If you have bulky or heavy items to throw out that you don't want to haul to the landfill yourself, there are several different options available to you depending on where you live.
\r\n\r\nHometown is here to help you figure out which method will work best for your situation.
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/bulky-waste-items-info_1.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live, your city or township may offer bulk waste pickup services.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost areas require you to schedule your pickup and pay for it ahead of time, while some may have designated dates and times for bulk waste pickup.
\r\n
The traditional way to schedule these services is to purchase a sticker at city hall or other providers indicated by your local jurisdiction.
\r\n\r\nMost pickups occur within 3 business days and your bulk furniture or appliance must be placed at the road with the sticker visible to be picked up.
\r\n\r\nA more modern way to schedule these services is to fill out a form online and pay for it then.
\r\n\r\nThis way typically does not require a sticker to be placed on the item that is being picked up as long as payment has been received and the pick-up has been scheduled.
\r\n\r\nFailing to follow your area's requirements and leaving your items at the road without a sticker or without scheduling a pick-up can subject you to a fine.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome weekly trash pick-up services also offer bulk waste pick-up, but not all do.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou typically have to be a customer to qualify for these services, but many companies only offer these services in certain areas.
\r\n
Arranging these services is similar to the city collection programs and can be arranged by contacting your municipal trash service.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to be specific about what you plan on having picked up because different items may require different preparation.
\r\n\r\nFor example, items like couches and mattresses that are fabric may need to be wrapped in plastic, appliances containing freon need to have the freon removed by a professional, long items may need to be cut down into smaller sections, etc.
\r\n\r\nNot following instructions and having your bulk waste at the road for too long could result in fines from your city officials.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the easiest ways to get rid of large and bulky items is to hire a junk removal service.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe convenience of a junk removal service is not having to figure out a way to haul your item(s) out to the road.
\r\n
A junk removal crew (usually 2 people) will arrive prepared to remove your heavy items from wherever they are stored, so you don't have to do any of the heavy lifting.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple junk removal quotes is easy with Hometown.
\r\n\r\nBy entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your bulk waste removal needs, you'll be shown licensed and insured junk removal companies that are locally-owned and operated in your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can read more about each company, read verified real reviews, and request free quotes to ensure you're getting the best deal with the customer service you deserve and the availability you require.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals are an affordable option if you have 7 cubic yards or more of waste to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers and trailer dumpsters are temporarily rented out to residential customers who have a lot of junk, trash, and debris to get rid of.
\r\n\r\nA project like gutting a kitchen and removing all the appliances is a great candidate for renting a dumpster, but only removing a single appliance or piece of furniture is a better candidate for a junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nThere are different dumpster sizes available for a variety of different projects, and dumpster companies are great at helping you decide which size dumpster will work best for your project.
\r\n\r\nLocally-owned dumpster companies tend to offer the best pricing and customer service, and Hometown can help with that, too.
\r\n\r\nWe publish locally-owned and operated dumpster rental companies throughout the U.S. and make it easy to request free dumpster rental quotes with the click of a button.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal, you can use Hometown to search your zip code and find providers that service your area.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you have bulky or heavy items to throw out that you don't want to haul to the landfill yourself, there are several different options available to you depending on where you live. Learn about the different options to decide which method will work best for your situation.
\r\n","changed":"2022-07-01T03:36:04+00:00"},{"id":"3e3f9fde-23e9-5a0e-8dcd-684ef5d1e07d","title":"Plastic Recycling 101: Everything You Need to Know","url":"/blog/plastic-recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/1b7535fe757b69ca493ed923f9ec5778/plastic-recycling.jpg","alt":"Father and daughters sorting through plastic to place into recycling bin"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"51c3fa1e-5e47-57dd-903e-10a9699d3a72","name":"Plastic Recycling","slug":"Plastic-Recycling"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"}],"content":"The average time it takes for plastic to start decomposing in landfills is 700 years!
\r\n\r\nKnowing this, it's no wonder consumers and businesses are being called now more than ever to recycle plastic as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nWe have a great opportunity to reduce the size of our landfills at a time when landfill \"real estate\" is limited and dwindling by the day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is a great cause but there are rules you must follow in order to not contaminate a batch of recyclables.
\r\n
Not following these rules can lead to recyclables having to be tossed into a landfill, producing the exact opposite results you were trying for.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over everything you need to know about plastic recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs we've already mentioned, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling plastic is conserving landfill space, but that only just scratches the surface of the many benefits of plastic recycling.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling helps keep our environment healthy, but exactly how do our efforts impact the earth?
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of plastic that is recycled:
\r\n\r\nIf you're more motivated by the economy than you are the environment, don't worry, we've got you covered there too.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle shows 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\nJobs created by the recycling industry aren't minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers theirs workers competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when doing recycling of any kind is that it is crucial to keep all recycling products clean of any oil, grease, food, or beverage.
