Letting a yard go unattended for extended periods of time, or even years, is unavoidable sometimes.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhether you're helping an elderly family member or neighbor who is unable to maintain their yard throughout the seasons, or you're buying a foreclosed home with a wild backyard, cleaning up an abandoned yard is not an uncommon project and it doesn't have to take a ton of time.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll outline the benefits of having a well-maintained lawn, a few of the most common yard waste removal and disposal methods, and tips for getting the project done with minimal stress and time.
\r\n\r\n![\"infographic](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/cleaning-up-abandoned-yard-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nA well-groomed lawn with appropriate landscaping sets the tone for your home and gives you and your family and friends a beautiful place to gather and be outside.
\r\n\r\nImproving a home's lawn is also one of the most cost-effective ways to increase your property's overall value.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLandscaping can provide a 100%-200% return on investment and can even increase your home's value by as much as 15%.
\r\n
An abandoned, overgrown, or debris-riddled yard can also pose a safety hazard by making it harder to see hidden trip hazards or sharp objects, attracting pests, increasing allergies, and even negatively impacting mental health.
\r\n\r\nThe many benefits of a healthy lawn and yard should not be underestimated, so if your yard or the yard of a neighbor or loved one has become overgrown and unkempt, plan a yard cleanup day to get it back in tip-top shape.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nYard waste cleanup projects produce quite a bit of debris, and one of the most efficient and inexpensive ways to manage said debris is by renting a temporary dumpster.
\r\n\r\nDumpsters are a great option because they come in a number of different sizes:
\r\n\r\nNo matter how big or small your yard cleanup project is, there is a dumpster size to accommodate a) the volume of debris you have without overfilling it, and b) the weight of your debris without exceeding the dumpster's weight limit.
\r\n\r\nA 10 or 20 yard dumpster is big enough to handle most yard waste disposal projects, like disposing of leaves, fallen branches, brush, limbs, and other landscaping waste.
\r\n\r\nIf you're disposing of generally lightweight items, like leaves and branches, you likely won't be at risk of exceeding your dumpster's included weight limit.
\r\n\r\nHowever, if you have tree stumps, large amounts of soil, bricks, or other heavy rubble, be sure you rent a dumpster that can accommodate the weight of your debris.
\r\n\r\nEvery yard cleanup project is different, but an experienced dumpster rental company will be able to help you determine which dumpster size best suits your project based on the information you provide them.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cost to rent a 10 or 20 yard dumpster for yard debris is $250-$450 on average, but this cost varies by location, availability, dumpster size, who you rent from, and local landfill fees.
\r\n
If you are \"clean loading\" yard waste into your dumpster, you may be able to pay a discounted price, so discuss this with the dumpster companies you speak to.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster rental process is simple:
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we make it easy to find local dumpster rental companies, read customer reviews, and request dumpster rental estimates from multiple companies. This helps to ensure you pay a fair price for your particular cleanup by comparing quotes from multiple waste haulers.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"broken](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/yard-waste-removal.png\")
\r\nIf you're looking to have your abandoned or messy yard cleaned up as quickly as possible or if you want someone else to handle the cleanup work for you, then hiring a junk removal company to handle it may be the best route for you to take.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYard waste cleanup projects range from $500-$1,000 depending on how much debris you need cleaned up, where you live, who you hire, and whether or not there are bulky/heavy or hazardous materials present.
\r\n
If there are fallen trees that need to be broken down before being loaded up, if there is heavy scrap metal, or other labor-intensive work that needs to be done, you can expect the cost of the cleanup to increase.
\r\n\r\nThe vast majority of junk removal companies offer basic yard waste pick-up, and the junk removal process is simple:
\r\n\r\nJust like dumpster rentals, Hometown can help you find local junk removal companies too. Read customer reviews for companies in your area and request multiple quotes for your junk removal project to ensure you get great services for a fair price.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCleaning up a messy yard can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into individual jobs can help minimize stress and streamline the process.
\r\n
The first step should be removing any and all debris, trash, broken items, or any other eyesores that can be removed.
\r\n\r\nFor example, get rid of any old toys or equipment, broken outdoor furniture, fallen tree debris, accumulated leaves, dead shrubs or trees, etc.
\r\n\r\nOnce all items are removed, and ideally organized in the appropriate place (e.g. shed, garage, or barn), it's time to tend to the grass and landscaping.
\r\n\r\nMow the lawn to reveal any weeds, animal holes, bald patches in the grass, and other undesirable features that will need to be addressed.
\r\n\r\nNext, trim back shrubs and trees to improve their appearance and boost plant health and growth.
