With over 90% of all products shipped in the US being cardboard boxes, it's no wonder why consumers and businesses are being asked now more than ever to recycle cardboard as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nLandfill \"real estate\" is precious and limited, and we are all sitting on a huge opportunity to reduce our contributions with plenty of recycling options at our fingertips.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is the environmentally responsible thing to do, but there are rules you must follow in order to not contaminate a batch of recyclables.
\r\n
Not following these rules can lead to recyclables having to be tossed into a landfill, producing the exact opposite results you were trying for.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over everything you need to know about cardboard recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling cardboard is conserving landfill space, but that is only the beginning of a long list of cardboard recycling benefits.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling cardboard and paper helps reduce the amount of trees that are cut down, but how many trees are we actually preserving?
\r\n\r\nFor every ton of cardboard that is recycled, 17 trees are preserved, which can absorb around 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year!
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of cardboard that is recycled, we save roughly:
\r\n\r\nIf you're someone who is less concerned with the environment than you are the economy, there are plenty of economical benefits to recycling cardboard and other materials as well.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle indicates that if the United States could transition to a 75% recycling rate by the year 2030, we would create an estimate 1-2 million new jobs!
\r\n\r\nThese job creations aren't your run-of-the-mill minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers their employees competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nWith so many benefits to recycling, it's a wonder why anyone would choose not to take advantage of free recycling programs.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when recycling cardboard is that it is crucial to keep all paper and cardboard products clean.
\r\n\r\nIn a mixed recycling bin where you throw aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard, you're much more likely to get cross contamination from foods or liquids which can ruin an entire bale of recyclable cardboard.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe best recycling practice is to keep cardboard and paper separate from other types of recyclables so that they can remain clean and free of contaminants.
\r\n
It's also important to understand the different types of cardboard products we use and what they can sometimes be lined or mixed with.
\r\n\r\nWhile most cardboard and paperboard products can be recycled, there are some products that are lined with plastic film or coated with wax, and these items should be thrown away rather than recycled.
\r\n\r\nIt's not unusual for boxes that contain frozen items to be lined with wax or plastic to prevent them from getting soggy, so if you can't verify that your frozen boxes are recyclable, err on the side of caution and throw it away.
\r\n\r\nAnother important note to remember is that cardboard that has embellishments like foil, glitter, or velvet should also be thrown away rather than recycled.
\r\n\r\nThe best practices for recycling any type of material is to understand exactly what can and can't go in your bin, specifically in your area.
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities can handle certain products that others cannot.
\r\n\r\nFor example, most recycling centers can't recycle cardboard lined with plastic.
\r\n\r\nThere are, however, some recycling centers that have special machines that can separate this plastic from cardboard or paperboard.
\r\n\r\nAs a general rule, cardboard boxes with mailing labels or packing tape are okay to be tossed into your recycling, but there are some exceptions to this rule at certain facilities.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it's important to get a list of accepted material directly from your waste management company so that you aren't mistakingly contaminating the cardboard or other items you're trying to recycle because rules can vary from one community to the next.
\r\n\r\n![\"Cardboard](\"/static/66bdd8c8f82938202e23544123a5b43d/cardboard-2.jpg\")
\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling cardboard.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most common is tossing in pizza boxes with grease stains.
\r\n\r\nWhile cardboard is a recyclable material, no paper products that are contaminated with food should be recycled.
\r\n\r\nIf the top half of your pizza box does not have any grease on it, feel free to separate that from the bottom half of your pizza box and put it into your recycling as long as you're sure it's clean.
\r\n\r\nAnother common mistake people make is not breaking down large cardboard boxes when placing them into their recycling bin.
\r\n\r\nMake sure to always break down cardboard boxes to preserve space not only in your personal bin, but in the recycling truck.
\r\n\r\nDepending on how large the box is, it may be necessary to cut your cardboard up into more manageable sized pieces.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your local facility to learn more.
\r\n\r\nIf your curbside trash service also offers recycling, having your recycling picked up at the end of your driveway is certainly the most convenient option.
\r\n\r\nFor those who live in areas where this isn't offered, however, there are plenty of other recycling options available.
\r\n\r\nIt's becoming more and more common for communities to offer drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nMichigan, for example, has a cardboard and paper recycling program called PaperGator where residents can deposit their recyclable paper products into dumpster containers at several designated drop-off locations.
