Looking for junk removal services in your area but want to make sure you're hiring the right company for the job?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting 2-3 quotes is always recommended when hiring any contractor or company. This helps to ensure you get the best customer service for the best price.
\r\n
However, each junk removal quote is not the same, so it's important to know what to look out for in order to ensure you know which estimate and which junk hauling company is the best option for your junk removal project.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll go over the main things to consider when comparing junk removal quotes—besides cost—to ensure you make the best decision.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/static/9604a0552cf29bbf759c5404da7538ee/determine-best-junk-removal-quote-infographic.png\")
\r\nThe first and main deciding factor that should come into play when hiring any contractor is whether or not they are licensed and insured to perform the work.
\r\n\r\nRegardless of your project's size or complexity, there is always a potential risk for accidents to happen, and you want to be sure that you and your property are protected.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if a crew member is injured during your junk removal project, an uninsured company will not have the coverage needed to pay for any damages, and you could end up being stuck paying for their medical bills, workers' compensation, and any potential legal fees.
\r\n\r\nThis is why it's so important to ensure any company you hire to work on your property is qualified, licensed, and insured.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to safety and legal risks, hiring an unregistered or unlicensed company can put you at risk of becoming a victim of theft or other property damage.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Why You Should Hire a Licensed and Insured Junk Removal Company
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother important factor to consider when hiring a junk removal company (or any company for that matter) is their reputation with customers.
\r\n\r\nIf a company has bad reviews (or no reviews) from past customers and/or is unwilling to provide references of their work and customer service, this may be a red flag warning you to hire someone else.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we collect reviews from verified customers to ensure all reviews on our site are real, and also to assist future customers in finding the right junk removal company in their area.
\r\n\r\nLocal friends and family, as well as your neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor app, can also be very helpful in learning a local company's reputation.
\r\n\r\nIf several others have had positive experiences working with a certain company, chances are you'll have a positive experience, too.
\r\n\r\nAnother great gauge of a company's level of customer service is their willingness to answer any questions a customer may have with kindness and patience.
\r\n\r\nIf a contractor or company seems impatient or irritated with you at any point, this isn't a sign of great customer service.
\r\n\r\nInstead, look for a company or contractor who is patient, responsive, and able to answer your questions in a timely manner without pressuring you in any way.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA company could be the best in the business—reliable, attentive, fairly priced, and customer-oriented—but if they aren't available to assist with your junk removal project when you need them, you'll need to find a company that is.
\r\n\r\nOftentimes, junk removal companies can provide services within 24 hours, but during the busier seasons, like spring, it may take them a bit longer to get out to your site.
\r\n\r\nIf you're in a hurry to get your junk removed, even a minor delay can be a headache.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes from local junk removal companies increases the chances of finding a great company with the availability you need.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we specialize in helping people find qualified junk removal companies in their area.
\r\n
\r\nFinding the right junk removal company in your area is easy:
Read on:
\r\n\r\nRead about the main things to consider when comparing junk removal quotes—besides cost—to ensure you make the best decision.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-13T22:15:24+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"66ff0705-a5f5-5015-96a0-494790047911","title":"The Average Cost of Dumpster Overage Charges","url":"/blog/dumpster-overage-charges","image":{"path":"/static/30917dc338223507fb776400616a9e96/dont-overfill-your-dumpster.png","alt":"dumpster full of heavy debris"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"59e80e10-b42a-5876-8471-f7ca60fbc75e","name":"Dumpster Costs","slug":"Dumpster-Costs"}],"content":"When renting a dumpster, it's important to be aware of potential overage fees.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss what dumpster overage fees are, how much they typically cost, and how to avoid them.
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/static/643a83fc7d8cec352e5586df5cd56e81/dumpster-overage-fees-infographic.png\")
\r\nOverage fees are the costs incurred during a temporary dumpster rental for not following the rules of the dumpster agreement.
