The average time it takes for plastic to start decomposing in landfills is 700 years!
\r\n\r\nKnowing this, it's no wonder consumers and businesses are being called now more than ever to recycle plastic as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nWe have a great opportunity to reduce the size of our landfills at a time when landfill \"real estate\" is limited and dwindling by the day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is a great cause 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 plastic recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs we've already mentioned, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling plastic is conserving landfill space, but that only just scratches the surface of the many benefits of plastic recycling.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling helps keep our environment healthy, but exactly how do our efforts impact the earth?
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of plastic that is recycled:
\r\n\r\nIf you're more motivated by the economy than you are the environment, don't worry, we've got you covered there too.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle shows 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\nJobs created by the recycling industry aren't minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers theirs workers competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when doing recycling of any kind is that it is crucial to keep all recycling products clean of any oil, grease, food, or beverage.
\r\n\r\nNot making sure to clean out plastic condiment containers or glass sauce jars can contaminate whole batches of recyclables, making your well-intentioned efforts cause more harm than good.
\r\n\r\nA shocking revelation to many well-intentioned recyclers is discovering that not all plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nAlways read the labeling on your recycling bin and do some independent research by reading your recyclers' website to discover exactly what types of plastic can and cannot be recycled at their facility.
\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\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 plastic or other items you're trying to recycle.
\r\n\r\nRecyclable plastic is numbered to indicate what type of plastic it is.
\r\n\r\nPlastic with a recycling label of 1 or 2 is almost always accepted at any plastic recycling facility, plastic labeled as 3 almost never goes in your recycling, and plastic with a label of 6 is only accepted by some plastic recycling plants.
\r\n\r\nCompostable plastic should never go into your recycling bin with other non-biodegradable plastic and should be composted for the most environmentally-friendly disposal.
\r\n\r\nAs the world becomes more eco-conscious, plastic grocery and shopping bags are starting to be labeled as recyclable, but it is very important to do research about your particular recycling facility and what materials they accept.
\r\n\r\nWhile many of these types of grocery bags are labeled as recyclable plastic no. 2, some recycling plants have the proper machinery to recycle these types of plastic bags or film while others can suffer serious repercussions if these types of plastic are put through their machinery.
\r\n\r\nThrowing plastic bags into your recycling bin that is being transported to a recycling plant that does not accept these items can do serious damage to the machinery it gets sent through, sometimes causing shut downs and delays for whole business days until the proper repairs can be made.
\r\n\r\nIn these instances, you can typically return the recyclable plastic bags back to the establishment that gave them to you so that they can responsibly recycle them for you.
\r\n\r\nHere is a list of the different number classes that plastic falls into:
\r\n\r\nThe most commonly recycled types of plastic are 1 and 2.
\r\n\r\nIn some circumstances, some types of 4, 5, and 7 plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nVery rarely, some types of 3 and 6 plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nIt can feel overwhelming when you first make the conscious effort to recycle, but it really is more straight-forward than it looks at first glance.
\r\n\r\nGet used to looking for the recycling symbol on different types of plastic and check for a number in the center of it.
\r\n\r\nAfter you've made sure you understand what types of materials are accepted at your recycling facility and once you get used to checking plastic for their number categories, it really does become second nature.
\r\n\r\nIf you're lucky enough to live in an area that offers a free curbside recycling program, take advantage of the program to save space in your trash bin and save money on monthly household disposal costs!
\r\n\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling plastic.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most common is tossing in plastic that isn't labeled as recyclable or contributing recyclable plastic that isn't accepted at your particular recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to crush items like plastic water bottles when possible.
\r\n\r\nDoing so will help conserve space in transfer trucks and recycling bins.
\r\n\r\nAnother common mistake people make is throwing in plastic containers that haven't been cleaned and rinsed of whatever product they were containing.
