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

What Low Oil Prices’ Mean to Recycling and Recyclers

Everyday consumers rejoice at the sound of low oil prices. It gets them gas on the cheap and lets them save a little extra. Low oil prices also help businesses and sometimes in a very big way. The amount of electricity and gas required to run some facilities, including in manufacturing and construction, is absurdly high! Those of us in the recycling industry though have a bit of a different relationship to low oil prices. In many ways, it’s a big negative. 

Before we get into all the jibber jabber on low oil prices and what they mean to recycling, it’s important to understand how oil pricing works. Depending on supply and demand, oil prices rise and fall according to the market. When less oil is produced but the same amount of people or more want the same amount of oil, it becomes more valuable and the price increases. When more oil is produced than what the population wants, there is more supply and so the price falls. Since 2014, the world has seen the oil supply increase overall. Nations such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa continue to push out significant numbers. Also, Canada and the United States have begun exploiting their own resources to find oil. At the same time that this supply has been rising, global demand has been slowly falling. The result is the lowest oil prices in almost fifteen years!

How this all affects recycling has to do with how plastic is valued alongside how oil is priced. Plastics are a direct by-product of petroleum and oil processing, meaning that as oil prices fall, so does plastic accordingly. Today, oil prices are so low in some areas of the world that it is less expensive to buy virgin plastic than to purchase recycled plastic. For recycling, this means a supply of recycled plastic that is no longer economically advantageous.

So the domestic and global demand for recycled products is shrinking. Recycled plastic, paper, and metal have all seen drops in value, weakening alongside oil pricing. The recycling market is at a crucial moment where how we respond is going to determine how many companies like ours survive.

Know that we can’t change oil pricing or the relationship that recycling has to low oil prices. There’s no way to get around that. The best approach to low oil prices is in finding ways to reduce the cost of recycling. A big part of this is eliminating contamination. Consumers need better education on what contamination is and how it affects recycling. Significant value in recycling is lost due to contamination. Beyond this, the benefits of recycling in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment needs to be emphasized.

The present landscape of recycling is being threatened by low oil prices and there is a sufficient need to compensate on pockets of the marketplace that are rejecting recycled products. The environmental benefits are well-established and its cost-effectiveness needs to be maintained.

Building a sustainable future together is going to rest on being able to recycle efficiently with regards to all types of waste products, household and commercial alike. Recycling’s future should not depend on high oil prices. Instead, it needs to be focused on efficient processing and product distribution. That’s how recycling can defeat low oil prices and continue to make its mark!

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/497-what-low-oil-prices-mean-to-recycling-and-recyclers.html

How to Manage your Waste when your Dumpster Rental Arrives

For everyday homeowners, dumpster rentals have become a key part of managing waste on a property undergoing renovations or construction. For novices though, if you don’t know what to do with your dumpster rental when it arrives at your property, you may not get the most out of the experience. 

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The best way to manage a dumpster rental is in first ensuring that you’ve chosen the right dumpster rental company to partner with. From there, you want to identify and prepare the location on which the dumpster is expected to sit. Consider where you want to put your rental carefully. The wrong position can be a huge inconvenience to you or even your neighbors. Ensure the driver can easily access the location and ensure you don’t need to get any special permits to host it, such as if you intend to have it on the street.

It’s always recommended to have a dumpster on soft ground. This is because they are heavy and can end up doing major damage to a solid surface if it’s not properly supported. A grassy area or somewhere that is not an asphalt driveway is best.

After the dumpster rental has arrived and it is set up in its temporary location on your property, be aware of the volume limits of the container. For many dumpster rental companies, they may not accept a container it is overflowing with garbage or even if it’s filled to the brim. When it’s filled to the top, it may create issues with covering it in transit. In general, we recommend filling up a dumpster only to 75 percent of its height.

It also bears keeping in mind that though it is a dumpster, certain materials may not be accepted as waste. Depending on the dumpster you rent and from what company, they may have rules on what can be included in your waste and what cannot. Breaking these rules can lead to fines and penalties, something you don’t need! Always consult before renting any dumpster with the company you intend to rent from on what is expected. Among the items that dumpster rental companies do not permit are hazardous materials, chemicals, agriculture-related garbage, or electronics.