\r\n\r\nThese additional fees can easily be avoided if the proper care is taken.
\r\n\r\nWhen renting a temporary dumpster, a specific amount of weight is included in your price.
\r\n\r\nFor example, a 10 yard dumpster weight allowance is 2 tons (4,000 lbs) on average, although dumpster weight allowances often vary from company to company.
\r\n\r\nThis means that, in this situation, if you fill your 10 yarder with more than 2 tons of material—which would be easily done with heavy debris, like concrete, brick, roofing shingles, or soil—you'll have to pay an overage fee.
\r\n\r\nDumpster weight overage charges can only be assessed after your debris is weighed at the landfill, so if you're not paying attention to the weight and materials going into your dumpster, you may be surprised when you have to pay more for your rental than your initial quote.
\r\n\r\nIf your debris weighs more than the amount of weight included in your dumpster rental agreement, you will receive an additional charge for the extra weight.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOverage fees vary by company but typically range from $75-$100+ per ton.
\r\n\r\nOftentimes, this overage charge is applied whether you go a full ton over or not, while others will prorate their overage fees.
\r\n\r\nFor example, let's say you rent a company's 20 yard dumpster with a weight allowance of 7,000 lbs (3.5 tons) for $400 and a $100 per ton non-prorated overage fee.
\r\n\r\nYou rent the dumpster, fill it up with your debris and junk, and call the company to pick it up and take it away.
\r\n\r\nLater, you see that you are being charged $500 because your debris ended up weighing in at 4 tons at the landfill (1/2 a ton over your weight allowance).
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"woman](\"/static/8b846a4d0c396b171071c8df41149b6b/understand-dumpster-agreement.png\")
\r\nUnderstanding and following your dumpster rental agreement is how you can avoid dumpster overage charges.
\r\n\r\nThis typically starts by having a good understanding of your project and debris removal needs when reaching out to companies, allowing you to choose the right dumpster size with an adequate weight allowance.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you abide by your dumpster rental rules and conditions, your final bill should reflect your initial quote.
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Find reputable dumpster companies with Hometown—it's easy!
\r\n\r\nFind local companies near you and request free dumpster rental quotes to compare pricing.
\r\n\r\nThe more quotes you get—we recommend getting three or more when ever possible—the more likely you are to find the right size dumpster, with the weight allowance you need, at the best price.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nWhen renting a dumpster, it's important to be aware of potential overage fees. Find out what dumpster overage fees are, how much they typically cost, and how to avoid them. Find dumpster rentals near you with Hometown.
\r\n","changed":"2022-03-22T01:10:12+00:00"},{"id":"8322248e-d3af-542d-aa7f-bf805b017f25","title":"How to Properly Dispose of Carpeting","url":"/blog/how-to-dispose-of-carpeting","image":{"path":"/static/05188e6976094d617ea712921eb4bfdc/carpet2.png","alt":"Person rolling up carpet"},"tags":[{"id":"452ceba2-add3-5353-9ce8-638ceada914a","name":"Carpet Removal","slug":"Carpet-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Setting your old carpet at the end of your driveway or throwing it away in your dumpster rental could get you fined in certain areas.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn order to avoid any fines or additional fees, it's important to do your research when disposing of items and materials that aren't typical for your weekly trash pick-up service.
\r\n
Hometown is here to help make sure when you need to get rid of old carpeting, you do so in a proper and legal manner.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/static/c3c99ed32615663152f46fb8182c0b26/carpet-removal-info.png\")
\r\nMany cities or municipal trash services offer bulk item pick-ups for large rolls of carpet or rugs, mattress, couches, other furniture, and more.
\r\n\r\nBecause so much carpet and other textiles end up in landfills every year, most cities either offer a carpet pick-up recycling program themselves or have someone local that they recommend.
\r\n\r\nMost types of carpet are recyclable, and depending on the fibers used and chemical makeup of your specific carpeting, it can be recycled and reused to make new carpet and other construction material.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNot all cities allow curbside carpet pick-up, so make sure to research in your specific area before just setting your roll of carpet at the end of your driveway.
