It's common knowledge that recycling is beneficial for the environment.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, saves energy, and prevents pollution, just to name a few.
\r\n
There are many other benefits to recycling beyond environmental ones that are often overlooked that we'll go over in this article.
\r\n\r\n![\"Overlooked](\"/static/93aa4177bf683aaeb3a687dbb3965544/benefits-of-recycling-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nRecycling makes a direct impact on your local economy by creating more jobs in the area.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThrowing your unwanted junk out creates 6-7 jobs at best, while recycling can help create up to 30 jobs.
\r\n
According to the US Recycling Economic Information Study, the US Recycling Industry employs around 1.25 million people while the US Solid Waste Management industry employs around 0.25 million.
\r\n\r\nRecycling is more labor-intensive than incineration or landfill disposal, which explains why so many more jobs are created from the recycling industry.
\r\n\r\nAccording to Ecocycle, recycling creates around of 9x more jobs than traditional disposal methods, and in some areas can create as many as 30x more jobs.
\r\n\r\nIf the idea of contributing less trash to our rapidly decreasing landfill space isn't enough to begin recycling, maybe knowing the amount of jobs it could create in your area is.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the main benefits of recycling is preserving natural resources.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile preserving resources is beneficial for the environment, it's also beneficial for the cost of raw materials.
\r\n
The cost of aluminum, for example, would be significantly more expensive if it wasn't a commonly recycled material.
\r\n\r\nOther materials like copper, iron, wood, glass, paper, plastic, and steel can also be recycled to help keep costs down.
\r\n\r\nIt's also worth mentioning that landfill space is a precious resource within itself.
\r\n\r\nThe less landfill space there is, the more expensive waste disposal costs will be, so recycling helps to preserve this quickly depleting landfill space.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf you are lucky enough to live in an area that provides a free recycling program, you could save significantly on your monthly municipal waste bill.
\r\n\r\nCommitting to recycling the estimated 75% of recyclable household waste would mean a 75% decrease in the amount of garbage you'll need your waste program to pick up.
\r\n\r\nEven if you only recycle 50% of your trash, that's still a significant decrease in yearly disposal costs.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"set](\"/static/ac413d3cfaec4166e68eeddf3ddf4830/children-recycling.png\")
\r\nIf you have a child, niece, nephew, younger sibling, or other children in your life that you are a role model for, recycling is a great example to set for them.
\r\n\r\nIf you think that the effort recycling requires isn't worth it because it won't impact you directly, think of the impact it will make for future generations.
\r\n\r\nThe cost that future generations will have to pay for basic resources will be much higher than previous generations.
\r\n\r\nTeaching them how to recycle and reuse will help shape their habits for a lifetime.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you don't have a free recycling pickup program, it's highly likely that there is a recycling drop-off center within driving distance.
\r\n\r\nDoing a quick online search for free recycling centers will show you which options are offered in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you have gently used household items or clothing, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
\r\n\r\nPlaces like Goodwill or The Salvation Army have drop boxes and drop-off locations where you can unload your unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nListing free items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is also a great way to have someone come pick up your used items.
\r\n\r\nIf you have junk to get rid of but don't have the time or transportation to haul it yourself, hiring a junk removal company that recycles on your behalf can be a stress-free solution.
\r\n\r\nYou can find locally-owned junk removal companies in your area by using Hometown.
\r\n\r\nRead real reviews and request quotes from as many companies as you'd like for free.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least 3 different quotes so that you can compare pricing and customer service.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nRecycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, saves energy, and prevents pollution. Learn about the many other benefits of recycling that are often overlooked.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T17:16:11+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"b4f9f619-c9d0-5a28-b93b-6888780fb057","title":"15 Yard Dumpster Guide: Cost to Rent, Weight Limits, and More","url":"/blog/15-yard-dumpster-guide","image":{"path":"/static/2f43af611b3ef136e9021e74cb2d31ac/15-yard.png","alt":"15 yard dumpster full of concrete debris"},"tags":[{"id":"ff9e5cd8-9806-5b72-851a-8d9bd13c62e4","name":"15 Yard Dumpster","slug":"15-Yard-Dumpster"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"15 yard dumpsters are a great disposal option for a number of different small to medium cleanup projects or heavy debris disposal, like concrete.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n15 yard dumpsters can handle a variety of different projects, like small kitchen renovations, full bathroom renovations, shed demolition, and home cleanouts.
