If you're planning a cleanout project, you're likely wondering what's the best way to get rid of all the stuff you no longer want to keep.
\r\n\r\nShould you throw it out in your curbside trash bin? Would it fit?
\r\n\r\nDo you need a trash removal service or junk removal company to handle the disposal properly, and what's the difference?
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBoth services can help with getting rid of unwanted household trash and junk, but understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which is the best service that suits your needs.
\r\n
We'll go over the three main differences between trash removal and junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nA vast majority of trash removal or trash collection services are not willing to accept certain items or pick up a trash bin that's overflowing.
\r\n\r\nSo, if you have anything to toss that won't fit in your trash cart—or isn't allowed—junk removal services are a great solution.
\r\n\r\nYour local trash and recycling department may offer yearly programs designed to help homeowners get rid of bulky or large amounts of household junk.
\r\n\r\nMany cities offer a trash pick-up day or community dumpster event to help community members get rid of larger items or bulk trash.
\r\n\r\nWhile a great option in some circumstances, these events typically only happen once a year and have limits on the type and amount of debris accepted.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services provide a convenient solution to picking up bulky items, like furniture, as well as a large amount of smaller items—anything that doesn't fit in your trash bin.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTrash removal is the regular collection service that picks up trash from your curb.
\r\n\r\nA trash bin typically gets picked up on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for a fee that varies based on cart size.
\r\n\r\nIn most cases, you sign up for regular trash removal services through your city's Public Works department, decide which cart size you'd like, prepay for a certain number of collections, and conveniently dispose of your trash and/or recycling on your scheduled date.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal is a one-time service that is scheduled in advance and paid for upon job completion.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have a disposal project, you can reach out to local junk removal companies for a quote (Hometown makes it easy!) and schedule the junk removal when it's convenient for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"overhead](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/overhead-view-of-landfill-and-excavator.png\")
\r\nTrash collection trucks haul your trash to the landfill, where it's dumped and piled up.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies take the time to dispose of every item they haul away properly.
\r\n\r\nIf the item can be donated, they will take it to a local charity. (Most will provide a receipt of donation, just be sure to ask.)
\r\n\r\nIf the item can be recycled, they'll take it to a local recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nOnly when there's no other option do junk removal companies take items to the landfill.
\r\n\r\nThis is why junk removal is an extremely eco-friendly disposal option.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf you're planning a cleanout project, you're likely wondering what's the best way to get rid of all the stuff you no longer want to keep. Should you throw it out in your curbside trash bin? Would it all fit? Do you need a trash removal service or junk removal company to handle the disposal properly, and what's the difference? Learn the differences and benefits of each.
\r\n","changed":"2022-08-30T17:11:44+00:00"},{"id":"fedbbb1a-25e6-5648-bd45-d4b1673dfc27","title":"Recycling 101: Learn How to Recycle More and Throw Out Less","url":"/blog/recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/88d81750393061cdc158c855f759fbe6/recycling-in-america_0.jpg","alt":"bag of trash and recyclables"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"d7a82c6b-3d3b-5d72-ba59-4bdd492bf55f","name":"Cardboard Recycling","slug":"Cardboard-Recycling"},{"id":"ed797128-86b6-5592-953b-f6cbae7dd3e2","name":"Paper Recycling","slug":"Paper-Recycling"},{"id":"51c3fa1e-5e47-57dd-903e-10a9699d3a72","name":"Plastic Recycling","slug":"Plastic-Recycling"},{"id":"49c52146-4c5a-5ad3-a556-f14363834202","name":"Scrap Metal Recycling","slug":"Scrap-Metal-Recycling"}],"content":"Reports show that approximately $11.4 billion worth of recyclables enter U.S. landfills every year.
\r\n\r\nWhile there are no national mandates requiring individuals to recycle, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) announced in November 2020 its ambitious plan to increase American recycling efforts to 50% by 2030.
