific and welcoming, that there is an open invitation to throw their own stuff in there.

That means you are going to have more in there than you ever planned. Maybe a lot more.

You want to do this once

You are a planner, and this event is planned. One trip in, one trip out. You know you have saved yourself a lot of time and energy.

But with space taken up by air, neighbors contributing, and the potential of someone adding another project around the house, you don’t want to do this again.

And you definitely don’t want to stack bags of debris in the garage to bring out on trash day.

Do it once. Account for these factors when choosing the size of your next dumpster rental.

Photo by Markus Spiske: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-trash-bin-with-full-of-trash-3806764/

 

 

Save Dumpster Space by Donating to Re-Use Stores

Reclaimed. Re-used. Recycled. Whatever term you want to use, there is a thriving business in giving almost everything one more shot at life.

Most communities have at least one store where lightly used cabinetry, furniture, doors, lumber, and, well, everything is bought and sold. Owners upgrading or tearing down can find one last market. Beginning or thrifty owners find useful fixtures or projects.

And everyone wins.

Save dumpster space – and make money – by reselling

 

For the conscientious homeowner or builder, this thriving middle man market means additional savings in multiple ways.

First, every square foot of space saved in the rental dumpster means a small rental or fewer trips to the dump.

Second, some of these shops will pay a modest fee for the items, or they may even arrange to come pick it up for you. This last option can save labor and time – all of which is favorable to the bottom line.

Finally, there is a feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing you not only saved space at the dump, but you helped out an ambitious homeowner. Your overall footprint, carbon and otherwise, is smaller.

Use it to your advantage

Of course, you don’t have to only be a donor – although it is a smart way to reduce your workload and impact your environment and community.

You could be a patron. When you are embarking on your next project, stop by the local re-purposing store to see if maybe they have something you could use. Is there a door here that fits your building but saves you buying new? You can get it for a fraction of the cost. Is there a mirror that will work over the new sink to give a room the rustic feel you need?

With a little bit of imagination, time, and the investment of some elbow grease, a re-use store can help every part of your next building project be a little better.

Old lumber can be re-used with dramatic effect.

Photo by Dmitry Demidov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/weathered-wooden-surface-with-scratches-on-sunny-day-3800468/

1 2 3 … 5