\r\n
This dumpster guide will go over all the details you need to know about 15 yard containers to make the most informed decision for your particular project.
\r\n\r\n![\"15](\"/static/f4932de20e92090b64da00e89c77540b/15-yard-dumpsters-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nWith a maximum capacity of 15 cubic yards, 15 yard dumpsters can hold between 7-8 pick-up truck loads' worth of debris.
\r\n\r\nThe dimensions of a 15 yard dumpster will vary from carrier to carrier, but the most common dimensions of a 15 yard container are:
\r\n\r\nWith an overall size similar to that of a van or minivan, placing a 15 yarder in a residential driveway is generally not an issue.
\r\n\r\nLike most other roll-off containers, 15 yard roll-off dumpsters feature a swinging back door(s) so that you can walk in heavy or bulky items with ease, and their open top makes throwing trash and debris over the side walls a non-issue.
\r\n\r\n15 yard trailer dumpsters are also a popular option and are perfect for those who need to adjust the placement of their dumpster throughout the duration of their rental or are worried about driveway damage.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpsters sit on rubber wheels, making them driveway-safe and easily maneuvered.
\r\n\r\nIf you need to have your rental placed in a tight space and are worried about size, be sure to ask the different companies you speak with what the dimensions are of their particular containers to ensure a suitable fit.
\r\n\r\nAll dumpsters have weight limits that renters must abide by in order to avoid overage fees.
\r\n\r\nWeight limits are set in place for many reasons, including the safety of the dump truck and driver, abiding by local road restrictions, and ensuring that the company's profit margins aren't eroded.
\r\n\r\nEvery company will have their own specific set of terms for their rentals, but on average, most 15 yard dumpster rentals have a weight limit between 2-3 tons, or 4,000-6,000 pounds.
\r\n\r\nGoing over your weight limit will result in additional fees best cast scenario, or having to rent a second dumpster worst case scenario.
\r\n\r\nOverage fees are typically somewhere in the $75-$100 range per ton over the limit, while having to rent a second dumpster will double your costs immediately.
\r\n\r\nIf you're worried about going over your weight limit, speak with the rental company to discuss in detail the type and amount of trash/debris you need to dispose of so that they can help you choose the right size dumpster for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe nationwide average cost to rent a 15 yard dumpster is around $300-$500.
\r\n\r\nThat being said, your 15 yard dumpster rental could cost more or less depending on a number of factors, like:
\r\n\r\nThe weight capacity of the dumpster and weight of your debris will be the biggest factor in determining how much you will pay for your dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nRental duration will hves less of an impact, but could still influence the cost of your rental if you only need the dumpster for 1-2 days versus 1-2 weeks.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in a large city with a high cost of living and high landfill fees, you'll pay a lot more than if you were to rent in a less populated suburb with a lower cost of living.
\r\n\r\nThe company you rent the dumpster from is also an important factor that will affect the overall price you pay.
\r\n\r\nEvery service provider has different overhead costs, different profit margins to meet, and therefor the cost for the same size container from one company to the next can vary quite a bit.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to find out what a competitive price is for a 15 yard dumpster is to get several quotes from companies near you.
\r\n\r\n15 yard dumpsters are a great size container for a wide range of small to medium cleanups, including:
\r\n\r\nGetting the best service at the best price is easier when you get multiple quotes from providers in your area.
\r\n\r\nBy getting multiple estimates, you'll be able to compare weight limits, pricing, customer service, dumpster types, rental durations, and availability.
\r\n\r\nIt's important when speaking with different rental companies to ask important questions beyond their pricing, like:
\r\n\r\nRenting from smaller local providers tends to be the best way to get the best price for a dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nLocally-owned and operated dumpster companies tend to have lower overhead costs than large national chains and are able to provide better savings and a more personable customer service experience.
\r\n\r\nFinding local dumpster companies is fast and easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your dumpster rental needs, you'll be shown qualified companies in your area that are licensed, insured, and reputable.
\r\n\r\nOur single quote request form allows you to get free dumpster rental quotes from several companies at once, cutting down the time you spending researching significantly!