\r\n\r\nThe news release quotes EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management assistant administrator Peter Wright as saying, \"Without national leadership on this issue, recycling has lingered in the low 30% range for the last twenty years. The economic and environmental benefits from recycling are clear, and we’ve made a lot of progress, but much more needs to be done to obtain the benefits of increasing the national recycling rate to 50 percent by 2030.\"
\r\n\r\nWith countries like Germany, South Korea, Sweden, Austria, and Switzerland recycling municipal waste above the 50% mark, it's natural to wonder how places like the United States and Canada have failed to keep up.
\r\n\r\n![\"Recyclable](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recyclable-materials-info.jpg\")
\r\nAll of the high-volume recycling countries have something in common that is driving these positive numbers: legislation.
\r\n\r\nThe success of recycling efforts in other countries can be credited to government policies that encourage it.
\r\n\r\nAs the numbers have shown, good funding and financial incentives encourage local and municipal authorities to find solutions to achieve their recycling performance targets. In 2018 alone, an estimated 139 million TONS of recyclable material was sent to U.S. landfills.
\r\n\r\nOnly one type of recyclable material is recycled in America more than it is thrown out, and that's paper and paperboard. Even then, there are still millions of tons of paper entering our landfill system.
\r\n\r\nAmericans do the worst job at recycling plastic, which is arguably the most important material to recycle. Almost every type of plastic is made from planet-warming fuels like gas, oil, and even sometimes coal. Breaking down plastic can take hundreds, even thousands, of years, which is why recycling is so important.
\r\n\r\nTo top it off, plastic doesn't just affect the environment, it seeps its way into every aspect of the food chain, from tiny plankton to the fish we eat, causing exposure to toxins for plants, animals, and humans.
\r\n\r\nIf the health aspect isn't reason enough to consider changing your waste disposal methods, let's take a look at the financial benefits.
\r\n\r\nAn article published in the L.A. Times takes a look at the problem from an energy standpoint. It states the U.S. could save about $12 billion per year in energy costs by increasing the national recycling rate.
\r\n\r\nThis is due to the fact that it requires less energy to recycle materials into new products than it does to make new products from virgin materials.
\r\n\r\nWith all of this information at our fingertips, it's hard to understand why efforts to increase our national recycling hasn't been more successful.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAn estimated 74% of Americans have access to curbside recycling, with more rural areas having less access.
\r\n
More and more large companies have made the switch to recycled packaging to help curb their carbon footprint. While positive change can take time, the world doesn't have time to wait.
\r\n\r\nSome of these statistics are alarming, but it’s important to point out what’s being done at municipal landfills across the country to alleviate part of the problem. Modern landfills utilize new technology to sort and remove recyclables from the municipal waste stream.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the EPA states there are a total of 86 landfills in the U.S. utilizing waste-to-energy technology to turn trash into energy by burning waste.
\r\n\r\nThe resulting smoke is filtered to ensure it doesn’t harm the environment, and the resulting ash is hauled off to the landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe trash incineration process not only produces 2,720 megawatts of power nationwide each year, but it significantly reduces the amount of waste entering landfills.
\r\n\r\nThat said, recycling efforts in the U.S. can certainly be improved. This is not an issue that the government or big business is solely responsible for; it starts with individuals.
\r\n\r\nThe average American produces more than 4.5 lbs of trash per day, 80% of which is recyclable.
\r\n\r\nAs individuals, we can help improve the state of recycling in the U.S. one empty can at a time.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"person](\"/sites/default/files/migrate_images/plastic-bottle.jpg\")
\r\nAs individuals, there are plenty of ways to help your community's recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nSeparating your trash is the most common and easiest way to minimize your carbon footprint.
\r\n\r\nIf you're lucky enough to live in an area that offers curbside recycling, the process is similar to taking out your trash.
\r\n\r\nYour recyclable trash, separate and free from all food waste, can be gathered in your recycling bin and taken out to the curb on your area's scheduled collection days.
