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Everyone has some junk lying around the home at one point or another. You very well know how cumbersome clutter can be especially when moving to a new house. At that point, junk disposal becomes inevitable. You can dispose of junk through donations, recycling, or disposing the items you no longer need.
Sometimes, the job becomes too big that you don’t know where to start. It can even get more complicated if you live in a jurisdiction with strict laws governing junk disposal procedures. That’s where this guide comes in handy to help you. Keep reading for insights on how to be practical in junk disposal for the best results.
What Is Junk disposal?
Junk disposal is part of the decluttering process that focuses on disposing of junk the right way. In America, junk disposal is a growing segment of the cleaning industry, worth about $49 billion. Several junk disposal companies exist, where they pick trash from your home and dispose of it in designated and environmentally safe areas.
The process plays an integral part in conserving the environment and extending the life of natural resources. Most junk hauling companies have a green initiative or environmental commitment that represents their recycling goals.
When done correctly, junk disposal benefits everyone that would rather focus on refreshed space. Whether at home or in the office, a decluttered area always positively impacts the quality of life and productivity.
Types of Junk, Waste, Debris
If you intend to get rid of junk without the involvement of a junk hauling company, there’s no denying that you’re likely to heap everything together. While this is the easiest thing to do, it’s not necessarily the safest or eco-friendliest. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the various categories that junk falls into before setting out to dispose of it.
Household Trash and General Waste
This category comprises everything you’d put in your waste bin, including garbage, packaging materials, and broken toys. Under normal circumstances, this type of waste is handled by the waste hauler’s curbside collection service. However, it may call for additional services in hoarding situations, special events that generate a lot of trash, and foreclosure cleanups.
You may dispose of such waste by yourself depending on the proximity to the landfill. However, the services of a professional junk disposal company are essential when dealing with appliances that contain lead-acid batteries, Freon, paints, fluorescent bulbs, and other hazardous wastes like:
- Car batteries
- Liquids like motor oil and flammable liquids
- Light bulbs
- Medicines
- Explosives
- Recyclables
- Tires
- Asbestos
- Mold
- Lead paint
- E-waste like phones, tablets, DVD players
Construction and Demolition Debris
Residential and commercial construction or demolition projects call for the services of a junk disposal company. In some cities in the U.S., junk from construction and demolition should be dropped at designated landfill facilities for separation and recycling.
Waste in this category includes:
- Concrete is heavy and dense and should be disposed of in a roll-off dumpster
- Roofing shingles which are usually recycled in most municipalities and should not be mixed with other debris
- Wood/lumber that can be recycled if salvaged the right way
- Carpeting
- Wood or laminate flooring that is in most cases easy to salvage
- Sidings such as cedar and vinyl siding is best disposed of in a dumpster
- Kitchen or bathroom renovation including tubs, cabinets, sinks, toilets, floors, and countertops
- Metals like steel, copper, and aluminum are best recycled
Yard Waste
Yard waste is organic and is best disposed of by composting. However, sometimes dumpsters and junk disposal companies can help with disposal at the proper facilities. Waste in this category includes bush trimmings, tree limbs, large logs, and grass clippings. In general, you shouldn’t mix it with general waste.
Ensure you check with your state laws as some jurisdictions have made it mandatory to have a yard waste compost. Disposing it at the municipal landfill may be against the law, so check with the authorities beforehand.
Appliances
Your home’s junk appliances are best handled by a junk disposal company, especially when renovating or demolishing your home. Examples of junk appliances are microwaves, kitchen stoves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, and refrigerators. You may also consider donating them to charitable organizations if they’re still in good working condition. Alternatively, you can sell them on specific online marketplaces like Craigslist.
Approaches to Junk disposal/ DIY or Hire
Where junk disposal is concerned, the age-old question is always whether to DIY or hire someone else to do it. If you choose to do it yourself, ensure you familiarize yourself with the appropriate disposal procedures and relevant information. Check the internet for easy topics like environment-friendly waste disposal, best junk disposal practices, recycling ideas, and DIY guides. Ensure you also practice the appropriate habits of handling trash and junk like recycling, composting, donating, or hauling.
Alternatively, you may want to invest in a professional service if the job is too much for you. If you face challenges in getting rid of waste, a professional service company will be the next best option. Most are available online, and you can check their services and charges before hiring them.
Final Thoughts
Junk disposal is an essential job for any home or property owner. Familiarizing with the various categories of junk is crucial before attempting any DIY junk disposal strategies. With the correct measures in place, it’s easy for anyone to improve their waste disposal regime. If the task is too much to handle on your own, hire the services of a professional junk disposal company near you.
