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.
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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":"3eea91cb-c36f-53ca-8a67-c6661e86d2a7","title":"Junk Removal Minimum Fees","url":"/blog/junk-removal-minimum-fees","image":{"path":"/static/543490d92a2a49aad4d8c14c84c8f287/junk-removal-minimum-fees.png","alt":"junk removal workers carrying wood scraps"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"The price of junk removal varies from company to company, including their minimum fee.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAll junk removal companies have a minimum fee that they charge for their services that are reserved for the smallest, least complicated jobs.
\r\n
Minimum fees vary from company to company but typically range from $75-$100 based on U.S. averages.
\r\n\r\n![\"minimum](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/minimum-fees-info.jpg\")
\r\nEvery junk removal company has a base fee that they charge for their services and as the complexity of the project increases, so does the price.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe minimum fee a junk removal company will charge a client for their service is reserved for jobs that require the least amount of resources and space in their hauling vehicle.
\r\n
These projects usually involve the removal of 1-2 items, like a mattress or a couple garbage bags full of old clothing.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to note that the size of your single item removal won't typically affect a company's minimum fee.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if both a mattress removal or box of old toys equally qualify for a junk removal company's minimum service fee, you won't be charged less for the box of old toys just because it's a smaller item than the mattress. Minimum junk removal fees are the smallest amount a company is willing to charge to come haul away your single items and the price increases with each additional item you need hauled away.
\r\n\r\nMuch like the price of services, different junk removal companies will have different definitions of projects that qualify for their minimum fee.
\r\n\r\nThe national average minimum fee that junk removal services charge is $75-$100, but can be more or less depending on the cost of living in your area, disposal fees near you, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/mattress-removal_1.png\")
\r\nIf you only have one item that you need a junk removal company to remove, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be charged their minimum fee.
\r\n\r\nAppliance removal costs around $100 on average for a single item and usually adds around $30 per additional appliance in the same trip. So if a junk removal company's minimum service fee is $75 and you only have a single appliance you need hauled away, you won't necessarily qualify for their minimum fee. Appliances are heavy, usually require 2 workers, and often times require special handling. This all factors into the cost a junk removal company will charge to haul away single items like large appliances.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFurniture removal costs slightly more on average due to higher disposal fees at the landfill versus the cheaper fees to recycle appliances.
\r\n
You can expect to pay around $150 for a junk removal company to haul away your unwanted pieces of furniture, like a couch or dining room table.
\r\n\r\nIf you need to hire a junk removal company but only want to pay their minimum fee, having them remove recyclable items or items that can be donated will help you save on costs. The cheaper it is to dispose of your items, the better chance you have of saving on junk removal costs.
\r\n\r\nThe best way to get the best price for junk removal services is to get multiple quotes from locally-owned and operated companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find licensed and reputable junk removal services and request free quotes with our single quote request form. By simply entering your zip code and answering a few short questions about your junk removal needs, you'll be shown qualified companies in your area. You can read more about each company, read verified reviews from real customers, and get free estimates—all on one easy-to-use site!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nEvery junk removal company has a minimum fee they charge for their services. Learn about average minimum fees and what projects qualify for these base prices.
\r\n","changed":"2023-08-08T18:02:19+00:00"},{"id":"89b19f7a-4e61-59c4-a6c9-51f4febff357","title":"How to Get Rid of a Microwave","url":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-a-microwave","image":{"path":"/static/498ed3aa416c64b4f56c7af9802071af/old-microwave.png","alt":"broken fire damaged microwave"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"a9043ad0-7b48-5b76-ac8b-67f7b806691f","name":"Appliance Removal","slug":"Appliance-Removal"}],"content":"The lifespan of an average microwave is 5-10 years, so there will likely be several times throughout your life when you’ll need a way to dispose of your microwave.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThrowing a microwave in with your regular weekly trash pickup isn’t allowed and can get you fined in many places.
\r\n
We’ve gathered everything you need to know if you have an old microwave that you need to get rid of.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-of-microwave_1.jpg\")
\r\nOne of the easiest ways to get rid of anything is to donate or offer it for free on internet marketplaces, like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
\r\n\r\nThis usually only works for items that are still in good working condition.
\r\n\r\nIf your microwave still works, make sure to clean it inside and out to remove any remnants of food before taking it to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or other local donation centers.
\r\n\r\nTaking a photo and listing it online for free could get it picked up from your porch within a matter of hours or days.
\r\n\r\nIf you don't have the time, strength, or desire to haul your donation items to the appropriate facility, junk removal services will gladly pick up your gently used microwave or other household items and donate them on your behalf.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: Donate Your Unwanted Items Easily with Junk Removal
\r\n\r\nSome municipal weekly trash pickup services offer bulk trash pickup if it is scheduled ahead of time while others only offer it a few days out of the year.
\r\n\r\nNot every company does but double-checking with your local provider is worth a call.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"roll-off](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/yellow-dumpster.png\")
\r\nRenting a dumpster to get rid of a microwave is only cost-efficient if you have a lot of other unwanted items to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nIf you do a house cleanout and decide to rent a dumpster, be sure to ask the rental company what items they accept in their dumpster.
\r\n\r\nNot every company will allow appliances, so being as specific as possible when describing your intentions with the dumpster will help you avoid any unexpected charges and fees.
\r\n\r\nWhen you need a dumpster rental, getting multiple quotes from a variety of local companies is crucial to ensure you get the best service for the best price. Getting free dumpster rental quotes has never been easier than with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned and operated dumpster rental and junk removal companies across the U.S. By filling out our simple quote request form, you can choose which companies near you to request free estimates from to compare pricing, customer service, and availability.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nOne of the easiest ways to get rid of an old, broken-down microwave is to hire a locally-owned junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nThis is especially true if you have a few large items that you no longer wish to keep.
\r\n\r\nNot all junk removal companies will remove and recycle appliances, but the ones that do can be in and out of your house in under 20 minutes.
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to get rid of your old microwave is affordable, fast, and requires zero labor on your end.
\r\n\r\nJust like with dumpster rental services, Hometown makes it easy to find reputable, locally-owned junk removal companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can request free quotes from multiple providers to ensure you get the best price and customer service.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nLearn all about the different ways to get rid of an unwanted microwave in order to avoid getting fined for illegally dumping it in your weekly trash bin.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-11T17:53:55+00:00"}],"populars":[],"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\nRead more: The Different Types of Dumpster Styles
\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 $150 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 about 20 yard containers:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tFounded in 2016, SRC Disposal Services offers complete waste removal services in Utica, NY and surrounding areas. Our range of expertise includes dumpster rental, junk removal...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOur 20 yard option is ideal for a wide range of projects, such as home cleanouts, renovation, building cleanouts, and more. Pick N Go Property Waste...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFor over 30 years, M. Wheelock Disposal Service has been a leading resource for 20 yard roll-off dumpster rentals throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties in New York....\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAganier Haulers is a locally owned and operated waste management company that specializes in junk removal and roll off container rental. Our professional crews...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTow Away Haulers is a family-owned junk removal service in Lee Center, NY. All you have to do is tell us what you want removed...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOaks Dumpster Rental is your local, reliable provider of roll-off dumpster rentals for residential and commercial projects across Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut,...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTrash Panda Dumpster Rentals, LLC is a locally owned and operated asset-based waste management provider based in Whitesboro, New York. The company specializes in direct-to-consumer...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t315 Dumpster Rentals is a locally owned dumpster rental company serving Yorkville, Utica, and the surrounding Central New York area. They offer 10-, 15-, and 22-yard...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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