What you Need to Know before Starting a Residential House Demolition

Demolishing a house can be an immensely satisfying experience if you want to clear out a space for something new. The best advice we can give to get going to contact a demolition contractor who is licensed, insured, and who can provide an estimate on cost. A well-written estimate will indicate where the responsibility for what is and where to obtain permits, if any are required. By speaking with a demolition contractor directly, you also have the immediate opportunity to get questions answered and concerns addressed.

Next, alongside a demolition contractor, inspect your home for any hazardous materials, lead paint, or asbestos that may be present. Remediation may be an additional step that needs to be taken prior to and during demolition. Identify any materials that can be recycled, re-used, or donated prior to beginning the demolition. Also, be sure to confirm with utility providers that everything is disconnected prior to undergoing a demolition. As demolition is ongoing, you don’t want to find out that gas, water, or electricity is still connected. That presents a major hazard so be sure to have things turned off long before then.

The actual process of demolition can extend for days, depending on what is required of a property. Following the demolition, any and all debris should be removed, ultimately leaving nothing behind. Even a home’s foundation requires removal. If you’re building on the same location and if excavation is required, you may be able to save some money by using a demolition contractor’s equipment to get the job done. With regards to cost for all of this, it varies significantly depending on the needs of a project. This makes it all the more important to procure an estimate.

By choosing an experienced demolition contractor, you should be paired up with contractors who are fully aware of local regulations and who are able to acquire the necessary permits to get the job done. Be sure to ask these questions upfront if the contractor has not already made things clear. If this is the demolition of an older building, you will require an environmental inspection to ensure that there are no hazards present and remediation services may have to be sought out if materials are found.

In some cases, a residential homeowner may find it to be better to deconstruct a property rather than to demolish it. In deconstruction, salvaging the materials is upheld as a higher priority. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as much as 70 percent of a property can be designated for recycling or re-use through a deconstruction. Therefore, it’s something to consider.

It’s always difficult to pare down the basic steps of home demolition because each property is so different from the next. For example, a small bungalow is going to present different challenges and cost than a two-storey property will. Depending on the time of year and the company, how long it will take and the equipment used on the property will also vary.

Source : www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/504-what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-a-residential-house-demolition.html

What you Can and Cannot Toss in a Dumpster – Rules, guidelines, and more

Though renting a dumpster for a big project can be a huge benefit, there are some guidelines to follow when filling it. These rules and regulations may come from the dumpster rental company, and from local government as well, to ensure that any waste being disposed of adheres to the necessary safety and environmental standards.

What you’re allowed to throw in a dumpster (the list is long!)

In general, anything non-hazardous is permitted to be disposed of in a dumpster. Wood, furniture, roofing shingles, siding, renovation and construction debris, yard waste, and flooring all fit the bill. As it pertains to furniture, it’s always recommended to check with your dumpster rental company to confirm that you’re not breaking any regulation disposing of items such as mattresses or upholstered furniture. At times, there may be additional fees involved so always inquire!

Are appliances and electronics permitted – yes! …with some restrictions

The majority of household appliances and electronics can be disposed of in a dumpster. Refrigerators, AC units, washers, and dryers are all permitted. That said, any fluids or components that could be deemed as hazardous should be removed. When it comes to electronics, if these are of a high quantity such as from an office building, you may be required to dispose of them by other means. To this point, you may see additional fees from a rental company so always confirm before proceeding with any sort of electronics waste dumpster disposal.

Construction and renovation debris is a little trickier

When it comes to brick, stone, concrete, asphalt, and other forms of construction debris, weight is a concern in addition to the damage that can be caused when tossing it in. There may be weight limits on a dumpster rental so it’s best to check. With regards to roofing materials and shingles, there can also sometimes be a fee to disposing of these items. Any drywall, wooden materials, and general construction and renovation debris can be placed in dumpsters without worry.