\r\n\r\nSome states, like Michigan, Hawaii, Iowa, and California, have programs in place where consumers are charged a small deposit fee per plastic bottle or aluminum can purchased, and they'll get that deposit fee back only if they return these cans and bottles for recycling.
\r\n\r\nIf you live in an area that doesn't offer curbside recycling or a soda can/bottle buy back program, your recycling efforts might be more involved but certainly not impossible.
\r\n\r\nYou can search online for recycling centers that accept outside recyclables. Earth 9-1-1 is a website that makes finding recycling resources in your area just a click away.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, composting your food and yard waste is a great way to minimize your impact on the environment.
\r\n\r\nOrganic waste is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or animal. Any food or yard waste falls into this category and will decompose naturally in oxygen-rich conditions.
\r\n\r\nThis process is called composting and the result of composting produces humus which is full of nutrients that can then be used to fertilize other growing plants.
\r\n\r\nComposting not only minimizes one's environmental impact but is a great way to maintain your small (or large!) home garden.
\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recyc-junk_2.jpg\")
\r\nWith more and more junk removal companies making a commitment to recycle as much waste as possible, it's never been easier to find an earth-friendly junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal service providers commit to recycling 60-70% of all waste they remove on their customers' behalf.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find service providers in your area that will be able to explain their disposal process in detail at your request.
\r\n\r\nSome junk removal companies will even provide you with a receipt for your items that they donate which allows you write off the amount donated on your taxes.
\r\n\r\nFor people who go the DIY route and rent a dumpster to throw out their junk on their own, clean loading a dumpster is also a great way to make recycling easier.
\r\n\r\nClean loading a dumpster simply means that you load a dumpster with the same type of recyclable material.
\r\n\r\nFor demolition or home improvement projects, you might be able to clean load your dumpster with only asphalt or only wood. This allows for an easy dump at a recycling center rather than mixing in other waste, like food or textiles, in with your clean loaded dumpster.
\r\n\r\nRecycling in today's world is much easier than it was in the past and with experienced disposal services available to guide you with local resources, there's no reason to be intimidated at the process.
\r\n\r\nQuickly find licensed, insured, and locally-owned junk removal and dumpster rental companies in your area by searching your zip code on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWith our single quote request form, you'll be able to request free quotes from multiple providers with ease, all in a matter of minutes.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nWhile there are no national mandates requiring individuals to recycle, the EPA announced in November 2020 its ambitious plan to increase American recycling efforts to 50% by 2030.
\r\n","changed":"2024-01-09T17:47:41+00:00"},{"id":"6ee75e4a-1027-5057-8395-b6f910b186a1","title":"How to Get Rid of a Washer and Dryer","url":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-washer-and-dryer","image":{"path":"/static/214131a7cd51dc3c77c1744e95cd0d8c/broken-dryer.png","alt":"woman opening smoking dryer"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Washers and dryers need to be replaced roughly every 10 years and figuring out how to get rid of your old appliances is an inconvenient project that no one looks forward to.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAppliances need to be properly disposed of, preferably recycled.
\r\n
We’ve gathered everything you need to know if you have an old washer or dryer that you need to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nJump to:
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-washer-dryer-info_1.jpg\")
\r\nThe easiest way to get rid of an old, broken-down washer or dryer is to hire a junk removal service. Not all junk removal companies will recycle appliances, but the ones that do can usually be in and out of your house in under 30 minutes.
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to get rid of your washer/dryer is affordable, fast, and requires zero labor on your end. Here's how it works...
\r\n\r\nThe price that you'll be charged for a junk removal company to haul away your unwanted washer and dryer will depend on a variety of different factors, like the disposal methods available in your area, the cost of recycling/disposal in your area, how difficult it is for them to access your appliances (i.e. presence of steep stairs), the amount of space your appliances take up in their truck/trailer, where you're located, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, the national average cost to have a junk removal company remove an unwanted washer and dryer ranges from $150-$300.