\r\n\r\nPlastic cutlery can be too lightweight to be picked up as plastic by recycling machines, placing them in a paper recycling section which can then contaminate and ruin entire batches of recycled paper.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it is so important to make sure what your particular recycling center accepts, because not all recycling machines are made the same.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your local recycling facility to learn more.
\r\n\r\n![\"young](\"/static/f0f481642a2701b837626257c29dc4ef/plastic-recycling-2.jpg\")
\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\nBetter yet, if you live in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, or Vermont, you can return plastic soda bottles to the place you purchased them to get your bottle deposit back.
\r\n\r\nFor those who live in areas where this isn't offered, however, there are plenty of other options available.
\r\n\r\nMany communities have drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nVisit 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 in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of plastic 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 plastic to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your plastic waste for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your plastic products without you having to lift a finger, and will donate salvageable items on your behalf.
\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 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 plastic recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-01T20:40:38+00:00"},"populars":[{"id":"400bee35-6c1d-5253-a9a5-d4750eb1b795","title":"Rent a Dumpster to Tackle a Foreclosure Cleanout","url":"/blog/rent-a-dumpster-to-tackle-a-foreclosure-cleanout","image":{"path":"/static/f4e2f994628a54b9ee0212e5b6a80acb/orange-roll-off-dumpster.png","alt":"rent a dumpster to clean out a foreclosure"},"tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"04fd2ebe-e793-5a68-9f65-b5be6a2552ea","name":"Household Junk Dumpsters","slug":"Household-Junk-Dumpsters"}],"content":"When you invest in real estate that has been foreclosed on, you’ll have to make sure it’s completely empty of the previous owner’s belongings before you can make any upgrades or renovations.
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is a great way to dispose of large amounts of household junk and can be a useful tool in making a house cleanout go as quickly as possible.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are also useful if you’re handling any renovations on the property yourself.
\r\n\r\nWe’ll go over:
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/static/0b097b2e215c7581affebc5a6abb5e97/foreclosure-cleanout-dumpster-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nThe most popular container sizes for rent are 10 yard dumpsters and 20 yard dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nThe roll-off container size that will work best for you will of course depend on the size of your project, but speaking with your dumpster rental provider with as much detail and information as possible will help lead you in the right direction.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re having a hard time deciding on a size, always err on the side of caution and go with the larger dumpster size.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most expensive mistakes you can make when renting a dumpster is underestimating the amount of trash you have, resulting in having to rent a second dumpster.
\r\n\r\nPaying a little bit more upfront for the right size dumpster can end up saving you hundreds in the long run by avoiding avoiding overage fees or needing additional containers.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe average price to rent a 10 yard dumpster in the U.S. is $250-$450, while the average price to rent a 20 yard dumpster is $350-$550.
\r\n\r\nThat being said, you could end up paying more or less depending on several factors, like:
\r\n\r\nThere is a wide range of items that are accepted in dumpster rentals, but some of these materials cannot be mixed.
\r\n\r\nFor example, construction and demolition debris is often allowed in dumpsters but only if they are not mixed in with regular household trash.
\r\n\r\nWhen you rent a dumpster to clean out a residential property, certain items that are commonly found in garages or storage areas cannot be put in the dumpster.
\r\n\r\nSome of these items include (but are not limited to):
\r\n\r\nThis list is not all-inclusive and will depend entirely on your local jurisdiction and the rental company’s policies.
\r\n\r\nBe sure to be as specific as possible about the material you plan on putting in your dumpster when speaking with companies (before the dumpster is dropped off) to avoid any penalty fees or fines.
\r\n\r\nMost dumpster rental quotes are for a week-long rental, but shorter and longer rental terms can usually be accommodated to your preference depending on dumpster availability.
\r\n\r\nSome dumpster rental services will charge you less if you plan on only using the dumpster for one day.
\r\n\r\nIf you end up keeping your dumpster longer than you originally intended, you’ll likely be charged a fee of $10-$25 per day (or more).