\r\n\r\nHometown makes finding competitively priced dumpster rentals in your area fast and convenient, so you can focus on tackling your project with ease.
\r\n\r\n15 yard dumpsters are a great disposal option for a number of different small cleanup projects or heavy debris disposal, like concrete. Read this guide to learn all the details you need to know about 15 yard containers to determine if it's the right size container for your project.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-12T20:11:57+00:00"},{"id":"801ce340-7fb2-5047-91f1-150336f33797","title":"How Do You Measure a Yard of Waste?","url":"/blog/how-do-you-measure-a-yard-of-waste","image":{"path":"/static/d14c2afd5869a7f5485d58f2ec80adc3/measure-yard-of-junk.png","alt":"picturing how much junk is in a garage"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Dumpster rentals come in a variety of sizes, and each size is measured in cubic yards.
\r\n\r\nSimilarly, junk removal services are often priced based on the amount of space the junk takes up in the company's truck or trailer.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKnowing how to estimate the cubic yardage of your junk or debris will make it easier for you to choose the right service for your project and how much you can expect to pay.
\r\n
To measure a cubic yard of waste, it helps to assemble the junk or debris you're trying to measure into a pile as much as you can so you can see what you're working with and adequately measure it.
\r\n\r\nA cubic yard measures 1 yard long x 1 yard wide x 1 yard high.
\r\n\r\nOn average, 4-6 garbage bags can fit inside a cubic yard, but it's harder to estimate more oddly shaped items, like furniture.
\r\n\r\nOne yard is three feet, so imagine how many 3 ft cubes it will take to hold the amount of junk or debris you have.
\r\n\r\nIf your junk is able to be separated and piled, it will be easier to assess and accurately determine the dumpster size you'll need or if junk removal is perhaps the better option (which is often the case if you have less than 7 cubic yards of debris).
\r\n\r\nThis cubic yard calculator is a helpful tool if you need help measuring how much debris or waste you need to dispose of.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals and junk removal services are often priced based on the cubic yardage of debris/junk you have. Find out how to estimate the cubic yardage of your junk or debris to easier decide which service is right for your project and how much you can expect to pay.
\r\n","changed":"2022-08-16T17:47:09+00:00"},{"id":"20a07da8-659a-56fa-9d9c-009c68a24559","title":"Rent a Dumpster or Hire a Junk Removal Company?","url":"/blog/rent-a-dumpster-or-hire-a-junk-removal-company","image":{"path":"/static/0b3c0f41e9db144597226912ba5c3dc7/woman-sorting-through-household-junk.jpg","alt":"woman sorting through household junk"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"},{"id":"635dd995-8794-5ed6-8d6a-b96d843f0775","name":"Dumpster Comparison","slug":"Dumpster-Comparison"}],"content":"Whether it’s a renovation project, new construction, home cleanout, furniture removal, or any other type of waste or debris removal project, a junk removal service or dumpster rental are the top two solutions for the job.
\r\n\r\n\r\nBut, when is it better to rent a dumpster vs. hiring a junk removal company, and vice versa?
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll explore the difference between the two and determine which is best for your situation.
\r\n\r\n![\"Dumpster](\"/static/1475432a8cd3d5333f38f91b7ae22330/dumpster-vs-junk-removal-info_0.jpg\")
\r\nWhen you’d prefer to clear out the junk/debris yourself, renting a dumpster is the way to go.
\r\n\r\nIt’s a simple process that involves calling the dumpster rental company, choosing a container size, having it dropped off at your property, filling it up, and having it hauled away.
\r\n\r\nHere are examples of situations where renting a dumpster is a great idea:
\r\n\r\nIn some cases, you may also have to secure a permit. The dumpster rental company can help determine if this is necessary in your case.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off dumpsters come in several capacities, including the most common dumpster sizes: 10, 20, 30, and 40 yard bins.
\r\n\r\nWhen renting a dumpster, yards refers to the cubic yard capacity of the dumpster. For reference, a 10 yard dumpster is ideal for a garage or shed cleanout, while a 40 yard dumpster is the best solution for construction projects or complete re-roofing jobs.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster rental company can help you choose the perfect container size for your project.
