Whether you're a homeowner looking to dispose of a bin full of old electronics and outdated computers that have piled up over the years, or you're a business owner looking to replace obsolete equipment with newer versions, this guide is designed to outline the best solutions to do so.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProper disposal of e-waste, including electronic devices, like computers, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, phones, tablets, etc., is necessary to ensure potentially toxic materials, like lead, mercury, or cadmium, don't end up in landfills.
\r\n
This is why most e-waste is not allowed to go in your curbside trash collection or a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nInstead, it should be properly recycled to avoid heavy metal contamination and other potential hazards.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, an increasing number of states have banned the disposal of e-waste in landfills or waste-to-energy facilities.
\r\n\r\nInstead, e-waste should go to the proper recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nMany of the materials used in making these products, like plastics, glass, metal, and aluminum, can be recovered and reused to make new models and other equipment.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll discuss the 3 main ways to properly dispose of electronics:
\r\n\r\nNote: Before you get rid of your electronics, make sure you erase all personal information on the device. It often isn’t as simple as deleting files. For example, here's how to get your personal data off a laptop. Once you've done that, keep reading to find out your options.
\r\n\r\n![\"electronics](\"/static/05dfa3fc65cc57ead7f32b88fd95f4fc/electronics-recycling-infographic.png\")
\r\nNearly all electronics manufacturers and retailers offer recycling programs that cater to most of the products they make or sell.
\r\n\r\nFor example, Best Buy offers recycling options for a wide range of electronics, no matter where you bought them.
\r\n\r\nApple's trade-in program offers credit for qualifying products and will also accept and recycle any product that doesn't qualify.
\r\n\r\nAmazon's trade-in program offers gift cards for trading in of any of their Kindle e-readers, tablets, media players, Echo, Ring devices, etc., as well as CDs, cell phones, video games, and more.
\r\n\r\nOffice Depot offers ink and toner recycling, and Staples does too.
\r\n\r\nThere are also a wide range of nonprofit organizations and local community events that accept e-waste recyclables.
\r\n\r\nCall2Recycle makes it easy to find recycling drop-off locations near you. Earth911 also has an extensive recycling database.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf your used computer, phone, or other electronic still works, consider donating it to a charity or nonprofit that accepts these items.
\r\n\r\nReach out to local charity organizations to see if they have a desire for your item(s).
\r\n\r\nCharity re-sale organizations, like Goodwill and Salvation Army, typically accept working electronics as donations, too.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf hauling multiple electronics to a nearby recycler seems like a pain or you simply don't have the time—or if you have a large amount of items that you want to get rid of at once, like with a company office cleanout—hiring a junk removal company to handle the electronics hauling and recycling on your behalf is a great option.
\r\n
Whether you have a couple computers or a pile of electronics and other junk, a junk removal company can come out to your property, assess the extent of the work, provide a quote, and get to work right away if you agree to the price.
\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find junk and e-waste removal companies in your area, learn more about them, read customer reviews, and request quotes from multiple companies.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental is typically not an option when disposing of electronics due to city and state restrictions surrounding e-waste recycling.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nProper disposal of e-waste, including electronic devices, like computers, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, phones, tablets, etc., is necessary to ensure potentially toxic materials don't end up in landfills and these items can be recycled. Find out the 3 easiest ways to get rid of old electronics.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T17:27:40+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"6dfbebab-9ad3-55ef-b1d3-d988ee654426","title":"The Process of Obtaining a Dumpster Rental Permit","url":"/blog/the-process-of-obtaining-a-dumpster-rental-permit","image":{"path":"/static/a9e0ddf9270418c2aa3c3793e02cdc67/how_to_get_a_dumpster_permit.png","alt":"signing a dumpster rental permit application"},"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":"In most areas, you don't need a permit to have a dumpster rental placed on your driveway or other personal property.
\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of instances, however, that require you to first get a dumpster permit from your local municipality.
\r\n\r\nMore often than not, you can rely on the company you rent a dumpster from to get a dumpster rental permit for you.
