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](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/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"},{"id":"519038db-3cbf-559a-9865-7934c8c8043d","title":"What's the Smallest Dumpster You Can Rent?","url":"/blog/whats-the-smallest-dumpster-you-can-rent","image":{"path":"/static/ceb3fd166586c53407f82ac9db9c60a8/small-dumpster.jpg","alt":"dumpster in road full of demo debris "},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"a48cf031-6eb2-5dea-8164-b0d5f901dcdf","name":"10 Yard Dumpster","slug":"10-Yard-Dumpster"},{"id":"40ae078a-9785-56b7-a7d2-5bfbbe618c9e","name":"Trailer Dumpsters","slug":"Trailer-Dumpsters"}],"content":"Some projects don't require or simply cannot accommodate a typical size dumpster rental, which is why smaller \"mini\" dumpsters are the perfect solution.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe most common roll-off dumpster size is 10 yards, but the smallest dumpster sizes range from 2 yards to 9 yards and come in a variety of different designs.
\r\n
![\"Mini](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/2dump.png\")
\r\nThe most common size roll-off dumpster is a 10 yard dumpster and is often times the smallest dumpster that waste companies carry.
\r\n\r\nThat said, more and more disposal companies are offering even smaller roll-off dumpsters to accommodate homeowners and business owners in large cities with small lots and tight spacing requirements.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDumpsters that are smaller than 10 yards are often referred to as mini dumpsters and come in 2 yard to 9 yard sizes.
\r\n
Similar to regular size roll-off dumpsters, mini roll-off dumpsters feature an open top for easy loading.
\r\n\r\nMini dumpsters are heavy and are transported, unloaded, and loaded by specialty delivery trucks, just like other roll-off dumpsters.
\r\n\r\nMini dumpsters are a great choice for handling a wide range of cleanups:
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How to Find a Temporary Dumpster Rental Near You
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Man](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/2trail.png\")
\r\nRubber-wheeled trailer dumpsters offer unique advantages to roll-off dumpsters.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBeing on tires rather than steel feet, trailer dumpsters offer great protection against damage to driveways, sidewalks, or yards.
\r\n
They can also be maneuvered into difficult areas and are more easily adjusted to various loading locations if that is necessary.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpster sizes vary but often fall in the 6 to 12 yard range, but some waste hauling companies carry even larger sizes.
\r\n\r\nSome have short sides while others have tall sides, so be sure to inquire about that if it's an important detail for your waste disposal project.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Two](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/1commercial.png\")
\r\nTraditionally, commercial dumpsters are rented by businesses that have an ongoing contract for weekly or biweekly trash pickup services.
\r\n\r\nIn these cases, the dumpster has a permanent place outside of the business.
\r\n\r\nCommercial dumpsters come in a wide variety of sizes, starting at 2 yards and upwards of 10 to 40 yards for large establishments that product large amounts of trash daily.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs large cities throughout the U.S. see a surge in new home and office builds with tighter spacing, more and more dumpster companies are now offering their commercial dumpsters for temporary rent to property owners.
\r\n
Choosing a small dumpster that is 8 yards or less is a great solution if you're in need of a dumpster rental that can fit in a tight space.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about commercial dumpsters:
\r\n\r\n![\"full](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/1bagster.png\")
\r\nBag dumpsters are essentially large, heavy-duty garbage bags with 2 to 5 yard capacities.
\r\n\r\nThe most popular option is a Bagster, which is a Waste Management product available for purchase online or at local home improvement stores.
\r\n\r\nBagsters are compact, soft dumpsters are constructed of a tarp-like material that is strong enough to hold around 3,000 lbs of waste or debris with a 3 yard loading capacity.
\r\n\r\nDue to their small size, they are not ideal for bulky items, such as furniture, bathtubs, kitchen cabinets, etc.
\r\n\r\nIt may seem like a “dumpster” you can purchase from Amazon or Home Depot is a convenient option, but it’s usually not when you consider all the details.
\r\n\r\nThe initial price of a Bagster bag ranges from $25-$75, but then you have to pay for pickup and disposal.
\r\n\r\nOnce the bag is loaded up and full, you must then contact Waste Management to have them pick it up.
\r\n\r\nThe price of this pickup will vary based on your location but can range anywhere from $100-$350.
\r\n\r\nWhen compared to a 10 yard roll-off dumpster with 3x the amount of space, Bagsters don't usually provide the disposal value that local dumpster rentals can.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhether you're interested in renting a roll-off, trailer, commercial, or bag dumpster, renting from locally-owned and operated companies most often provide the best pricing and customer service when compared to national waste management companies.