\r\n\r\nThe best strategy to getting the best price in your area is to find locally-owned and operated junk removal services and get multiple quotes to compare pricing and customer service. Hometown makes it easy with our single quote request form. By providing your zip code and answering a few short questions about your appliance removal needs, you'll be able to request quotes from up to 3 different qualified providers in your area, completely free of charge.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you’re doing a large renovation or home cleanout project and have a lot of other items to get rid of in addition to your old washer and dryer, renting a temporary dumpster is a great option.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRoll-off dumpsters feature a swinging back door so that you can easily walk in bulky and heavy items, including appliances.
\r\n
Not all disposal companies will accept appliances like washers or dryers in their containers and failing to follow their guidelines could result in additional fees and fines. Be sure to speak with several different companies to ensure you find one that accepts your intended items and to compare pricing.
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster is a simple process. Getting different quotes from local dumpster rental companies in your area to compare pricing and customer service will help you choose the best service for the job. Once you find a company you like who has the dumpster rental availability you require, you can hire them by signing a dumpster rental agreement and scheldieg a dumpster drop-off time.
\r\n\r\nAs scheduled, a dumpster will be brought to your location and carefully placed in your driveway or parking lot. If you rent a roll-off dumpster, ask your rental company if they will provide wooden boards or plywood to place underneath the dumpster's steel feet to provide added protection to your driveway. If you rent a trailer dumpster, the rubber wheels attached will be protection enough and will make placing your dumpster a fast and easy process.
\r\n\r\nOnce your rental is placed in the designated area, you'll be left to add your unwanted items to the container at your own pace. We highly recommend recruiting friends or family to help you load any heavy or bulky items to avoid injury.
\r\n\r\nAfter you're done with your rental, you can either contact the dumpster company to arrange for pick-up, or you simply wait for them to come pick-up the dumpster if pick-up arrangements were made when signing your rental agreement.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster company will come and securely load your dumpster rental back onto their transportation truck and haul it to the nearest recycling center (or landfill when appropriate). The dumpster will be weighed before and after it is emptied, and the dumpster company will be charged for whatever disposal method is chosen based on the weight of the items in the container.
\r\n\r\nAfter the dumpster has been emptied and the rental company has paid whatever fees they were charged to unload your items, you'll be sent a final bill and that can be paid online or over the phone.
\r\n\r\nThe price that you'll be charged to rent a dumpster to dispose of your washer and dryer will depend on many different factors, like the size of the dumpster, the weight of the items placed inside the dumpster, the disposal method and cost of recycling or landfill fees in your area, where you're located, who you hire, and more.
\r\n\r\nWith that being said, 10 yard dumpsters are the perfect size for appliance removal and cost anywhere from $250-$450 on average, but will be more or less based on your particular circumstance.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal services, you can locate and request free quotes from dumpster providers in your area by searching for dumpster rentals on Hometown. Read verified reviews from real customers to help you find a reputable dumpster company near you.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"removing](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/broken-washer.png\")
\r\nIf you are replacing your old washer or dryer with a new one and are having it delivered and installed, ask the company if they will remove your unwanted washer/dryer while they are there.
\r\n\r\nMany will only do so if the old washer/dryer is still in working condition. This isn’t always the case, but in the event that it is, you’ll have to find another solution.
\r\n\r\nThe cost to have your old washer/dryer removed when your new one is delivered will primarily depend on the company you hire and cost of living in your area, but typically costs between $25-$75 per appliance, or $50-$125 total.
\r\n\r\nIf you aren’t having a new washer or dryer delivered, another way to get rid of your old washer/dryer is to donate it or list it as a free item on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
\r\n\r\nLike the option above, donation only works if your old washer/dryer is still in working condition unless you can find someone that wants to pick it up for scrap metal.
\r\n\r\nThere are many different ways to donate appliances depending on where you live. For example, getting rid of a washer and dryer in Knoxville, IA can be as simple as contacting donation centers in the area and having them come load and transport your unwanted washer and dryer for you. Donationtown.org helps Iowa residents schedule appointments for donation pick-ups for free! Places like Habitat for Humanity or The Salvation Army will haul away your items for you if they're accepted as donations.