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Some areas will require that you haul the carpet to the recycling facility yourself, while others will come to your location to pick up your unwanted carpet for a small fee.
\r\n\r\nSome programs only offer these types of pick-ups on certain days each month, while others will come as needed as long as you make the proper arrangements, pay ahead of time, and display the proper \"tag\" on your bulk item that needs to be picked up.
\r\n\r\nTo find a carpet recycling service in your area, use the carpet reclamation map found at Carpet America Recovery Effort.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nOne of the easiest ways to get rid of old carpet is to list it as a free item online on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
\r\n\r\nNot only is this method free, but it also gives you the option of having someone else come haul away your carpet without you having to load it and haul it yourself.
\r\n\r\nMake sure to post several photos as well as a detailed description when creating your online listing to give yourself the highest chance of finding the right \"buyer\" for your unwanted carpet.
\r\n\r\nThis typically only works if your carpet is still in tact. If your carpet is severely soiled or cut up into small pieces, this likely won't be a solution for your carpet.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster to dispose of old carpet is usually only cost-effective if you have many other things to dispose of as well.
\r\n\r\nIf you're cleaning out your house and have 7 cubic yards or more of material to throw away, renting a dumpster is a great carpet disposal option.
\r\n\r\nBefore renting a dumpster, it's important to confirm whether or not carpeting is accepted by the company you intent on renting from so that you aren't hit with any additional fines or fees once you receive your final bill.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals come in a variety of sizes to accommodate cleanup projects of all sizes, with the most popular sizes ranging from 10 yard to 40 yard containers.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rentals last 5-7 days, making it especially convenient for projects that are ongoing or require a flexible schedule.
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If you're interested in the convenience of having a dumpster on your property to accommodate your disposal needs but are worried about not having enough to throw away to make it cost-effective, speak with your neighbors and see if any of them would be interested in going in on a dumpster rental with you.
\r\n\r\nYou'd be surprised how quickly a dumpster can be filled once you start cleaning out your home, garage, and basement.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to renting a dumpster, we recommend renting from a locally-owned dumpster company, as their pricing tends to be cheaper than their larger competitors and their customer service tends to be better as well.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find and request free quotes from different local dumpster companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least 2-3 different dumpster rental quotes so that you can find the best service for the best price.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/static/c434a64af23c7f5f619ee17be5000ec4/carpet1.png\")
\r\nIf you only have carpet to get rid of and it's not in a condition to be donated or given away for free, hiring a junk removal company is an extremely fast and convenient way to have your old carpeting hauled away.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal crews work quickly to load their truck or trailer with your unwanted belongings and will haul them away to a local recycling facility or landfill.
\r\n\r\nPrices will vary from one junk removal company to the next, but many will charge their minimum fee (or close to it) for carpet pick-ups.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost junk removal minimum fees range anywhere from $50-$150 or more, depending on the cost of living in your area.
\r\n
Similarly to dumpster rental, Hometown can help you find junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nWe also recommend getting at least 2-3 different carpet pick-up quotes from different companies near you to ensure you get the best price and customer service.
\r\n\r\nGetting junk removal estimates and dumpster rental quotes is always free on Hometown's website.
\r\n\r\nYou can also read more about each company and read real reviews from others who have hired their services to help you make the most informed decision when deciding who to hire for your carpet removal.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nSetting your old carpet at the end of your driveway or throwing it away in your curbside trash could get you fined in certain areas. Avoid any fines or additional fees by doing your research when disposing of uncommon items. Read on to learn how to properly get rid of old carpeting.