\r\n
Finding local dumpster rentals near you is easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWe publish licensed and insured disposal companies and make it easy for users to request completely free dumpster rental estimates to make sure they're getting the pricing and availability they're looking for.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nThe most common dumpster rentals come in 10, 20, 30, and 40 yard capacities, but there are smaller \"mini\" dumpsters available for rent on the market. Learn about the different types of mini dumpsters and how to find the smallest dumpster in your area with Hometown.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T22:29:17+00:00"},{"id":"acc011e4-5c98-5eab-9881-0aa7cd89b901","title":"How Do Cleanout Services Work?","url":"/blog/how-cleanout-services-work","image":{"path":"/static/27ac3603a761ff346de831ea2ec7bf41/attic-cleanout.png","alt":"cluttered attic with old furniture"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"68ebf442-93d0-56cf-9891-e7a9d9bf7874","name":"Estate Cleanout","slug":"Estate-Cleanout"},{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"},{"id":"c23bcb0b-96a0-5824-8982-82dd3a7e2c0a","name":"Commercial Cleanout","slug":"Commercial-Cleanout"},{"id":"86e68e5b-9753-5fb4-a2bd-6c49cc8782d3","name":"Garage Cleanout","slug":"Garage-Cleanout"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies specialize in home cleanouts, business cleanouts, and every type of cleanout in between.
\r\n
If you've never hired a company to help with a cleanout before, you may be wondering what to expect.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal process is simple, but we'll break it down for you so you know exactly what to expect from the first point of contact to the last.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/cleanout-services-infographic_1.png\")
\r\nThe first step to beginning any cleanout project is knowing which items you want the company to take.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen you have multiple items, assembling them into a pile is the easiest way for companies to assess your project's needs, how much debris you have, and how much your project will cost overall.
\r\n
However, piling up your items isn't always a feasible option.
\r\n\r\nIf you have an entire area that needs to be completely ridded of junk and other items, like a garage cleanout, room cleanout, or whole-home cleanout, then you can simply point out the area(s) of items to the company when they come to give you a quote.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nThe next step to a cleanout project is choosing the right junk removal company to help.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it simple to find qualified junk removal companies in your area by searching your zip code and answering a few short questions about your removal needs.
\r\n\r\nYou can read more about each company, read verified reviews from real customers to get a better understanding of the type of service you can expect, and request free quotes to compare each company's pricing, professionalism, and availability.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you have a small amount of bulky items to toss, like with an appliance removal or furniture removal, then the junk hauler may be able to give you a quote without needing to come out to your site.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if you have more than a few items to get rid of, the junk removal company will typically need to see your junk in person before giving an accurate on-site junk removal estimate.
\r\n\r\nIn most cases, a crew of one or two people will come out to your property to assess your cleanout project.
\r\n\r\nOnce you point out the items you need hauled away, they'll be able to determine the junk's volume and the work it will take to remove it safely.
\r\n\r\nThey then provide you with an exact quote for your junk removal services, and if you're happy with the price they give you, the team typically gets to work immediately to remove your unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't agree with the price they quoted you, there's no obligation to hire. Junk removal estimates are free and you’re never required to move forward with their service.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting a couple junk removal estimates whenever possible to reduce the chances of hiring a company with poor customer service, a busy schedule, or pricey services.
\r\n\r\nHometown's single quote request form makes it easier than ever to schedule free junk removal estimates from reputable, local companies in your area—all at once.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nOnce you agree to an estimate, the junk removal crew will carefully carry or roll your items out of your home/business and load it onto their truck. The crew will often sweep the area as well to ensure you're left with a clean space.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAfter your junk is hauled away, all that's left to do is relax and enjoy your clutter-free space.
\r\n
From there, if you have a lot of items, they typically will take your items back to their headquarters to separate them for donation, recycling, or disposal.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies prioritize donating and recycling whenever possible to ensure the proper handling of all waste, junk, and debris.
\r\n\r\nMost will donate reusable items in good condition and recycle when possible, only taking items to the landfill when absolutely necessary.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you've never hired a company to help with a cleanout before, you may be wondering what to expect. Find out what to expect from the first point of contact to the last.
\r\n","changed":"2023-12-14T23:09:28+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/allentown-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/dumpsters-allentown.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/pittsburgh-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-philadelphia-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/philadelphia-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"Most 20 yard roll-offs are strong enough and big enough to hold as much as 10+ tons of debris, but dumpster rental companies almost never allow this.
\r\n\r\nThere are 3 main reasons for this:
\r\n\r\nThe lifting and hauling capacity of the truck cannot accommodate that much weight.