\r\n\r\nIf you need help locating a community recycling program, visit Earth 911 to find recycling centers or programs near you. You can type in the specific type of material you'd like to recycle, as well as your zip code, and you'll be shown recycling solutions near you.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of cardboard to recycle that won't fit in your curbside collection, consider renting a dumpster for your recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nOr, if you have a lot of cardboard to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your cardboard for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your cardboard products on your behalf without you having to lift a finger.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find junk removal services and dumpster rentals for all types of disposals across the U.S., including cardboard recycling!
\r\n\r\nSearch your zip code, answer a few quick questions about your project needs, and get free quotes from qualified companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn everything you need to know about cardboard recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-17T13:54:08+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"3d2a0690-7f77-568c-acd2-5e3bcae04f08","title":"Renting a Dumpster for Your Elderly Parents’ House Cleanout","url":"/blog/renting-a-dumpster-for-your-parents-house-cleanout","image":{"path":"/static/1d9c829d298cf93935fb8ed69e3172bc/elderly-parent.png","alt":"Elderly man and son high-fiving in room full of packing boxes"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"7ce68dc2-095e-5221-a253-7b8b847933db","name":"House Cleanout","slug":"House-Cleanout"},{"id":"04fd2ebe-e793-5a68-9f65-b5be6a2552ea","name":"Household Junk Dumpsters","slug":"Household-Junk-Dumpsters"}],"content":"There comes a time in every elderly person's life when it is time to downsize and move.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in charge of managing your parents' cleanout project, you might be wondering what to do with all the \"stuff\" that has accumulated in their home over their lifetime.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is one of the most preferred disposal methods for home cleanouts, but unless you've rented a dumpster before, it can be difficult to know where to start.
\r\n
Hometown helps people all over the country get in contact with locally-owned dumpster rental companies in their area, so we know our stuff.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over the top information to know to make renting a dumpster and helping your parents with their house cleanout go as smoothly as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"Renting](\"/static/f9c82e30cf8a36959615dc6c0e78120f/renting-dumpster-elderly-cleanout-info-01.png\")
\r\nThe most popular styles of residential dumpsters are roll-off containers and trailer dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers typically come in a wider variety of sizes, but the larger sizes are most often used for construction/demolition projects or hoarding situations.
\r\n\r\nSo for home cleanout projects, both types of dumpster styles will be suitable.
\r\n\r\nBoth roll-off containers and trailer dumpsters feature an open top (without a lid) to make tossing in your junk and trash easy.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers sit on the ground and many have a swinging side door, which makes walking in heavy or bulky items very convenient. This makes them an attractive option for those whose elderly parents have old furniture or appliances to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpsters sit on rubber wheels, so without a ramp, you'll have to have the strength and manpower to lift your large and bulky items.
\r\n\r\nBecause of their rubber wheels, trailer dumpsters are often chosen by those who are concerned about driveway damage.
\r\n\r\nWhile reputable dumpster companies can easily place roll-off containers on a driveway without damage, the rubber wheels on a trailer dumpster greatly minimizes the chances of an accident happening. This makes them an attractive option for those who have recently installed a new driveway in preparation to sell their parents' estate.
\r\n\r\nThe wheels on a trailer dumpster also make moving and maneuvering it very easy to do for anyone with a vehicle hitch.
\r\n\r\nThere are different benefits for both types of temporary dumpsters, but either will work great for a home cleanout.
\r\n\r\nMore info:
\r\n\r\nOne of the reasons that roll-off containers are so versatile is because they come in various container sizes.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDeciding which dumpster size to rent for your home cleanout is an important step to avoid costly mistakes, and dumpster rental companies can help you choose the best one if you're unsure.
\r\n
Renting a dumpster that is too small means that you may have to rent a second dumpster, instantly doubling costs, or it could mean that you'll go over your weight limit and get hit with overage fees.
\r\n\r\nOn the contrary, renting a dumpster that's way too large means that you're spending more than necessary, although when in doubt, we always recommend going with the larger dumpster when you're deciding between two sizes.
\r\n\r\nBoth roll-off and trailer dumpsters are measured in cubic yards.
