Whether you're a homeowner looking to dispose of a bin full of old electronics and outdated computers that have piled up over the years, or you're a business owner looking to replace obsolete equipment with newer versions, this guide is designed to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.
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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](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/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.
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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"},{"id":"68d3f17a-b61e-5eb9-9ba7-d67e4f2171d3","title":"Commercial Junk Removal 101","url":"/blog/commercial-junk-removal-101","image":{"path":"/static/58dee5fcd687d40a51c3e8208205d617/commercial-office-cleanout.png","alt":"commercial office cleanout"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c23bcb0b-96a0-5824-8982-82dd3a7e2c0a","name":"Commercial Cleanout","slug":"Commercial-Cleanout"}],"content":"Are you considering junk removal services for your office, warehouse, restaurant, retail store, event venue, hotel, or healthcare facility?
\r\n\r\nCommercial junk removal services are ideal for all types of situations, and this guide is designed to be a convenient and helpful resource, answering the biggest questions most people have when it comes to commercial junk removal.
\r\n\r\nCommercial junk removal is a service that helps businesses or organizations get rid of unwanted items, clutter, or debris. It could involve clearing out old furniture, appliances, e-waste, scrap metal, paper/cardboard, sensitive documents, or anything else that's taking up space and isn't needed anymore.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal company will collect these items, load them into their truck or trailer, and transport them to the nearest facility to dispose of them responsibly, either by recycling, donating, or taking them to the nearest landfill.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt's like hiring someone to clean out your garage or office, but on a larger scale and often with a focus on eco-friendly disposal methods.
\r\n
One of the most convenient things about junk removal is the flexibility that it offers. Whether you have a warehouse full of unwanted items to get rid of or a small office worth, junk removal is a great option for you.
\r\n\r\nIn most cases, a business owner, office manager, warehouse manager, or administrative assistant will reach out to a commercial junk removal company looking for services when their lease is up, they're moving, selling, or experiencing a similar change. These times can be hectic and stressful, and junk removal companies are experts at helping take some of that stress off your plate, and saving you time, too.
\r\n\r\n![\"pile](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/pile-of-junk-commercial-cleanout.png\")
\r\nThe first step of any commercial junk removal job, no matter how big or small, is to get a quote, and these junk removal quotes are almost always provided in person.
\r\n\r\nIn-person junk removal estimates allow the company to see the scope of your project, roughly how much space it will take up within their trucks (or how many trucks they'll need to complete the job), how many people it will take to complete the job, and other important cost factors they need to know to provide you an accurate estimate for the work.
\r\n\r\nThey'll walk the property with you to determine exactly what needs to go and what needs to stay, access points for safely carrying your items out to their truck, and other site considerations, like whether or not there will be stairs to traverse, tall shelving, etc.
\r\n\r\nOnce the in-person estimate is given, you can choose to move forward with the services or wait and get additional estimates from other companies. If you choose to move forward with hiring that company for your commercial junk removal, some companies will offer to immediately get started, or you can schedule a time in the future that works best.
\r\n\r\nOn the agreed upon start date and time, the company—typically at least two workers, but often much more, depending on the project's size—will arrive and get to work.
\r\n\r\nThrough simple manpower and some basic equipment, like dollies, moving straps, pallet jacks, and electrical straddle stackers in some cases, the company will haul your unwanted items onto their truck, making sure to separate landfill items from recycling facility items, donations, etc.
\r\n\r\nThe time required for professional commercial junk removal services can vary widely depending on the size of the space, the amount and type of junk, accessibility, and other circumstantial requirements. With that said, the average time it takes to complete a commercial junk removal job is 1-2 days, with larger venues, like event venues, hospitals, or warehouses taking an additional 1-3 days to clear.
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that factors such as the efficiency of the junk removal team, the availability of equipment (like trucks or specialized tools for heavy items), and any additional services required (like hazardous waste disposal or recycling efforts) will influence the overall time taken for the junk removal process. It's always advisable to consult with a professional junk removal service for a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost of commercial junk removal services is $500-$2,000.
\r\n\r\nHowever, the cost of commercial junk removal services can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the amount and type of junk that needs to be removed, the location, and the service provider you hire.