\r\n\tTruck hauling weight limit restrictions (varies by city/county)
\r\n\tLandfill cost per ton — Dumpster rental companies are charged a per-ton rate at the landfill. Dumpster rental costs would be much higher if there were no customer weight limits.
\r\n\tThe average 20 yard dumpster weight limit is 3-4 tons, or 6,000-8,000 lbs. To figure out how much you will be able to put in your 20 yard dumpster, you’ll first need to determine your specific dumpster’s weight allowance. Each dumpster rental provider will offer a different weight allowance for the rental price they quote you, so make sure you reach out to multiple providers to get the best price. Once you know how much weight is included in your dumpster quote, you can estimate the approximate weight of the junk or debris you need to put into the dumpster. Local dumpster rental companies are pros at estimating how much debris weighs, and they will be able to help you choose the perfect dumpster for your needs.
\r\n\r\nRead more: 20 Yard Dumpster Guide: Versatility and Affordability
\r\n","place":null,"code":"20-yard-dumpster"}],"related":[{"title":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-brockport-pa"},{"title":"Junk - Clean-up or Removal","url":"pennsylvania/junk-removal-brockport-pa"}],"bread":{"title":"Dumpster rental","url":"pennsylvania/dumpster-rental-brockport-pa"},"modal_project_types":[{"name":"Cleanout an Interior Space","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":542,"label":"Cleanout - Basement","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":543,"label":"Cleanout - Commercial","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":544,"label":"Cleanout - Estate","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":545,"label":"Cleanout - Garage","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":546,"label":"Cleanout - Hoarding","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Cleanup an Exterior Area","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":547,"label":"Cleanup - Storm Recovery","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":557,"label":"Trash Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":558,"label":"Yard Waste Removal","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Construction & Demolition","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":548,"label":"Construction Debris Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":552,"label":"Light Demolition","service":"junk-removal"}]},{"name":"Large Item Removal","service":"junk-removal","projects":[{"id":540,"label":"Appliance Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":541,"label":"Carpet Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":550,"label":"Furniture Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":553,"label":"Mattress Removal","service":"junk-removal"},{"id":554,"label":"Refrigerator Removal","service":"junk-removal"}]}],"codes":[{"name":"10 Yard Dumpster","code":"10-yard-dumpster","paths":{"name":"10_Yard_Dumpster","code":"10-yard-dumpster"}},{"name":"20 Yard Dumpster","code":"20-yard-dumpster","paths":{"name":"20_Yard_Dumpster","code":"20-yard-dumpster"}},{"name":"Construction Dumpster","code":"construction-dumpster","paths":{"name":"Construction_Dumpster","code":"construction-dumpster"}},{"name":"Roll Off - Dumpsters for Rent","code":"roll-off-dumpsters","paths":{"name":"Roll_Off_Dumpsters_for_Rent","code":"roll-off-dumpsters"}}],"seo_desc":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","code":"20-yard-dumpster","kg_homepage_seo_desc":null,"kg_kpp_seo_desc":null,"kg_seo_label":null,"kg_state_seo_desc":null,"kg_panel_page_seo_desc":"Get the best deal on a 20-yard dumpster in PLACE_NAME. Compare local prices on medium dumpsters and book online, hassle-free with Hometown!"}],"pros":"20922, 38828, 38824, 38823, 38822","profiles":[[{"id":"20922"},{"id":"38828"},{"id":"38824"},{"id":"38823"},{"id":"38822"}]],"code":"20-yard-dumpster","env":{"domain":"https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com","site":"dumpster","service":"https://api.bookable.com","build":"ppp20"},"cards":{"20922":"![\"ZTERS](\"/static/836c6a00625e14e9f314f60093ba092e/1064329107644bc21a782b2.jpg\"/)
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThe 20 yard roll-off from Zters is a great choice for a wide range of cleanups, such as renovation, home cleanouts, roofing, or small demolition projects. The 20 yard dumpster measures 22’ x 8’ x 3.5’ (LxWxH) and comes with a 3-ton weight allowance.\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGroll's Disposal is a family-owned and operated company, proudly serving the Elk County region of West-Central Pennsylvania since 1954. For three generations, we have provided dependable...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tElk Waste Services, Inc. is a trusted residential, industrial, and commercial waste hauler, proudly serving the Elk County region of Pennsylvania and surrounding counties since 1978....\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tReed Brothers is a locally-owned business operating since 1949, specializing in making your job easier throughout the Clearfield and DuBois areas of West Central Pennsylvania. We...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBarefield Property Maintenance LLC is dedicated to helping you take your property to the next level with comprehensive services for local homes and businesses. We...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t