\r\n\r\nThe most common sizes for roll-off dumpsters are 10 yards, 20 yards 30 yards and 40 yards, while trailer dumpsters most often come with 10 yard, 15 yard, and 20 yard capacities.
\r\n\r\nExperienced dumpster rental companies do a great job of recommending the right dumpster size for your project as long as you provide accurate, detailed information about the contents you'll be putting in.
\r\n\r\nWe've also written many articles that explain dumpster sizes in greater detail, with examples of project types and the sizes that best suit them, to help give you a visual.
\r\n\r\nRead more here:
\r\n\r\n| Dumpster Size | \r\n\t\t\tAverage Cost | \r\n\t\t
| 10 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$250-$450 | \r\n\t\t
| 15 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$300-$500 | \r\n\t\t
| 20 Yard | \r\n\t\t\t$350-$550 | \r\n\t\t
\r\n\r\n
The average cost to rent a dumpster in the U.S. falls between $250-$550 in most cases.
\r\n\r\nHowever, there are many different factors that will determine the price you will pay for a dumpster rental in your area, like cost of living, the dumpster size you rent, the type and weight of what you put in the dumpster, who you rent from, and more.
\r\n\r\nThere's nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on a company that offers poor or subpar service.
\r\n\r\nThrough our years of research, we've found that the top three characteristics that set great dumpster rental companies apart from their competitors are:
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to renting a dumpster, Hometown has taken the guesswork out of choosing a reputable service provider.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned dumpster rental and junk removal providers across the U.S. and help connect them to consumers in their area who need their services.
\r\n\r\nEvery company that is published on our site is vetted to ensure that they're licensed, bonded, and insured for the safety of all involved.
\r\n\r\nWe've developed an easy-to-use quote request form that is simple, straightforward, and can be filled out within minutes.
\r\n\r\nWith this single quote request form, you can select up to 3 pros in your area to send your request to.
\r\n\r\nAll quotes are free. Always.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes helps you compare customer service, costs, and availability to ensure you get the best service when you need it most.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in charge of your parents' home cleanout, you might be wondering what to do with all the \"stuff\" that has accumulated in their home over their lifetime. Learn how to make renting a dumpster, and helping your parents with their house cleanout, go as smoothly as possible.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T16:39:39+00:00"},{"id":"b6b700de-47fc-5585-be08-fad24b4c62a6","title":"Why Roll-Off Containers Are Perfect for Heavy or Bulky Items","url":"/blog/roll-off-containers-are-perfect-for-heavy-items","image":{"path":"/static/df17344f090f8ec9ffb63952dd2d6f7e/roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":"Use a roll-off containers swinging doors to walk in your trash"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Most dumpsters have walls over 3 feet high, so it's understandable why those with heavy or bulky items to dispose of might be worried about how they're going to load their items into a dumpster.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDespite popular belief, loading heavy items is made easier with a roll-off container.
\r\n
We'll go over:
\r\n\r\n![\"roll-off](\"/static/994b47ab26dd81b4078405752cfd67a5/swinging-doors.png\")
\r\nWhile getting rid of a couple pieces of furniture or an appliance could be a great project left for a junk removal company, those with large cleanup projects could save money by renting a dumpster instead.
\r\n\r\nWhat some consumers may not know is that roll-off containers feature a swinging side door that allows you to walk in items that might be too big to load from the top.
\r\n\r\nThere are a variety of different dumpster styles to rent on a temporary basis, like trailer dumpsters on wheels, 3 yard bag-style dumpsters, and mini dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers, however, are the only style that offers a convenient way to walk in items that are difficult to lift.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThere's no doubt that if you plan on renting a dumpster to get rid of your heavy items, renting a roll-off container is the way to go.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't have enough items to get rid of to justify renting your own container, there are other solutions available to get rid of your unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nIf your item is in somewhat decent condition, it might be worth listing for free on an online marketplace.
\r\n\r\nMany people that work for non-profits search the internet for free items for their organization and would be happy to take your used furniture or working appliances off your hands.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a broken down appliance, like an old washer and dryer, someone who recycles metal might be willing to remove your item and take to the scrap yard for some extra cash.
\r\n\r\nSome municipal disposal services offer bulk trash pickup for larger items.
\r\n\r\nSome areas offer them monthly, some offer them quarterly, some yearly, while others will come any time as long as you call ahead to make arrangements.