\r\n\r\nNot making sure to clean out plastic condiment containers or glass sauce jars can contaminate whole batches of recyclables, making your well-intentioned efforts cause more harm than good.
\r\n\r\nA shocking revelation to many well-intentioned recyclers is discovering that not all plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nAlways read the labeling on your recycling bin and do some independent research by reading your recyclers' website to discover exactly what types of plastic can and cannot be recycled at their facility.
\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\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 plastic or other items you're trying to recycle.
\r\n\r\nRecyclable plastic is numbered to indicate what type of plastic it is.
\r\n\r\nPlastic with a recycling label of 1 or 2 is almost always accepted at any plastic recycling facility, plastic labeled as 3 almost never goes in your recycling, and plastic with a label of 6 is only accepted by some plastic recycling plants.
\r\n\r\nCompostable plastic should never go into your recycling bin with other non-biodegradable plastic and should be composted for the most environmentally-friendly disposal.
\r\n\r\nAs the world becomes more eco-conscious, plastic grocery and shopping bags are starting to be labeled as recyclable, but it is very important to do research about your particular recycling facility and what materials they accept.
\r\n\r\nWhile many of these types of grocery bags are labeled as recyclable plastic no. 2, some recycling plants have the proper machinery to recycle these types of plastic bags or film while others can suffer serious repercussions if these types of plastic are put through their machinery.
\r\n\r\nThrowing plastic bags into your recycling bin that is being transported to a recycling plant that does not accept these items can do serious damage to the machinery it gets sent through, sometimes causing shut downs and delays for whole business days until the proper repairs can be made.
\r\n\r\nIn these instances, you can typically return the recyclable plastic bags back to the establishment that gave them to you so that they can responsibly recycle them for you.
\r\n\r\nHere is a list of the different number classes that plastic falls into:
\r\n\r\nThe most commonly recycled types of plastic are 1 and 2.
\r\n\r\nIn some circumstances, some types of 4, 5, and 7 plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nVery rarely, some types of 3 and 6 plastic can be recycled.
\r\n\r\nIt can feel overwhelming when you first make the conscious effort to recycle, but it really is more straight-forward than it looks at first glance.
\r\n\r\nGet used to looking for the recycling symbol on different types of plastic and check for a number in the center of it.
\r\n\r\nAfter you've made sure you understand what types of materials are accepted at your recycling facility and once you get used to checking plastic for their number categories, it really does become second nature.
\r\n\r\nIf you're lucky enough to live in an area that offers a free curbside recycling program, take advantage of the program to save space in your trash bin and save money on monthly household disposal costs!
\r\n\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling plastic.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most common is tossing in plastic that isn't labeled as recyclable or contributing recyclable plastic that isn't accepted at your particular recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to crush items like plastic water bottles when possible.
\r\n\r\nDoing so will help conserve space in transfer trucks and recycling bins.
\r\n\r\nAnother common mistake people make is throwing in plastic containers that haven't been cleaned and rinsed of whatever product they were containing.
\r\n\r\nPlastic cutlery can be too lightweight to be picked up as plastic by recycling machines, placing them in a paper recycling section which can then contaminate and ruin entire batches of recycled paper.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it is so important to make sure what your particular recycling center accepts, because not all recycling machines are made the same.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your local recycling facility to learn more.
\r\n\r\n![\"young](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/plastic-recycling-2.jpg\")
\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\nBetter yet, if you live in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, or Vermont, you can return plastic soda bottles to the place you purchased them to get your bottle deposit back.
\r\n\r\nFor those who live in areas where this isn't offered, however, there are plenty of other options available.
\r\n\r\nMany communities have drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nVisit 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 in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of plastic 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 plastic to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your plastic waste for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your plastic products without you having to lift a finger, and will donate salvageable items on your behalf.
\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 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 plastic recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-01T20:40:38+00:00"},{"id":"fe490e2d-c4db-53db-a29d-f6a74f7e8dd3","title":"DIY vs. Professional Junk Removal: Which Option Is Right for You?","url":"/blog/diy-vs-professional-junk-removal-which-option-is-right-for-you","image":{"path":"/static/18ab589c73405e32f040ea8254250efa/junk-removal-professional-with-clipboard.jpg","alt":"junk removal professional with clipboard"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"5928a41a-3ef0-577b-a694-0bb6cb93c693","name":"Hiring for Junk Removal","slug":"Hiring-for-Junk-Removal"},{"id":"8166a9a6-cfd1-559d-bf4f-078487cfcbe2","name":"DIY","slug":"DIY"}],"content":"When it comes to decluttering and getting rid of unwanted items, you're faced with a choice: tackle the task yourself or enlist the help of professional junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nBoth options have their merits, but deciding between DIY and hiring professionals for your junk removal project depends on various factors.