\r\n\r\nOnce the larger plants are trimmed, you can then go in and assess smaller plants, including flowers, and determine areas that need fresh mulch, gravel, or seed.
\r\n\r\nIf you have an old fence, deck, pool, or shed/barn that's worse for wear and ready to be removed, Hometown can help you find fence and deck removal companies, pool removal contractors, and shed/barn removal companies too.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\nCleaning up an abandoned yard doesn't have to take a ton of time. Learn the benefits of having a well-maintained lawn, a few of the most common yard waste removal and disposal methods, and tips for getting the project done with minimal stress and time.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T17:23:39+00:00"},{"id":"bbd1a669-0380-5a55-ac47-f84232029644","title":"Who Has the Cheapest Dumpsters?","url":"/blog/who-has-the-cheapest-dumpsters","image":{"path":"/static/9521b372952ad16273600c3979111bdd/falldumpster.png","alt":"Two empty dumpsters in a parking lot"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"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":"Renting a dumpster isn't something that most people do everyday, so it's common to wonder, \"Who offers the cheapest dumpsters?\"
\r\n\r\nThere are a few different types of companies who offer temporary residential dumpster rentals and knowing the difference between them is key to ensuring you get the best deal and customer service.
\r\n\r\nThere are 3 main types of companies that offer dumpster rentals:
\r\n\r\nWe recommend avoiding dumpster brokers if possible. They act as the middleman between you and the actual dumpster provider and charge you more as a result.
\r\n\r\nThey essentially do what you could do on your own—research local providers that service your zip code—and they often do so from a completely different location that is not local to you or the dumpster provider.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if you're renting a dumpster in Michigan, you typically don't want to be dealing with customer service stationed in California.
\r\n\r\nNational waste companies tend to put their focus on weekly trash pick-up services. Nationwide waste management companies often provide the cheapest weekly residential trash service, but when it comes to dumpsters, they tend to cost more than their locally-owned competitors.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocally-owned and operated companies that specialize in dumpster rentals tend to offer the most competitive pricing.
\r\n
It's also worth mentioning that their customer service tends to be better too, because you're able to speak directly to the person who will be providing your service rather than someone who works in a call center.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nTo get the best dumpster rental price, don't just rent from the first local company you find.
\r\n\r\nIt's always best practice to get multiple dumpster rental quotes from providers in your area to ensure you're paying a competitive price and receiving the highest quality of customer service.
\r\n\r\nThere are several different factors that will affect the going rate for dumpster rentals in your area, like:
\r\n\r\nWhen reaching out to several different companies to check on pricing and availability, make sure you ask the right questions, like:
\r\n\r\nThese questions will help you understand the dumpster rental quote you're being given to best determine which company is the right fit for your waste disposal project.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to finding the cheapest locally-owned dumpster rental companies, Hometown is the best resource.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your project needs, you'll be shown a variety of licensed and insured dumpster companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nFrom there you can read about each company, read reviews from real customers, and request free quotes from as many providers as you'd like to be sure you're getting the cheapest dumpster rental available in your area without sacrificing service.
\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster isn't something that most people do everyday, so it's common to wonder, \"Who offers the cheapest dumpsters?\" Learn about the different types of companies who offer temporary dumpster rentals and how to make sure you get the best price.
\r\n","changed":"2022-08-01T15:13:56+00:00"},{"id":"ebd00ab6-8f28-5445-b640-1780f10831d3","title":"Benefits of Recycling Junk vs Throwing It Away","url":"/blog/benefits-of-recycling-junk-vs-throwing-it-away","image":{"path":"/static/414a81864d2e2c5d0968e8ca5f8504d1/recycle.png","alt":"Recycle your junk to save money on disposal costs"},"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":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"},{"id":"49c52146-4c5a-5ad3-a556-f14363834202","name":"Scrap Metal Recycling","slug":"Scrap-Metal-Recycling"}],"content":"It's common knowledge that recycling is beneficial for the environment.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, saves energy, and prevents pollution, just to name a few.
\r\n
There are many other benefits to recycling beyond environmental ones that are often overlooked that we'll go over in this article.
\r\n\r\n![\"Overlooked](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/benefits-of-recycling-infographic_0.png\")
\r\nRecycling makes a direct impact on your local economy by creating more jobs in the area.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThrowing your unwanted junk out creates 6-7 jobs at best, while recycling can help create up to 30 jobs.
\r\n
According to the US Recycling Economic Information Study, the US Recycling Industry employs around 1.25 million people while the US Solid Waste Management industry employs around 0.25 million.
\r\n\r\nRecycling is more labor-intensive than incineration or landfill disposal, which explains why so many more jobs are created from the recycling industry.