\r\n\r\nNot only is donating items is always free, but you can actually earn money back by getting a donation receipt and claiming it on your taxes for the year.
\r\n\r\n![\"old](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/old-washer.png\")
\r\nSome municipal weekly trash pick-up services offer bulk trash pick–up if it is scheduled ahead of time while others only offer it a few days out of the year. Not every company does, and even fewer offer this for appliances, but double-checking with your residential trash service is worth a call.
\r\n\r\nWhile the cost of your curbside appliance pick-up will vary based on where you live and who you hire, you can expect to pay somewhere between $35-$75 per item, so $70-$125 for both a washer and dryer.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re able to arrange this in a timeframe that accommodates your schedule, you’ll need to make sure you have help moving your fridge out to the side of the road.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWashers and dryers are very heavy appliances, and not having the proper tools or manpower to do this type of heavy lifting can result in serious injuries.
\r\n
If you aren't 100% confident in your ability to transfer your washer/dryer to the end of the driveway, hiring a junk removal company might be the best option. It’s also important to note that getting rid of your washer/dryer with a bulk trash pick-up service could mean that it will end up in your local landfill.
\r\n\r\nIf you’re environmentally conscious, renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service that will recycle your old appliances is the best solution.
\r\n\r\nAs one of the most used home appliances, there will eventually come a time when you need to replace your washer and dryer. We’ve gathered everything you need to know if you have an old washer or dryer that you need to get rid of.
\r\n","changed":"2023-06-12T13:04:27+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Colorado","place":"Denver, CO","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Colorado/junk-removal/denver-co.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Colorado","place":"Colorado Springs, CO","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"colorado/commercial-waste-management-colorado-springs-co","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Colorado","place":"Denver, CO","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"colorado/commercial-waste-management-denver-co","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Colorado","place":"Colorado Springs, CO","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Colorado/junk-removal/colorado-springs-co.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Colorado","place":"Denver, CO","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Colorado/Denver-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Colorado","place":"Colorado Springs, CO","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Colorado/Colorado-Springs-dumpster.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"Standard open-top roll-offs are the most common type of 20 yard dumpster. Most feature a door that swings open for easy loading, making it extra convenient to load bulky or heavy items, like furniture, appliances, concrete, and demolition debris. Dumpster trailers are another option that some dumpster rental providers offer. Trailers are a great option when the ground is soft or uneven.
\r\n\r\nStay within your dumpster's weight allowance. The weight capacity will vary depending on who you rent from, but the average weight limit for a 20 yard dumpster is about 3 tons (6,000 lbs). Going over the weight allowance will incur additional charges as high as $100 per ton. A standard rental period is seven days (varies by company). A per-day late fee is applicable for keeping the dumpster longer than your contract covers, so make sure you understand your dumpster rental period to avoid paying extra. The type of waste/debris is important. Some rental companies have rules in place based on the type of debris. The weight allowance may vary depending on the debris you're throwing away. Some companies may not allow you to mix certain debris, like concrete and household trash for example. Some waste is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, hazardous wastes, tires, automotive fluids, and batteries. Many dumpster rental companies recycle. Make it easier for your dumpster rental company (and potentially less expensive for you) by separating recyclables when possible, like concrete, asphalt shingles, dirt, cardboard/paper, and scrap metal.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"GJ](\"/static/ac4730ade815cbb0e5d2f90749ded059/329957800639925d11a9f1.png\"/)
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHere at GJ Roll Away, we work hard everyday to provide the best of the best for our customers. We want to go above and beyond by providing not only the best quality dumpster rentals and junk removal services in...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWe are a locally owned and operated company that strives to provide honest and reasonable prices in each of our services. Our services are quick and efficient, and we can advise you in the right direction during any of your...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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