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nThe best deals for dumpster rentals are almost always found with locally-owned dumpster service providers.
\r\n\r\nLocal waste haulers beat out big chain competitors when it comes to both pricing and customer service.
\r\n\r\nOn top of that, it’s also beneficial to your local community and economy to support local business.
\r\n\r\nHometown is the easiest place to find providers in your area that are licensed, insured, and reputable.
\r\n\r\nYou’ll be able to find local providers, read customer reviews, and request free dumpster rental quotes from as many providers as you’d like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting multiple dumpster quotes from providers in your area to make sure you get the best price and customer service.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nWe've gathered everything you need to know about renting a dumpster to make your house cleanout go as quickly as possible. Find out how to tackle a foreclosure cleanout today.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T16:43:33+00:00"},{"id":"fcb2e1fd-eced-56b2-8421-40dd2b830150","title":"How Much It Costs to Clean Out a Cluttered Basement","url":"/blog/basement-cleanout-costs","image":{"path":"/static/f089945974c872b6f5cf024ea1a92b02/basement-2.png","alt":"Old messy basement"},"tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"},{"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":"Cleaning out a cluttered basement can provide numerous benefits for your health and the accessibility and resale value of your home.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal service to clean out your basement can cost as low as a few hundred bucks for a small cleanout or as high as $800-$2,000 for larger projects.
\r\n
In this blog, we'll go over the different price factors and benefits to hiring a junk removal company to help you clean out your cluttered basement.
\r\n\r\n![\"cost](\"/static/ce06468ee0ba5ced788b6081bcf11a79/cost-to-clean-out-cluttered-basement-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nThe national average price to hire a junk removal company to clean out a very cluttered basement is $800-$2,000, but can be as low as a few hundred bucks for smaller jobs.
\r\n\r\nThe exact cost of a basement cleanout depends on a number of factors, like:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal pros price their services based on the amount of space your items take up in their hauling vehicle.
\r\n\r\nIf the junk removal company plans to haul your items to a landfill, they'll be charged a fee based on the weight of the items being dumped.
\r\n\r\nIf the junk removal company intends on donating your items to a resale store or charity, they'll base their price more on the amount of space your items take up in their truck versus the total weight of your items.
\r\n\r\nThe volume and weight of your items will be one of the biggest factors that will determine what your particular basement cleanout will cost.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe longer your project takes to complete, the more you'll be charged in labor fees.
\r\n\r\nIf you've gone through your items and made easily accessible piles for the junk removal pros to quickly come in and load into their hauling truck, you'll pay less than if they have to sort through piles of unorganized junk.
\r\n\r\n![\"Cluttered,](\"/static/cc57bde74d1a8390ddc8c9226eb0617f/basement-1.png\")
\r\nIf all your items are in gently used condition and can be dropped off at a donation center, your junk removal service won't have to consider the fees associated with dumping at a landfill when pricing your basement cleanout.
\r\n\r\nRecyclables and items that can be donated are very cheap, if not free, when compared to the cost of trash disposal.
\r\n\r\nItems that need specialized disposal methods are much more expensive to get rid of than common household trash.
\r\n\r\nSome examples of household hazardous waste includes (but is not limited to):
\r\n\r\nNot all junk removal services accept hazardous waste, so be sure to be as specific as possible about your project needs if you believe you may need the removal of hazardous material.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nIf your basement is hard to get to, has a difficult stairway, has any structural damage, or is in hoarding condition, you can expect to pay more for your basement cleanout.
\r\n\r\nNavigating a delicate or hard-to-reach room requires more time and therefor, more labor.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nThe cost of living in your area will affect the price of most goods and services near you, including junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nLocal landfill fees, fuel prices, and other standard overhead costs influence how junk removal companies in your area will price their services.
\r\n\r\nNo two junk removal companies are made the same and pricing, quality of customer service, and availability will vary from service to service.