\r\n\r\nThat being said, there are some areas in the U.S. where the homeowner or business owner is responsible for getting the dumpster rental permit themselves.
\r\n\r\nIf you find yourself in this situation and are wondering how to get a dumpster rental permit, this article is for you.
\r\n\r\nWe'll look into:
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/static/1ad2106b0b6d93a65e6f37d8552f506f/dumpster-permit-info_0.jpg\")
\r\nYou will more than likely need a permit if you plan on having your dumpster rental placed in a public street or blocking any public right-of-way, like a sidewalk.
\r\n\r\nAreas that require a dumpster permit:
\r\n\r\nA licensed and reputable dumpster rental company should have no problem obtaining a dumpster rental permit on your behalf if required.
\r\n\r\nMost cities do not require a dumpster permit when the dumpster is placed on private property and is not blocking the public right of way.
\r\n\r\nAreas that typically do not require a dumpster permit:
\r\n\r\nWhile the general rules stated above are typical in most US cities, some local governments may require permits in varying circumstances.
\r\n\r\nIt’s important to check with your local government public works department, or the department in charge of permitting, to find specific laws for your location. When applicable, don't forget to check with your HOA to make sure you don't get hit with unexpected fines for not following protocol.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"filling](\"/static/3d9d4c9fa33f9e218b1acf7b285dde7e/filling-out-permit-application_0.png\")
\r\nDumpster permit applications are generally short and normally take less than 20 minutes to complete.
\r\n\r\nIn some cities, like Denver, Colorado, the dumpster rental company must fill out and obtain the permit, not the renter. In other cities, the homeowner, business owner, or contractor may be responsible for obtaining it.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your dumpster rental provider to determine the requirement in your city.
\r\n\r\nStep 1
\r\n\r\nContact several dumpster rental providers near you and discuss your project needs in detail for accurate rental quotes.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend calling around to at least 3 different dumpster rental companies to make sure that you're getting the best price for your rental.
\r\n\r\nIf it’s determined that a dumpster permit is necessary, make arrangements with the dumpster rental company you hire to obtain it.
\r\n\r\nStep 2
\r\n\r\nIf the dumpster provider agrees (or is required) to get the dumpster permit on your behalf, your job is done!
\r\n\r\nIf you are the one obtaining the permit, move to the next step.
\r\n\r\nStep 3
\r\n\r\nContact your local public works or transportation department by telephone or online.
\r\n\r\nIf you're not sure which city department handles permitting, contact the main office line and they will point you in the right direction.
\r\n\r\nA quick Google search will help you find your local public works department contacts quickly and accurately.
\r\n\r\nStep 4
\r\n\r\nFill out the application required by your city and pay the fee if applicable. The application is oftentimes accessible online but the person you speak with at your public works department will be able to give you the most accurate information on how to get one.
\r\n\r\nOnce completed, you can mail, drop off, or submit the application online. Allow several days to a week for processing.
\r\n\r\nStep 5
\r\n\r\nOnce the permit is approved, be sure the city rules are followed to ensure compliance and avoid penalty fees.
\r\n\r\nCommon rules include placing traffic cones on both sides of the dumpster, reflective tape on the sides of the dumpster, making sure the permit is visible on the dumpster, etc.
\r\n\r\nHere is an example of what a typical dumpster permit application looks like.
\r\n\r\nAurora, IL residents can download this application here.
\r\n![\"Aurora,](\"/static/7f544d8e8d90aa6279ee9e6d9ded28bf/aurora-il-dumpster-permit-application-1.png\")
![\"Aurora,](\"/static/7bccc09038a68a157b97845448d82067/aurora-il-dumpster-permit-application-2.png\")
\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nIf your project requires you to place a dumpster in a public right of way, you will most likely need an appropriate permit. Learn how to get a dumpster permit in detail so you're prepared.