What am I not allowed to put in a dumpster – here’s the list

The list of what not to put in a dumpster begins with hazardous materials such as wet paint, oil and similar liquids, asbestos, any sealed drums, and tires. Paint, paint thinners, lacquers, or wood stains in a dumpster are an ultimate no-no. Car batteries and dry-cell batteries may potentially leak chemicals and are thereby not allowed in a dumpster. There’s also a long list of household items containing hazardous waste that are not permitted in a dumpster rental. A dumpster rental company may be able to recommend where to drop off hazardous waste items to be properly disposed of.

You won’t fool your rental company

There’s no real way around it. The rules and regulations need to be followed. If you try to get around the rules and put something in your dumpster that is not tolerated by your rental company, you run the risk of being found out and seeing additional charges. The big takeaway from this article should be, even with existing regulations and guidelines from local government, always check with the dumpster rental company prior to committing to renting. They should be able to fill you in on what is and is not allowed in their dumpsters

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/503-what-you-can-and-cannot-toss-in-a-dumpster-rules-guidelines-and-more.html

5 Safety Tips on Loading your Dumpster Rental

The safe transportation of a waste bin’s contents is very important, for any dumpster rental company. For clients, staying on time and budget with a dumpster rental is equally important, and sometimes, safety is set aside for these priorities. No matter what the dumpster rental is for, knowing how to safely load a dumpster keeping in mind that it will be in transport is key. 

Contrary to how it may appear, tossing materials into the dumpster without giving additional thought is not ideal. With the following tips, you can safely fill your dumpster in a way that won’t cost more time or money down the line when pick-up arrives.

Knowing about the dumpster door

Most dumpsters come equipped with some sort of gate or door on either end. If you’ve opened this gate to load any materials, in, ensure that it is closed properly before you send the dumpster off for transportation. Should the door open as it’s being loaded or in transportation, it could create a significant hazard for any person in close proximity.

Don’t dispose of hazardous waste here

Unless it is specified prior to renting the dumpster, disposing of hazardous materials in a waste bin is not permitted. By definition, this may include any cleansers, pesticides, paints, or solvents used in the household. This also applies to the throwing out of batteries and tech devices. By keeping hazardous waste out of your dumpster, we can keep the environment safer for everybody.

Deny the temptation to overfill it

Renting the proper size dumpster is a must and it’s for this very reason. Filling a dumpster is not an opportunity to create the perfect mountain. Waste should never rise past the top edge of the wall. If it does, it’s going to create a dangerous situation come time when it needs to be moved.

By piling garbage over its limited, a renter also may find waste rolling over back onto their property and/or onto streets and walkways. In many regions, moving an overfilled dumpster is illegal and most dumpster rental companies will refuse to transport a dumpster that is overflowing with waste.

Weight equally distributed

Weight should be as equally distributed as is possible. We recognize this is more difficult in some cases. Doing your best to ensure that the majority of the weight is not all on one side though goes a long way in keeping the dumpster safe for loading. When throwing away heavy objects, such as couches or big pieces of renovation waste, it’s something to be aware of.

Keeping lightweight objects underneath heavier items

When you’re filling your dumpster and you’re keeping in mind how to distribute items to make the most of the space, think about where you want to place lightweight items.

Paper, Styrofoam, cardboard, and other lightweight materials can easily be blown from the back of a dumpster in transportation. It’s imperative lightweight objects and items are pinned down by heavier items. Do what you can to reduce the risk of things flying around while being transported.

Maximize safety throughout your project by following these steps when filling your dumpster. By loading the dumpster using these safety tips, you won’t have to spend time redistributing the weight and/or sorting through materials to remove dangerous items.

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/502-5-safety-tips-on-loading-your-dumpster-rental.html

What you Need to Know about Buying Bulk Soil

Buying bulk soil is becoming a trend among many new homeowners looking to mold their properties. When the areas where a homeowner wishes to garden is primarily just clay and gravel, laying out some bulk soil is not such a bad idea. That said, ensuring that the soil you buy is good soil can be a challenge. If you’re considering buying bulk soil, here’s a few things to keep in mind. 