\r\n","changed":"2022-07-11T13:08:09+00:00"},{"id":"fedbbb1a-25e6-5648-bd45-d4b1673dfc27","title":"Recycling 101: Learn How to Recycle More and Throw Out Less","url":"/blog/recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/88d81750393061cdc158c855f759fbe6/recycling-in-america_0.jpg","alt":"bag of trash and recyclables"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"d7a82c6b-3d3b-5d72-ba59-4bdd492bf55f","name":"Cardboard Recycling","slug":"Cardboard-Recycling"},{"id":"ed797128-86b6-5592-953b-f6cbae7dd3e2","name":"Paper Recycling","slug":"Paper-Recycling"},{"id":"51c3fa1e-5e47-57dd-903e-10a9699d3a72","name":"Plastic Recycling","slug":"Plastic-Recycling"},{"id":"49c52146-4c5a-5ad3-a556-f14363834202","name":"Scrap Metal Recycling","slug":"Scrap-Metal-Recycling"}],"content":"Reports show that approximately $11.4 billion worth of recyclables enter U.S. landfills every year.
\r\n\r\nWhile there are no national mandates requiring individuals to recycle, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) announced, in November 2020, its ambitious plan to increase American recycling efforts to 50% by 2030.
\r\n\r\nThe news release quotes EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management assistant administrator Peter Wright as saying, 'Without national leadership on this issue, recycling has lingered in the low 30% range for the last twenty years. The economic and environmental benefits from recycling are clear, and we’ve made a lot of progress, but much more needs to be done to obtain the benefits of increasing the national recycling rate to 50 percent by 2030.'
\r\n\r\nWith countries like Germany, South Korea, Sweden, Austria, and Switzerland recycling municipal waste above the 50% mark, it's natural to wonder how places like the United States and Canada have failed to keep up.
\r\n\r\nIn this article, we'll discuss...
\r\n\r\nAll of the high-volume recycling countries have something in common that is driving these positive numbers: legislation.
\r\n\r\nThe success of recycling efforts in other countries can be credited to government policies that encourage it.
\r\n\r\nAs the numbers have shown, good funding and financial incentives encourage local and municipal authorities to find solutions to achieve their recycling performance targets.
\r\n\r\nIn 2018 alone, an estimated 139 million TONS of recyclable material was sent to U.S. landfills.
\r\n![\"recycling](\"/static/bac4b4ef62f0ab52d7f97d5ea9cb23b1/recycling-vs-landfill_1.jpg\")
\r\nOnly one type of recyclable material is recycled in America more than it is thrown out, and that's paper and paperboard.
\r\n\r\nEven then, there are still millions of tons of paper entering our landfill system.
\r\n\r\nAmericans do the worst job at recycling plastic, which is arguably the most important material to recycle.
\r\n\r\nAlmost every type of plastic is made from planet-warming fuels like gas, oil, and even sometimes coal.
\r\n\r\nBreaking down plastic can take hundreds, even thousands, of years, which is why recycling is so important.
\r\n\r\nTo top it off, plastic doesn't just affect the environment, it seeps its way into every aspect of the food chain, from tiny plankton to the fish we eat, causing exposure to toxins for plants, animals, and humans.
\r\n\r\nIf the health aspect isn't reason enough to consider changing your waste disposal methods, we'll take a look at financial benefits.
\r\n\r\nAn article published in the L.A. Times takes a look at the problem from an energy standpoint.
\r\n\r\nIt states the U.S. could save about $12 billion per year in energy costs by increasing the national recycling rate.
\r\n\r\nThis is due to the fact that it requires less energy to recycle materials into new products than it does to make new products from virgin materials.
\r\n\r\nWith all of this information at our fingertips, it's hard to understand why efforts to increase our national recycling hasn't been more successful.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAn estimated 74% of Americans have access to curbside recycling, with more rural areas having less access.
\r\n
More and more large companies have made the switch to recycled packaging to help curb their carbon footprint.
\r\n\r\nWhile positive change can take time, the world doesn't have time to wait.
\r\n\r\nSome of these statistics are alarming, but it’s important to point out what’s being done at municipal landfills across the country to alleviate part of the problem.