Follow these points to effectively manage waste with your dumpster rental. By doing so appropriately, you will avoid additional fees and help keep costs where they need to be. All things considered, a dumpster rental is not that expensive when weighing against the service provided. To keep costs reasonable though, you need to know where the fees and fines are. It is also imperative that you choose the right size dumpster rental for your project.

Dumpster rentals are becoming the popular go-to for DIY home renovators. The convenience of having your own dumpster ready to accept any unwanted items is a massive benefit and one that no homeowner would want to go without.

For those that are working on larger home renovation or construction build projects, what no one tells you is how to properly dispose of waste. Attempting to do it yourself can lead to headaches and high costs. Instead, save yourself a little time by contacting a local dumpster rental company to help. This way, you also get all the inside knowledge on waste disposal and ideally will receive the best advice for the job!

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/496-how-to-manage-your-waste-when-your-dumpster-rental-arrives.html

8 Guiding Principles on How to Clean your Kitchen

Any kitchen can end up a real dump if a homeowner is not regularly cleaning the bacteria and residue that naturally accumulates here. Don’t let kitchen bacteria bring you down. There’s a number of ways to clean your kitchen from top to bottom, ridding it of any evil bacteria looking to make prey of you! Here are our eight guiding principles on how to clean your kitchen.

Begin by reducing clutter on counters

By eliminating clutter on your kitchen counters, you make your job easy. Anything that is not required to the kitchen, remove it and consider returning after you’ve cleaned – only if you deem it necessary.

Apply an all-purpose cleaner to countertops

All-purpose natural cleaners produce amazing results in the kitchen and should be among the first steps you take in tidying up surfaces. Also, ensure that you are using a new sponge to clean all countertops as an old one can end up spreading bacteria that you don’t ever want to find!

When cleaning, start from the ceiling down

Don’t ignore any part of your kitchen and begin by cleaning from the ceiling down. Use a duster to clear off the walls and corners. Check for any water leaks and ensure those are addressed before continuing. Find a quality rage to wipe down cabinet doors and any handles anywhere in the kitchen.

Empty the sink

After you’ve emptied your sink, fill it up with hot water and a little soap. Throughout your cleaning, you may need this to soak items such as a microwave turning plate.

Clean the inside of your fridge

To thoroughly tackle the kitchen, this must involve emptying the fridge and cleaning the insides with a sponge. Any removable shelves should be taken out, soaked, and dried, and the inside walls should be cleaned extensively. Again, start from the top and work your way towards the bottom.

Clean both inside and outside of your microwave

We may not think of the microwave as a particularly dirty part of the kitchen but it can be. Don’t just wipe down the inside. Sometimes, the outside can be just as dirty!

Wipe down the sink

Every once in a while, you want to wipe down the inside of the sink just to clean any residue that may be sticking to the side or in the troublesome corners. With the way that some countertops are built, the corners of a sink can act as bacteria traps. Imagine all that disgusting bacteria getting on your food. Ew! This is precisely why a sink should be cleaned regularly.

Mop down the floor

Sweep and mop down the floor, and wipe down the inside of your household garbage cans. After all garbage containers have been wiped, you should have quite the kitchen on your hands!

Yes, sometimes, it’s tempting to let garbage sit in the kitchen but that’s not always the best move. Bacterial infections happen every day in kitchens across North America and you don’t want that to happen to you or your family. If you regularly handle raw chicken, meat, and produce, there are several bacteria in these that can cause illnesses and make us sick. Kitchens need to be cleaned regularly.

There’s no ifs, ands, or buts around it. We hope that this guide provides some step-by-step assistance, walking you through the guiding tenants on how to properly clean a kitchen.

Source : http://www.garbagebinrentals.ca/waste-collection-removal-disposal-blog/495-8-guiding-principles-on-how-to-clean-your-kitchen.html