The first thing we need to talk about is cost. For high quality soil, expect to pay an average of $15 to $22 per cubic yard up to a maximum of roughly $30. So let’s say you are working with a garden that is roughly 50 by 20 feet in size. To cover this area with roughly nine inches of good top quality soil, it will run you about $550 if you’re paying $20 per yard. Remembering these numbers, it never hurts to check out some different sellers in your local marketplace and get some more concrete information on how much soil will cost to acquire. Before you begin doing your local research, ensure you’re looking for soil with a pH somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0 which is ideal for most plants. The more organic matter, the better. Speaking with other gardeners in the local community may provide some insights on what to buy and where.

After you have sourced a soil supplier, the decision now needs to be made on how you want your soil mixed. Typically, materials such as sand or peat can be mixed in at an agreed upon percentage. Different suppliers offer different options though so it doesn’t hurt to have that discussion when you are close to committing to a purchase. Just one last note on this point, always ensure you are buying ‘screened soil’ which has all roots, rocks, and debris removed.

At this stage, after you’ve settled on price, supplier, and mix, it’s time to arrange delivery. Seek out a good time weather-wise, ideally when it hasn’t rained for a couple days. When a delivery truck crosses the lawn, the wetter the ground is, the more likely it is their wheels will leave tracks. To this point, if there is any way to avoid driving on the lawn, that is even better. Now when you receive the soil, always distribute it in dry weather. Ideally, you want this done as soon as possible because topsoil left alone for a few days will begin to compact. If you are in the midst of a period of rain, no worries. Just tarp it. By having a few tarps on hand, this can be a big help should anything unexpected happen weather-wise.

In the name of safety, there are a few last things we want to mention. Be aware of power lines near the dump zone. Also, any underground drainage or sewage pipes underneath the area where the truck will be crossing may be crushed by soil compression. Though soil compression crushing these is highly unlikely, there’s still a risk.

All in all, buying bulk soil is an easy way to maximize a property’s aesthetics without breaking the bank. Any concerns you may have can be directed to your supplier. To cut down on costs, hiring a smaller delivery truck may be an option. Also, dumping soil on the driveway is possible for those that are wondering. For this, it’ll just take some work to move the soil to where it needs to be via wheelbarrow or other means.

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/500-what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-bulk-soil.html

How to Prevent Injury with Dumpster Safety Best Practices

Dumpsters are used every day on commercial properties, to appropriately remove materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. There are a number of safety concerns when it comes to dumpsters that any construction worker, warehouse employee, or residential homeowner need to be aware of, when using them. 

Preparing yourself with appropriate protection

When using a dumpster, think of the dangers that come with the materials being handled around it. Very easily, an injury can take place. The first step to guarding against injury is in preparing one’s self, ensuring they are wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Wear work gloves to place and/or remove items from the dumpster. Also, eye protection is recommended to provide protection from the dust and particles that are sent up into the air when materials are being tossed in.

Preventing muscle strain and personal injury

When filling a dumpster, ensure that it is never filled above the recommended limit. For any heavy items, always ask for assistance in lifting and placing it in the dumpster. If waste bags are particularly heavy or contain hazardous materials, use the dumpster door to place them in the container rather than attempting to throw them over. For any waste that is in an unfriendly shape, break the item down to make packing easier. These are all tips that can be used to guard against injury while using a dumpster. Keep in mind that back, shoulder, and neck injuries are common with workers who are frequently using dumpsters. This is why it is integral to employ best practices.

Reminders about the waste being collected

Depending on the waste being collected and what the dumpster was previously used for, there could be hazards associated with the waste itself that you need to watch out for. For example, dumpster waste is sometimes sharp which could lead to infected puncture wounds if one is not careful. At times, some have attempted to dump hazardous materials, biomedical waste, and/or chemicals. By having a dumpster, it does tend to attract others who want to dispose of items without having to take them elsewhere. Be aware of these hazards and keep an eye out for waste that could present danger.