\r\n\r\nMany dumpster rental companies are focused on eco-friendly waste removal, so most of the debris you toss in the dumpster will head to recycling centers. This is particularly true for clean loads containing all of the same recyclable materials, like concrete or asphalt shingles.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are heavy, particularly when filled up with junk and debris.
\r\n\r\nThere are two main things to consider when it comes to dumpster weight: protecting your driveway/property and avoiding exceeding the weight limit.
\r\n\r\nA roll-off dumpster can easily weigh several tons once filled with debris.
\r\n\r\nFor example, a single layer of shingles torn off a 1,500 sq ft roof as part of a re-roofing project can easily weigh two tons (4,000 lbs).
\r\n\r\nThis amount of weight can wreak havoc on a concrete driveway, yard, patio, or asphalt.
\r\n\r\nMany dumpster rental companies will place plywood or 2x4s beneath the dumpster when dropping it off to protect against damage.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How to Prevent (and Address) Driveway Dumpster Damage
\r\n\r\nNearly every rental company enforces weight restrictions on the load. These restrictions are determined based on local regulations and landfill dumping fees.
\r\n\r\nIf your load exceeds the weight restriction set by the rental company, you may incur additional charges. This is why it's so important to make sure you thoroughly understand the rental company’s weight restrictions.
\r\n\r\nBy discussing in detail the type of debris you plan to get rid of, the rental company can estimate the total weight of the load before you fill the container.
\r\n\r\nTo be safe, always over-estimate to ensure you don’t go over.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/static/8e64e58a9e346f321d36b458134d122d/junk-removal-crew.png\")
\r\nLike renting a dumpster, junk removal companies can help with spring/fall home cleanings, estate cleanouts, yard waste, construction/demolition debris, or general rubbish removal.
\r\n\r\nThe difference is that the junk removal company takes care of all the heavy lifting for you.
\r\n\r\nHere are some examples of times when hiring a junk removal service is the best option:
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company is just as easy as renting a dumpster, and the cost is determined by the type and volume of junk or debris to be hauled away.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal company will give you a free on-site estimate for large projects or will give you a quote over the phone for smaller projects, like furniture or mattress removal.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are pros at removing bulky, heavy items (furniture, appliances, etc.) and large quantities of debris (demolition debris, yard waste, etc.). They work quickly but are also focused on making sure no damage is inflicted to your property in the process.
\r\n\r\nThe majority of junk removal companies recycle a portion of each load. They may also donate gently used items to local charitable organizations, like Salvation Army or Goodwill, and give you a tax-deductible receipt for it. There are a number of places that accept appliance donations as well.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service varies based on several factors, including your location, volume of junk/debris, duration of service, and other factors.
\r\n\r\nIn general, junk removal services cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs involved.
\r\n\r\nThe one exception to this rule is for smaller cleanups, such as moving some furniture out or getting rid of a refrigerator.
\r\n\r\nHere’s a hypothetical example of how this works:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou have an old couch and a few boxes of junk in the garage you want thrown out. Your local dumpster rental company offers a 10 yard dumpster rental for $250, which would do the trick. However, a local junk removal service quotes you their minimum pickup charge of $125 to haul it all away for you. In this case, junk removal is the better choice.
\r\n
In the example above, the volume of junk wasn’t enough to make renting a dumpster the more affordable option. However, a dumpster rental would be the more cost-effective option for larger debris removal projects, such as a whole-home cleanout or roofing project.
\r\n\r\nBelow you’ll find costs associated with renting a dumpster and hiring a junk removal company. These are national averages based on a sample set compiled by Hometown.
\r\n\r\nThe figures below are meant to give you a general idea of what it costs for these services. Costs can vary depending on where you live, additional disposal fees, permits, and the scope of the debris removal project.
\r\n\r\nCosts are generally higher in cities with a steep cost of living, such as New York City or Los Angeles, and lower in areas with a low cost of living.
\r\n\r\nThe distance the dumpster or junk removal company has to travel to/from your property, as well as to the landfill or recycling center, may also influence pricing.
\r\n\r\n\r\n","teaser":"
Renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service are two of the top ways to declutter or clear out bulk amounts of waste. Read about the cost and benefits of each disposal solution so you can be a more informed customer.
\r\n","changed":"2023-07-28T16:20:00+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}