\r\n\r\nEvery city and township is different, so reach out to your trash service to inquire about available options.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are a quick, easy, and convenient way to get rid of things you no longer want.
\r\n\r\nRemoving a few pieces of furniture or a broken-down appliance can be done in under a half-hour with a professional junk removal team.
\r\n\r\nDepending on the company and where you're located, you could even find a company that can offer same-day services, so your unwanted items are removed quickly and without you having to lift a finger.
\r\n\r\nYou can use Hometown's website to easily find and request multiple quotes from reputable junk removal services in your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"share](\"/static/788e445aec273206ce9b6d0084a12bb9/neighbors.png\")
\r\nIf you have a few large items you want to get rid of but don't think you can fill up a whole roll-off container on your own, talk with other homeowners on your street.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals are a popular service, especially when homeowners are moving or performing renovations.
\r\n\r\nSharing a dumpster with your neighbor offers the convenience of using a dumpster while only being responsible for half the cost.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnytime you're investing money on a project around the house, it's important to make sure you do research on the company you plan on hiring.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes finding reputable roll-off dumpster rental companies near you easy.
\r\n\r\nBy using your zip code to run a quick search on Hometown, you'll be shown verified dumpster rental companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can request free quotes from as many providers as you like to price compare and get a feel for the type of customer service you can expect to receive from each provider.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nLoading heavy and bulky items into a dumpster is easy when you rent a roll-off container. Learn why this type of dumpster is great for large-item disposal and other ways to get rid of your heavy unwanted items.
\r\n","changed":"2021-09-29T12:53:35+00:00"},{"id":"2887fc2f-309c-53c5-9fc3-75bea2a39de1","title":"Why You Should Hire a Licensed and Insured Junk Removal Company","url":"/blog/licensed-and-insured-junk-removal-company","image":{"path":"/static/d1a32dc78aaaa0346930f2d64745ccfe/liabilityinsurance.png","alt":"Person reading the terms of a liability insurance contract"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"Hiring a junk removal company is a fast and efficient way to get help tackling a cleaning or junk removal project, but not ensuring that the people you hire to do so are licensed and insured can result in a world of headaches.
\r\n\r\nLearn about the importance of hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured junk removal company and the potential risks and dangers of hiring services that fail to meet this criteria.
\r\n\r\n![\"Risks](\"/static/ec9623587bd02d1f12273e3790ac3d64/unlicensed-junk-removal-infographic_1.png\")
\r\nOne of the biggest risks associated with hiring someone who isn't properly licensed and insured to remove your items or junk from your home or business is the lack of protection should any accidents unfortunately occur.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRegardless of the size or scope of the project, there is always the potential for unforeseen accidents to happen because life is simply unpredictable.
\r\n
In the event of these unlikely accidents, whether it be damage to the property or the injury of a hired professional, an insured junk removal company will have the coverage needed to pay for the cost of remediation.
\r\n\r\nAn uninsured company, however, leaves you open to financial risk, as you would be responsible for paying damages. A person injured on your property could also have legal grounds to sue you for damages.
\r\n\r\nIt may seem unfair, but this is why we always recommend hiring qualified and insured junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nA \"company\" or individual who is willing to operate a business illegally may not have the best intentions to begin with.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to safety and legal risks, theft and other damage is a potential risk from people who aren't registered as a licensed company in the area they're offering services.
\r\n\r\nIt's much easier for people to get away with theft and other damages if there is no paper trail that could lead the authorities to them, leaving you responsible to deal with the aftermath.
\r\n\r\nDon't fall for the lure of cheaper prices if it comes with the cost of these potentially very expensive risks.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find junk removal companies in your area that are licensed and insured.
\r\n\r\nWe personally verify every company and every review that is left on our site, so you never have to worry about inaccurate reviews or unlicensed companies when you explore our web pages.
\r\n\r\nFinding reputable junk removal services is easy:
\r\n\r\nRead about each company, see a list of services they offer and minimum fees, and access their phone number so you can contact them to get a quote whenever you're ready.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nNot ensuring that the junk removal company you hire is licensed and insured can result in a world of headaches. Read about the importance of hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured junk removal company and the potential risks and dangers of hiring services that fail to meet this criteria.
\r\n","changed":"2022-04-14T21:12:18+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}