\r\n\r\nFor example, a small office or retail store with very minimal junk costs $200-$500 on average. A medium office or retail store with a moderate amount of junk costs $500-$1,500 on average. A large warehouse or retail space with a large amount of junk costs an average of $1,000-$5,000, or more depending on the amount and type of junk.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: How to Save Money On Your Commercial Business Cleanout
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we strongly believe in the importance of getting multiple bids, and for good reason. Not only is it essential to get quotes from multiple junk removal companies to compare prices, but to also compare companies' level of service, communication, and availability.
\r\n\r\nBecause companies offer free estimates, it's no cost to you to get multiple quotes, especially when utilizing Hometown's quote request feature at the top of this page. We make it easy to request up to three quotes from local companies offering commercial junk removal services, saving you time and making it easier than ever to compare quotes and hire the best company for the job.
\r\n\r\nEach quote should include detailed information about the price, including labor, disposal fees, if there are any additional charges for specific items or materials, as well as information about accepted forms of payment, payment terms, project start and finish date, etc.
\r\n\r\nOnce you have multiple quotes and all the pertinent information, you'll have a clear picture of what each company offers and which one you'd like to hire for your cleanup project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: How to Compare Quotes and Hire the Right Junk Removal Company
\r\n\r\n![\"commercial](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/commercial-cleanout-worker_0.png\")
\r\nIf you're unsure who to hire, there are a handful of things a contractor should have that make them a good hiring decision...
\r\n\r\nFirst and foremost, the company you hire should be licensed and insured to perform commercial junk removal services. This should be considered a non-negotiable.
\r\n\r\nIf any unforeseen issues or injuries come up, you'll want the peace of mind knowing that you, your property, and the workers on your property are protected. If you hire a company that is not insured, and someone gets injured in the process, you and your business would be held liable.
\r\n\r\nSecond, the commercial junk removal company you hire should have positive reviews and a good reputation in the area. Look into what customers have to say online about the companies you're considering hiring. With Hometown, our published reviews are verified, so you can trust that they're real.
\r\n\r\nIf a company has multiple negative reviews, read them and take them into serious consideration when hiring. Some reviews online can be fake—good or bad—so be wary of any reviews that seem extreme. They could be real, or they could be posted by the company or a competitor.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal quotes are provided in-person, especially for large or complex projects like many commercial junk removal projects can be. Because of this, it may be tempting to go with the first company you speak to if their services and pricing sound reasonable to you, but we recommend getting at least two or three quotes so you can truly know what a \"competitive price\" looks like for your specific project.
\r\n\r\nYou should never feel pressured or obligated to hire a company after they provide an in-person quote, but if you truly feel good about a company's services, reputation, and pricing, then hiring them and having them start as quickly as possible is a great way to save time, which also saves you money. This is especially true for business owners in the middle of a remodel, move, or closing, when time is of the essence.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are designed to be a more eco-friendly waste removal solution. The company doesn't haul all your unwanted items straight to the landfill, like is done with a dumpster rental; they first separate your items with the intention of keeping as much out of the landfills as possible. Junk removal companies donate whenever possible, recycle whatever they can, and only haul to the landfill as a last resort.
\r\n\r\nIf your unwanted items consist of any usable furniture, electronics, appliances, desks, chairs, materials, etc., hiring a commercial junk removal company can be very fulfilling, because those items will be donated or recycled, minimizing your company's carbon footprint and helping your local community. In addition, junk removal companies provide receipts for any donations on your behalf. According to the Internal Revenue Service, a taxpayer can deduct the fair market value of used furniture, electronics, books, and so forth.
\r\n\r\nWith professional junk removal services, you eliminate the stress of having to do all of the manual work yourself and the guilt of throwing out items that can be donated or recycled instead.
\r\n\r\nThe final sign of a commercial junk removal company you should hire is that the company has availability when you need it. No matter how great a company is, if you’re on a strict timeline that they can't accommodate, that's not the best company to hire.
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that spring and summer are considered the busy seasons in the midwest for these types of services and, fall and winter in the south, during which times, companies can be booked days to weeks in advance. If you are anticipating needing a junk removal company for an upcoming commercial cleanout, plan early to avoid delays and get scheduled with the best company for the job.
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\r\nDon't forget that, before signing any contract or moving forward with any junk removal services, you should be sure you understand everything it’s saying. If you're even the slightest bit unsure about something, speak up and ask for clarification. If a junk removal company is unwilling to explain their estimate, potential overage charges, or answer your questions, that is a red flag and a sign that you should find someone else to do business with.