\r\n","changed":"2023-08-02T19:29:29+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":"443a5107-8af2-5423-8569-6389f872bd89","title":"How 10 Yard Dumpsters Can Cost Less Than 3 Yard Bag Dumpsters","url":"/blog/how-10-yard-dumpsters-can-cost-less-than-3-yard-bag-dumpsters","image":{"path":"/static/139e2ba56bd49c433763939cd6e534bf/10-yard-dumpster-bagster.jpg","alt":"10 yard dumpster vs 3 yard Bagster"},"tags":[{"id":"635dd995-8794-5ed6-8d6a-b96d843f0775","name":"Dumpster Comparison","slug":"Dumpster-Comparison"}],"content":"Small renovations, remodels, and cleanout projects generate several cubic yards of construction debris and wastes that need to be disposed of.
\r\n\r\nRenting a small dumpster is an efficient solution, but should you choose a “Bagster” style dumpster or go with a larger 10 yard dumpster?
\r\n\r\nThere are two key considerations when deciding between these two options:
\r\n\r\nA Bagster from Waste Management or similar type of bag dumpster (there are several others on the market) can hold about 3 cubic yards of debris or up to 3,300 lbs. That’s equivalent to 800-1,000 square feet of roofing shingles, 1 cubic yard of heavy debris (e.g., concrete), or 47 sheets of drywall.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf your project is estimated to generate anywhere near 3 yards of debris or 3,300 lbs, choosing a larger dumpster is a better option—it can save time, money and hassle.
\r\n
Read on: A Comprehensive Guide to Dumpster Weight Limits
\r\n\r\nIf your cleanup project is within the Bagster capacity requirements and you're considering going this route, it’s important to understand the costs associated with such a service compared to that of renting a traditional roll-off dumpster.
\r\n\r\nThe upfront cost of a Bagster is generally low, averaging $30 to $50 depending on where you live. You can get one at Home Depot and other big box home improvement stores.
\r\n\r\nThis may sound like a great deal, until you factor in the pickup fees. These fees average $160 but can be as high as $200 in some areas, putting the total cost of a Bagster as high as $250.
\r\n\r\nThe average nationwide cost to rent a 10 yard dumpster is $300 based on data collected by Hometown (2021). In some locations, a 10 yarder can be rented for as little as $199, while other more expensive markets (e.g., New York City) may cost $400 or more to rent this dumpster size.
\r\n\r\nThis pricing typically includes a 7-day rental period and 4,000 to 6,000 lbs of weight. You get more than triple the loading capacity by volume compared to a bag dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRelated: How to Choose the Best Dumpster Rental Provider
\r\n\r\nBroken down by cost-per-yard, 10 yard roll-off containers offer the better deal:
\r\n\r\n10 yard dumpsters cost $300 on average for 10 cubic yards = $30 per cubic yard
\r\n\r\nBagsters cost $200 on average for 3 cubic yards = $67 per cubic yard
\r\n\r\nWhere the cost of bag-style dumpsters can really start to inflate is in cases where you need to purchase a second bag to finish a job you thought could be handled with one bag.
\r\n\r\nTotal costs can jump to $400 to $500 in cases where two Bagsters are used for the job, which is more than the cost of one 10 yard dumpster with less total loading capacity.
\r\n\r\nThere are additional fees for overweight loads when renting 10 yard dumpsters. Be sure to abide by the weight allowance offered by your dumpster provider to avoid these charges. Overage fees average $50 per ton over the stated weight allowance.
\r\n\r\nBagsters are a viable option for small cleanups, but it’s extremely important to properly plan ahead to ensure the bag will accommodate the debris. Again, if the estimated amount of project debris is anywhere near 3 cubic yards or more, going with a 10 yard dumpster or another small roll-off container option is the more cost-efficient solution.
\r\n\r\nBeyond debris volume and costs, be sure to consider convenience when deciding between a Bagster and a 10 yard dumpster as well. A roll-off container is the more convenient option since the bin is dropped off at your job site, while the Bagster must be purchased from a local source and brought to the site.
\r\n\r\nWe hope this quick guide will help next time you tackle a project.
\r\n\r\nWithout proper planning, renting a Bagster or other bag-style dumpster can be a costly mistake. Learn about when a bag dumpster makes sense and when it may actually be less expensive to rent a larger 10 yard roll-off dumpster.
\r\n","changed":"2021-09-24T03:12:08+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}