\r\n\r\nLocally-owned junk removal services tend to offer the best pricing in comparison to their large chain competitors.
\r\n\r\nFinding local junk removal companies is easy with Hometown. You can find licensed, insured, reputable junk removal companies that service your area, read verified reviews, and request free quotes from as many providers as you'd like, all in one easy place.
\r\n![\"Dumpster](\"/static/fd03b1777010054214e22476d722d4d4/basement-11.png\")
\r\nIf you'd rather do a basement cleanout yourself, renting a dumpster is a convenient and affordable way to dispose of large amounts of trash at once.
\r\n\r\nAn average size basement cleanout could be accommodated with a 10 yard dumpster, but a larger, more cluttered basement will likely require a 20 yard dumpster or even 30 yard dumpster in extreme cases.
\r\n\r\nThe average national cost to rent a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$450, while the average cost to rent a 20 yard dumpster is $350-$550.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unsure if a 10 yard dumpster will be large enough to handle your cleanout project, renting a larger dumpster could save you money in the long run.
\r\n\r\nIf you rent a 10 yard dumpster and end up needing to rent a second dumpster to complete the job, your disposal costs will immediately double.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster twice the size could save you hundreds of dollars and also allow you to tackle other areas of your home that may need to be cleaned out.
\r\n
It's important to take into consideration the value of your time when deciding whether you should hire a junk removal company or rent a dumpster.
\r\n\r\nIf saving money is your objective, renting a dumpster might be your best option.
\r\n\r\nIf saving time is the goal, hiring a junk removal company to clean out your basement is likely the way to go.
\r\n\r\nIf you've price shopped both dumpster rentals and junk removal companies in your area and your project is going to cost a similar amount regardless of the service you choose, junk removal is normally the easiest, most stress-free option.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal services, finding a locally-owned dumpster rental company in your area is just a few clicks away on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nBy searching our zip code, you'll be shown reputable, local dumpster rentals in your area. You can read real, verified reviews and request as many free dumpster rental quotes as you'd like to ensure you get the best price and quality of service.
\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Dimly](\"/static/43c8486d1af139c0f1e66bdd957c68e9/basement-3.png\")
\r\nThere are many benefits to decluttering your basement, like:
\r\n\r\nThere are plenty of reasons to clean out your messy basement and there are many ways to get it done, but hiring a junk removal service to do the hard labor for you can get you desired results much quicker than if you tackle the project by yourself.
\r\n\r\nExperienced junk removal companies have the ability to empty out large rooms full of unwanted items, donate salvageable items to local charities, recycle items that are accepted in local recycling programs, and dispose of the rest.
\r\n\r\nIf you decide to rent a dumpster instead, there are many different ways to save money on your upcoming dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out a cluttered basement can provide numerous benefits for your health and the accessibility and resale value of your home. Learn the average costs to clean out a cluttered basement and how to find locally-owned junk removal or dumpster rental services to help.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-09T18:11:00+00:00"},{"id":"a79948ff-ffee-58a1-84b2-e609d7a84f93","title":"You Just Requested a Dumpster Rental Quote...What to Expect Next","url":"/blog/you-just-requested-a-dumpster-rental-quote-what-to-expect-next","image":{"path":"/static/7daa58e1e1d8b19883b6b793aa5490c1/residential-dumpster-rental.jpg","alt":"full dumpster sitting in front of residential homes"},"tags":[{"id":"dd92d707-caa9-53dc-912a-007bbedfac04","name":"Booking a Dumpster Service","slug":"Booking-a-Dumpster-Service"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"So, you just requested a quote—ideally multiple quotes—from a dumpster rental service provider with Hometown.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, our quote request form makes the process of getting free estimates from local dumpster rental companies easy.
\r\n
Now that your request is submitted, you should receive a text confirming that your quote request was received and letting you know that a service provider will contact you if they decide to accept your request and agree to provide a quote.