\r\n\r\nModern landfills utilize new technology to sort and remove recyclables from the municipal waste stream.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the EPA states there are a total of 86 landfills in the U.S. utilizing waste-to-energy technology to turn trash into energy by burning waste.
\r\n\r\nThe resulting smoke is filtered to ensure it doesn’t harm the environment, and the resulting ash is hauled off to the landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe trash incineration process not only produces 2,720 megawatts of power nationwide each year, but it significantly reduces the amount of waste entering landfills.
\r\n\r\nThat said, recycling efforts in the U.S. can certainly be improved.
\r\n\r\nThis is not an issue that the government or big business is solely responsible for; it starts with individuals.
\r\n\r\nThe average American produces more than 4.5 lbs. of trash per day, 80% of which is recyclable.
\r\n\r\nAs individuals, we can help improve the state of recycling in the U.S. one empty can at a time.
\r\n\r\nFind out more: Eco-Friendly Company Saves 2.5 Billion lbs. of Wood and Plastic Scrap from Landfills
\r\n\r\n![\"plastic](\"/static/6a900145c64c06242069b823d16d6396/plastic-bottle.jpg\")
\r\nAs individuals, there are plenty of ways to help your community's recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nSeparating your trash is the most common and easiest way to minimize your carbon footprint.
\r\n\r\nIf you're lucky enough to live in an area that offers curbside recycling, the process is similar to taking out your trash.
\r\n\r\nYour recyclable trash, separate and free from all food waste, can be gathered in your recycling bin and taken out to the curb on your area's scheduled collection days.
\r\n\r\nSome states, like Michigan, Hawaii, Iowa, and California, have programs in place where consumers are charged a small deposit fee per plastic bottle or aluminum can purchased, and they'll get that deposit fee back only if they return these cans and bottles for recycling.
\r\n\r\nIf you live in an area that doesn't offer curbside recycling or a soda can/bottle buy back program, your recycling efforts might be more involved but certainly not impossible.
\r\n\r\nYou can search online for recycling centers that accept outside recyclables.
\r\n\r\nEarth 9-1-1 is a website that makes finding recycling resources in your area just a click away.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, composting your food and yard waste is a great way to minimize your impact on the environment.
\r\n\r\nOrganic waste is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or animal.
\r\n\r\nAny food or yard waste falls into this category and will decompose naturally in oxygen-rich conditions.
\r\n\r\nThis process is called composting and the result of composting produces humus which is full of nutrients that can then be used to fertilize other growing plants.
\r\n\r\nComposting not only minimizes one's environmental impact but is a great way to maintain your small (or large!) home garden.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"composting](\"/static/142853817176fe6760e5e4f05ba8cbc5/composting.jpg\")
\r\nWith more and more junk removal companies making a commitment to recycle as much waste as possible, it's never been easier to find an earth-friendly junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal service providers commit to recycling 60-70% of all waste they remove on their customers' behalf.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find service providers in your area that will be able to explain their disposal process in detail at your request.
\r\n\r\nSome junk removal companies will even provide you with a receipt for your items that they donate which allows you write off the amount donated on your taxes.
\r\n\r\nFor people who go the DIY route and rent a dumpster to throw out their junk on their own, clean loading a dumpster is also a great way to make recycling easier.
\r\n\r\nClean loading a dumpster simply means that you load a dumpster with the same type of recyclable material.
\r\n\r\nFor demolition or home improvement projects, you might be able to clean load your dumpster with only asphalt or only wood.
\r\n\r\nThis allows for an easy dump at a recycling center rather than mixing in other waste, like food or textiles, in with your clean loaded dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRecycling in today's world is much easier than it was in the past and with experienced junk removal services available to guide you with local resources, there's no reason to be intimidated at the process.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nWhile there are no national mandates requiring individuals to recycle, the EPA announced in November 2020 its ambitious plan to increase American recycling efforts to 50% by 2030.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T21:08:31+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}