\r\n\r\nIn this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.
\r\n\r\n![\"DIY](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/diy-or-professional-junk-removal-infographic_0.jpg\")
\r\nCost Savings
\r\n\r\nDIY junk removal is often more budget-friendly, as you don't have to pay for professional services. You can also choose the disposal method that fits your budget and your goals, whether selling, donating, or recycling.
\r\n\r\nControl Over Process
\r\n\r\nWhen you handle the removal yourself, you have complete control over the process. You can decide which items to keep, donate, or discard without relying on external opinions.
\r\n\r\nScheduling Flexibility
\r\n\r\nDIY junk removal allows you to work at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can allocate time over a series of days or weekends, making it convenient for your routine.
\r\n\r\nPersonal Satisfaction
\r\n\r\nSuccessfully decluttering your space on your own can be incredibly satisfying. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and ownership over the process.
\r\n\r\nTime and Effort
\r\n\r\nDIY junk removal requires a significant investment of time and effort. Sorting, lifting, hauling, and disposing of items can be physically demanding and time-consuming.
\r\n\r\nLogistics and Disposal
\r\n\r\nYou'll need to arrange for the proper disposal of items, which may involve multiple trips to recycling centers, donation locations, and landfills.
\r\n\r\nLimited Resources
\r\n\r\nWithout professional equipment and expertise, you might struggle to handle heavy or bulky items safely. This could lead to accidents or injuries.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nConvenience
\r\n\r\nHiring professionals saves you from the physical labor and logistics involved in junk removal. They handle everything from lifting to disposal, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
\r\n\r\nEfficiency
\r\n\r\nProfessionals are experienced and equipped to complete junk removal quickly and efficiently. They have the tools and resources to handle various types of items.
\r\n\r\nSafety and Liability
\r\n\r\nProfessionals are trained to handle potentially hazardous materials, ensuring the safety of both you and the environment. They also have liability insurance to cover any accidents.
\r\n\r\nComprehensive Service
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies offer all-inclusive services, including sorting, loading, hauling, and proper disposal. They can handle large quantities of items effectively.
\r\n\r\nCost
\r\n\r\nProfessional junk removal services come at a cost, which varies based on the volume and type of items you need removed. However, the convenience and peace of mind may outweigh the expense.
\r\n\r\nLoss of Control
\r\n\r\nYou relinquish control over the removal process to the professionals. While they work based on your instructions, you won't have direct control over what happens to each item.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nChoosing between DIY junk removal and professional services depends on your specific circumstances, including your budget, time availability, physical capabilities, and preferences. If you value convenience, efficiency, and safety, professional junk removal is the best choice for you. If you're on a tight budget, have time to spare, and enjoy hands-on work, DIY junk removal could be a viable option.
\r\n\r\nUltimately, the decision comes down to what aligns best with your needs and priorities. Whichever option you choose, the goal remains the same: to declutter your space and create a more organized and comfortable environment.
\r\n\r\nExplore the pros and cons of DIY junk removal and hiring professional junk removal services to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.
\r\n","changed":"2023-08-22T19:38:53+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-philadelphia-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-allentown-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/philadelphia-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/allentown-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"The average cost of renting a 20 yard roll-off dumpster is $350-$550. Other charges for overages, tonnage, fuel surcharges, late fees, and certain types of debris may also apply.
\r\n\r\nOverage fees vary by company but typically range from $75-$100 per ton. This is why it’s important to choose the right dumpster size for your project. When speaking with the rental company over the phone, be detailed about the type and amount of debris you plan to get rid of. They are good at estimating weight and helping you choose the right size dumpster.
\r\n\r\n20 yard roll-off containers commonly come equipped with a hinged door, which makes it easy for you to load heavy/bulky items. Make sure you ask the dumpster providers you speak with about whether or not their dumpsters have doors; some older containers may not. Typical dimensions of a 20 yard dumpster are 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4.5 feet tall. If you are doing a home or garage cleanout, a 20 yard dumpster may be a great option for you, as the dimensions accommodate furniture and general trash well.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about 20 yard containers:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tPro Disposal is a family-owned and locally operated dumpster rental and waste management company. We pride ourselves on the dependable and highly reputable services that we have been providing to central PA for over 10 years!\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHugill’s Sanitation is a family owned business offering personal, friendly services for residential and commercial customers in Western and Central PA. We were founded in the 1950s and continue to thrive today! We have a wide selection of dumpsters...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEasterbrook Hauling Inc is a family‑run waste removal and dumpster rental company headquartered in Elton and deeply rooted in the Johnstown region, serving homeowners...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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