\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/static/85e42e415aa6180287edff2a54aa3404/dumpster-rental-quote-confirmation-text.jpg\")
\r\nAfter you receive this confirmation text message, you can expect to be contacted by dumpster rental companies as soon as a matter of minutes or within one business day.
\r\n\r\nWe send your quote request to the service provider you requested (and/or other local service providers providing dumpster rentals in your area) by text message and email.
\r\n\r\nThe service provider(s) you requested a quote from will then follow up with you directly to provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we don't think customers should have to spend their valuable time looking for local dumpster rental providers, requesting quotes, and chasing down pros. Instead, we do the legwork for you.
\r\n\r\nIf a service provider you reach out to doesn't wish to quote the rental or they don't quickly confirm their desire to quote the rental, we automatically send your quote request to another local dumpster rental company on your behalf.
\r\n\r\nWe repeat this process until you receive the number of quotes you requested, whether it's one, two, or three quotes.
\r\n\r\nIn most cases, we're able to get your requested number of quote requests from local companies willing to quote the dumpster rental in a matter of hours.
\r\n\r\nNote: Many local businesses are owner-operated, which means they may be out delivering or picking up another dumpster rental when they receive your quote request, and may be unable to immediately respond to your quote request.
\r\n\r\nHowever, they typically respond within a matter of hours and almost always provide the best customer service and the best deals for their services.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe always recommend getting three quotes in order to increase your chances of renting from the best company in your area, paying the best price, and getting the dumpster delivered when it's most convenient for you.
\r\n
When you receive a quote from a service provider, you are in no way obligated to rent a dumpster from them.
\r\n\r\nTake as much time as you need to compare each quote accurately, as not all companies prepare their quotes the same way.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, it’s important to be sure you know what information to look for so you can make an informed hiring decision.
\r\n\r\nFor starters, qualified dumpster rental companies are always transparent about what is included in a dumpster rental cost, like the dumpster's weight allowance, permitted and prohibited debris, and what will incur additional fees for your dumpster rental.
\r\n\r\nSo the service provider's estimate, at the bare minimum, should outline the cost of the dumpster rental, the size of dumpster being rented, and any additional rules and charges that may be applied if these rules are not followed.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, comparing dumpster rental quotes should involve the comparison of more than just price.
\r\n\r\nOther factors to consider when hiring a dumpster rental company, other than price, include:
\r\n\r\n![\"dumpster](\"/static/a6a18b59a6c28e8f2803181c75151c04/blue-dumpster-at-work-site.jpg\")
\r\nGetting multiple estimates from dumpster rental providers before hiring helps to manage any risks associated with hiring any type of company, and it can end up saving you a lot of money and stress.
\r\n\r\nIf you're unsure about any aspect of a dumpster rental estimate, ask the company to clarify it before signing anything.
\r\n\r\nIf that company is unwilling to provide a thorough estimate or answer your project questions, we consider this a red flag and recommend finding another, more qualified dumpster rental provider.
\r\n\r\nOnce you have full understanding of the dumpster rental quotes you received, you can determine who to hire, schedule your dumpster rental, and pay for the service.
\r\n
\r\nThen, your dumpster rental will proceed as discussed with your service provider. Once you're done filling up your dumpster (following any rules given by the company), you can call the company to come pick up your dumpster. In some cases, the pick-up date is pre-determined, so confirm this before scheduling your dumpster rental.
If you overfilled your dumpster, added hazardous or otherwise prohibited items to your dumpster, or broke the dumpster's rules in any other way, you will be charged for that after the dumpster is emptied at the appropriate disposal facility.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Dumpster Rental Price Guide: How to Lower Your Cost to Rent a Dumpster
\r\n","teaser":"Now that you've requested a quote—ideally multiple quotes—from a dumpster rental service provider with Hometown, find out what to expect next.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-13T22:08:55+00:00"}],"code":"dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"blogPages"}}}, "staticQueryHashes": []}