![\"commercial](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/commercial-cleanout-dumpster.png\")
\r\nWhile commercial junk removal services are a convenient, efficient, and easy-to-use option, they're not the only option available when it comes time to clean out an office, store, warehouse, or other commercial building.
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is another convenient option, but is more labor-intensive and less efficient than junk removal. Dumpster rental is easy to schedule. Simply request quotes and book services with local service providers via Hometown. Once service is scheduled, the dumpster rental company will drop off the dumpster at the agreed upon time, and then it's up to you to load the dumpster. Most dumpster rental periods are anywhere from 3-7 days long, but most companies are willing to extend this period if necessary, often for a fee. With a dumpster, you can fill it as your cleanout is completed over a series of days or weeks, or you can fill it in a single day.
\r\n\r\nThe main downside to dumpster rental is that it isn't a very eco-friendly option—the dumpster is hauled to the landfill and nothing gets sorted or diverted. If you decide to rent a dumpster for your company cleanout, we recommend recycling, donating, or selling as much as possible first.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nHandling a business cleanout yourself instead of hiring professional junk removal services can be a feasible option for small projects. This typically involves sorting out what needs to be removed, i.e. donations, recyclables, trash, and then transporting it to the appropriate locations yourself. As you can see, handling a large or complex commercial cleanout yourself would be quite challenging due to the extensive time, labor, and logistical demands involved.
\r\n\r\nDIY disposal requires significant physical effort to sort, lift, and transport items, potentially disrupting business operations and posing safety risks to untrained individuals. Plus, navigating disposal regulations for items like electronics or hazardous materials can be complex and may lead to costly mistakes. While DIY cleanouts might appear cost-effective initially, the cumulative expenses of time, labor, and potential disposal fees can outweigh the convenience and efficiency offered by professional commercial junk removal services, which are equipped with the necessary resources, expertise, and insurance to handle cleanouts effectively while minimizing business disruption and liability risks.
\r\n\r\nAre you considering junk removal services for your office, warehouse, restaurant, retail store, or other commercial cleanout? Commercial junk removal services are ideal for all types of situations.
\r\n","changed":"2025-09-17T18:24:51+00:00"},{"id":"70261b37-a32c-5b4b-9bda-5e39dd79e99a","title":"Plan Your Office's Move in 10 Simple Steps","url":"/blog/plan-office-move","image":{"path":"/static/53076de1d382f4088b868ed55179453d/relocating-office.png","alt":"two movers relocating office equipment"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"c23bcb0b-96a0-5824-8982-82dd3a7e2c0a","name":"Commercial Cleanout","slug":"Commercial-Cleanout"}],"content":"\r\n\r\n\r\nRelocating your office can be stressful, whether you're a small business moving out of your home office and into a bigger space or a more established company relocating to a larger building
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To ensure your office move goes smoothly, we've broken the process down into 10 simple steps.
\r\n\r\n![\"planning](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/office-relocation-infographic.png\")
\r\nThe first step of planning a company office's relocation is deciding who will be the primary person in charge of coordinating and executing the relocation.
\r\n\r\nThis person will serve as the in-office coordinator of the moving process, so they should be:
\r\n\r\nTypically, the smaller your project team is, the better.
\r\n\r\nUsually, the in-office coordinator will have one or two other team members to assist them in executing the move from the planning stages to execution.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the most important parts of planning a move is determining the key dates that will affect when things happen, like:
\r\n\r\nWithout a clear understanding of these dates, it will be hard to plan any of the details surrounding the move.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe next step is to determine your budget for the move, or what your company can reasonably afford to pay throughout the relocation process.
\r\n\r\nWhen estimating your office's relocation budget, consider these potential expenses:
\r\n\r\nThis is just an idea of the various costs associated with an office move.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you stay within your budget, be sure you consistently review your budget, expenses, and your progress.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you plan on using full-service movers who pack up, relocate, and unpack items in its new location for you, this is something you will need to consider (and schedule) early on.
\r\n\r\nTypically, they have a coordinator who works with you to determine the needs of your move, your desired schedule, and how extensive and involved the move itself will be.
\r\n\r\nThey will then develop a project plan, schedule your services, and handle the relocation for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLet employees know of the upcoming move as early as possible.
\r\n\r\nKeep them up-to-date throughout the entire process so they know what to expect leading up to, during, and after the move.
\r\n\r\nIt would also be helpful to create a relocation FAQ or timeline summary that you can physically post for employees to refer to whenever they wish.