Some best practices regarding dumpsters

By having a dumpster, it requires those around it to employ best practices to mitigate risks and keep safety as the highest priority. There should be no smoking around dumpsters, fire extinguishers should be kept close, and no hazardous materials should at any point be placed inside.

If waste has to be moved around in the dumpster to create more space, do so safely with a stepladder and a pole. It is not recommended to ever climb on top of waste inside the dumpster. Finally, to guard against arson and/or trespassers, dumpsters should be placed in a location with adequate lighting and any lids or doors should be closed when not in use.

Safety is key!

Dumpsters are a major asset for any commercial site or construction job but they do require some additional oversight to ensure that safety is maintained. By following these dumpster safety tips, you ensure that all property and personnel are being adequately protected from injury or damage. For any questions on what you can and/or cannot place inside a dumpster, don’t hesitate to contact your dumpster rental company who should be able to answer any concerns you may have.

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/499-how-to-prevent-injury-with-dumpster-safety-best-practices.html

Getting to Know the Most Common Trenching and Excavation Hazards

Trenching and excavation work is not only a tough job but it can be a dangerous one. Be it repair workers addressing water, sewer, and/or utility lines, or workers involved with digging operations, there are many common concerns when it comes to working in trenching and excavation including the risk of a cave-in. A cave-in can be caused by any number of things and is by far the biggest worry among those in the industry. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to guard against cave-ins and other hazards. Just like with other types of digging and construction work, safety and hazard prevention must be upheld as high priorities.

When it comes to cave-ins, they can typically be associated with any one of four causes. The soil may have been loosened from the use of construction equipment or traffic in the area and the subsequent vibrations of these heavy machines permeating the soil. At times, when equipment is too close to the edge of the trench, the weight can cause soil to loosen or collapse. When working with sandy soil which notably does not hold itself as tightly together as other types, this can be the cause of a cave-in. Water can also weaken the strength of the trench sides causing a structural collapse quite easily over time. By knowing the common causes of a cave-in, we better know how to prepare to guard against them happening.

Before beginning on any trenching or excavation, identify and evaluate the dangers. Throughout your work, be sure to re-evaluate regularly ensuring that operations are being kept safe. Remember, constant monitoring is key. If the trench or excavation is five feet deep or more, additional protective systems need to be put into place to ensure that diggers are being adequately protected. No one wants to responsible for a cave-in, because of failing to see a common hazard or cutting corners on implementing the necessary safety systems. At every opportunity, be safe.

There are several protective systems that we recommend using for any trenching or excavation five feet or deeper. Firstly, there’s sloping which is to open out the sides of the hole in excavation. What type of soil you are working with may help determine the precise depth you require a slope to be. Secondly, there is benching which cuts steps into the sides of a trench. Benching is quite similar to sloping. Note that on larger projects, any activity such as benching or sloping should be designed and/or approved by a registered engineer to maximize the safety at hand. Thirdly, there is shoring which is designed to support the walls by using a combination of cross-braces and uprights. When safely shoring, always install from the top and remove from the bottom. Fourthly, there’s shielding which involves using trench boxes or shields to place in the excavation to guard against the sides of the trench from caving in. These boxes can help protect a worker while they are in the trench and work wonders at preventing a cave-in.

Trenching and excavation is very rewarding work but it does require the necessary precautions to be taken. Trenching and excavation safety guidelines should always take into consideration local regulations and industry knowledge on how to mitigate the risk of a cave-in. By maintaining safety in the trenches, you keep everyone safe ensuring that every worker can make it home at the end of a long day’s work unharmed and healthy.

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/498-getting-to-know-the-most-common-trenching-and-excavation-hazards.html