\r\n\r\nAccording to Ecocycle, recycling creates around of 9x more jobs than traditional disposal methods, and in some areas can create as many as 30x more jobs.
\r\n\r\nIf the idea of contributing less trash to our rapidly decreasing landfill space isn't enough to begin recycling, maybe knowing the amount of jobs it could create in your area is.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the main benefits of recycling is preserving natural resources.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile preserving resources is beneficial for the environment, it's also beneficial for the cost of raw materials.
\r\n
The cost of aluminum, for example, would be significantly more expensive if it wasn't a commonly recycled material.
\r\n\r\nOther materials like copper, iron, wood, glass, paper, plastic, and steel can also be recycled to help keep costs down.
\r\n\r\nIt's also worth mentioning that landfill space is a precious resource within itself.
\r\n\r\nThe less landfill space there is, the more expensive waste disposal costs will be, so recycling helps to preserve this quickly depleting landfill space.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf you are lucky enough to live in an area that provides a free recycling program, you could save significantly on your monthly municipal waste bill.
\r\n\r\nCommitting to recycling the estimated 75% of recyclable household waste would mean a 75% decrease in the amount of garbage you'll need your waste program to pick up.
\r\n\r\nEven if you only recycle 50% of your trash, that's still a significant decrease in yearly disposal costs.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"set](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/children-recycling.png\")
\r\nIf you have a child, niece, nephew, younger sibling, or other children in your life that you are a role model for, recycling is a great example to set for them.
\r\n\r\nIf you think that the effort recycling requires isn't worth it because it won't impact you directly, think of the impact it will make for future generations.
\r\n\r\nThe cost that future generations will have to pay for basic resources will be much higher than previous generations.
\r\n\r\nTeaching them how to recycle and reuse will help shape their habits for a lifetime.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you don't have a free recycling pickup program, it's highly likely that there is a recycling drop-off center within driving distance.
\r\n\r\nDoing a quick online search for free recycling centers will show you which options are offered in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you have gently used household items or clothing, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
\r\n\r\nPlaces like Goodwill or The Salvation Army have drop boxes and drop-off locations where you can unload your unwanted items.
\r\n\r\nListing free items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is also a great way to have someone come pick up your used items.
\r\n\r\nIf you have junk to get rid of but don't have the time or transportation to haul it yourself, hiring a junk removal company that recycles on your behalf can be a stress-free solution.
\r\n\r\nYou can find locally-owned junk removal companies in your area by using Hometown.
\r\n\r\nRead real reviews and request quotes from as many companies as you'd like for free.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least 3 different quotes so that you can compare pricing and customer service.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nRecycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, saves energy, and prevents pollution. Learn about the many other benefits of recycling that are often overlooked.
\r\n","changed":"2023-01-19T17:16:11+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"California","place":"San Francisco, CA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"california/commercial-waste-management-san-francisco-ca","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"California","place":"San Diego, CA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"California/junk-removal/san-diego-ca.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"California","place":"Orange County, CA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"California/junk-removal/orange-county-ca.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"California","place":"Palm Springs, CA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"California/dumpsters-palm-springs.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"California","place":"San Diego, CA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"california/commercial-waste-management-san-diego-ca","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"California","place":"Los Angeles, CA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"California/junk-removal/los-angeles-ca.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"Most 20 yard roll-offs are big enough and strong 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 truck that picks up the dumpster cannot lift or haul that much weight.
\r\n\tYour city/county’s weight limit restrictions for truck hauling may prohibit it.
\r\n\tDumpster rental companies are charged a per-ton rate at the landfill, and 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 determine how much you will be able to put in your 20 yard dumpster, you’ll 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:
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAs a locally owned and operated business serving the Fresno area, AD & J Roll Off Dumpster Service is able to offer personalized, comprehensive waste...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEveryday Junk Removal & Hauling can rent you a 13-yard dumpster anywhere in Fresno, CA, and the surrounding area for your hauling services as well as residential and commercial projects. We also offer flat fees for comprehensive junk removal services. This...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tClovis Junk Removal is proud to provide residential and commercial dumpster rental and junk removal services. We offer single item pickups, whole-home cleanouts, and even...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tValdez Company provides the perfect one-stop shop for all types of different large-scale disposal needs. We provide commercial waste management services, dumpster rental services, full-service junk removal, single-item junk removal, demolition, and more!\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOur 20 yard dumpsters can handle larger home cleanouts, renovation debris, or yard cleanup with ease. Big enough for the mess, but small enough to fit...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHinojosa Cleanup Service Inc. proudly offers a full range of waste disposal solutions across California's Central Valley, from Modesto to Bakersfield. We specialize in convenient...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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