\r\n\r\nLikewise, let any customers and vendors know of the upcoming move early on, and give them various updates throughout the process so they don't feel taken by surprise.
\r\n\r\nRelocating due to company growth is something to celebrate and announce with pride.
\r\n\r\nFinally, be sure you let the following places know of your impending move as well:
\r\n\r\nIf you need to update, redesign, or repair your new office in any way, now is the time to do so.
\r\n\r\nIf the space itself does not need to be physically repaired or updated, then it's time to establish a floor plan that will be attractive and conducive to workplace productivity.
\r\n\r\nCreate mockups of various potential layouts for office spaces, furniture and decor, high-traffic areas, break areas, etc.
\r\n\r\nOnce you create a few floor plans to consider, share them with your team and even your moving company or IT department to get their insight.
\r\n\r\nIf you need new office furniture or equipment, now is the time to choose that as well, coordinate delivery to your new office at the appropriate time, and incorporate it into your new office design.
\r\n\r\nFind out more: Remodeling a Company Office Space: What's Involved and Who to Hire
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe next step in cleaning out your company’s workspace before a move is to organize and itemize all your items, materials, and equipment to determine what you have.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBy separating items according to purpose, it will be easier to determine what you want to keep, what you want to donate or recycle, what is trash, and the best organization system for moving your remaining items.
\r\n
Sort through everything and separate things based on the purpose they serve, grouping things to make duplicates clear.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe next step of an office relocation is typically going through your current equipment and materials and decluttering as much as possible.
\r\n\r\nAre there things that you or your business no longer need?
\r\n\r\nAre there papers and documents older than 3-5 years old?
\r\n\r\nDo you have outdated equipment piling up in closets or corners of your office?
\r\n\r\nIf your current office furniture or equipment is in decent condition, you can donate them in bulk quickly and conveniently by hiring a junk removal company to handle the donation for you. (Ask them to provide you with a donation receipt.)
\r\n\r\nIf a large amount of equipment or furniture is not salvageable, then renting a dumpster to dispose of the items is typically the most convenient and cost-effective option.
\r\n\r\nPurge unnecessary files and move paper records to digital whenever possible to improve safety and efficiency.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGet rid of any unwanted items you have with the help of junk removal services or dumpster rental services.
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Junk removal companies offer an all-inclusive service in which they come and haul away your unwanted items on your behalf, whether you have a couple computers to get rid of or an entire office to clean out.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals offer a more DIY approach to getting rid of unwanted items. The dumpster is dropped off at your request and you then typically have a week to fill it up and complete your cleanup project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFinding locally-owned dumpster rental and junk removal companies is easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nEasily browse dumpster rental companies or junk removal companies, read customer reviews, and request quotes from as many companies as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nThis will allow you to ensure you get great services for a great price.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nUpdate all marketing materials to reflect your office's address change, including:
\r\n\r\nNow that you've followed all the previous steps, all that should be left to do is let the moving company relocate your furniture, set it up accordingly, and have your IT department set up all electronic equipment to allow your business to continue as usual in its new home.
\r\n\r\nMake the effort to keep the new office organized while also keeping an eye out for ways the space's functionality could be improved.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nRelocating your office can be stressful, whether you're a small business or a more established company. Ensure your office move goes smoothly by following these 10 simple steps.
\r\n","changed":"2022-07-01T03:36:56+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Arizona","place":"Phoenix, AZ","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"arizona/commercial-waste-management-phoenix-az","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Tucson, AZ","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"arizona/commercial-waste-management-tucson-az","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Phoenix, AZ","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Arizona/Phoenix-AZ-dumpsters.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Tucson, AZ","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"arizona/junk-removal-tucson-az","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Tucson, AZ","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Arizona/tucson-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Arizona","place":"Phoenix, AZ","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Arizona/junk-removal/phoenix-az.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"Roll Off Containers","body":"This will vary based on rules and regulations in your area.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, the most common wastes prohibited from being disposed of in dumpsters include:
\r\n\r\nThese items should be taken to local HHW processing facilities or collected during HHW collection events. E-wastes can be recycled at most major electronics stores, including Best Buy and Staples. Locate a scrap tire yard in your area to dispose of used tires, or take them to a tire store for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of renting a dumpster can range from $250 up to $750 or more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The wide variability in pricing is influenced primarily by the following factors:
\r\n\r\nRead more: Lower Your Cost to Rent a Dumpster
\r\n