For relatively small cleanup projects around your house or business, there are multiple disposal options available to you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal, dumpster rental, and bag-style dumpsters are three of the most popular waste and debris removal options for homeowners and business owners alike.
\r\n
But which is the right choice for you?
\r\n\r\nEach method is better suited for different projects, and we're to help you determine which method is the best choice for your project.
\r\n\r\nThis guide will go over the main factors to consider when determining whether you should hire a junk removal company, rent a 10 yard dumpster, or buy a bag dumpster, including when it's the best choice, average costs, and where to find your preferred service type.
\r\n![\"infographic](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/trash-disposal-showdown-infographic.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen you reach out to a junk removal company to inquire about your project (i.e. how much it will cost and when the company would be able to complete the work), they likely will need to come to your home or business to assess how involved the work will be.
\r\n\r\nUsually within 1-2 business days or less—or whenever is convenient for you—the junk removal company will come out to your location (typically one or two people unless it's a big cleanout job) to provide an accurate, in-person quote.
\r\n\r\nIf you agree with a junk removal company's price, they typically get to work right away, removing whatever items you have from your home or business and loading them onto their truck or trailer.
\r\n\r\nOnce all your items are loaded up, you pay the company for the work, and your items are then transported directly to a local charity, recycling facility, or landfill, or they are taken back to the junk removal company's location where items are sorted and separated first.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services can accommodate both big and small projects, but big projects can be quite expensive.
\r\n\r\nBecause of this, junk removal is typically the best option for smaller jobs, like removing one or two pieces of furniture, appliance removal, or removing a small to medium pile of relatively lightweight items.
\r\n\r\nUsing junk removal services to complete a small disposal project is cost-effective and saves a great deal of time. It also saves you the hassle of doing all the heavy lifting yourself.
\r\n\r\nThis is what also makes junk removal a great option for those who are unable to lift or carry heavy items themselves.
\r\n\r\nSimilarly, if you have furniture, appliances, or other items that you no longer want but are still usable, a junk removal company can donate or recycle your items on your behalf so they don't end up in a landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost of junk removal services is $200-$1,000.
\r\n\r\nAs you can see, project costs can vary a great deal.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal pricing is impacted by multiple factors, like:
\r\n\r\nIf you only have a single piece of furniture to get rid of—like a mattress, treadmill, TV, or sofa—you will likely be charged the minimum amount, which averages $75-$100 depending on where you live.
\r\n\r\nRegardless of your junk removal project size, knowing what to look for in a junk removal service provider can help save you money and stress if you’ve never had to hire one before.
\r\n\r\nA qualified junk removal company is insured, has a good reputation, offers fair prices, and is available to complete the work when you need it.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we specialize in helping people find qualified junk removal companies and dumpster rental services in their area.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you choose the best junk removal company, we recommend customers reach out to multiple companies for junk removal quotes and get answers to the most important junk removal project questions from each one in order adequately compare job estimates.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"yellow](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/10-yard-dumpster-rental.png\")
\r\nWhen you reach out to a dumpster rental company to learn more about renting their dumpsters (i.e. how much it will cost, items they accept or prohibit, and when the company would be able to deliver the dumpster), they will be able to provide a quote via phone or text.
\r\n\r\nAfter getting quotes from at least two or more dumpster rental companies, determine which dumpster rental company to rent from, and schedule your dumpster delivery.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster company will then deliver your 10 yard container (or a larger dumpster size if they recommend it for your project), placing it in your driveway or other desired and approved location.
\r\n\r\nWith the dumpster dropped off, you can then load your items into the container.
\r\n\r\nTo avoid additional fees when renting your dumpster, follow the dumpster's weight limit restrictions and keep any restricted items out of the container.
\r\n\r\nOnce you've loaded up all your items, contact your dumpster rental company within your dumpster rental period to let them know the dumpster is ready for pick-up.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster truck driver will then come pull the dumpster back onto the truck and take it to the nearest landfill or recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nOnce at the landfill, the truck drives onto a scale and gets weighed, dumps the contents of the dumpster, then gets weighed again on the way out to determine the weight of your dumpster contents.
\r\n\r\nThe dumpster rental company will then send you an invoice, and you pay for your dumpster services and any overages you incurred.
\r\n\r\nRead on: How to Rent a Dumpster
\r\n\r\nA 10 yard dumpster rental is the ideal choice for ongoing projects that produce a relatively small amount of debris, like:
\r\n\r\nRenting a dumpster to be on-site during demolition, remodel, or cleanout projects helps keep your work site clean and safe.
\r\n\r\nThey're also great for people who prefer to do the work themselves and save a little money.
\r\n\r\n10 yard dumpsters typically have a 2-3 ton weight limit (2,000-4,000 lbs), so if your dumpster contents are likely to be heavier than this, you may need to rent a 20 yard dumpster or even a 30 or 40 yard container.
\r\n\r\nTrailer dumpsters come in a 10 yard size as well as a variety of other smaller sizes, making them great for maneuvering them into a small driveway or alleyway.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a very small amount of items to get rid of, like a single treadmill, a couple appliances, or a small pile of junk, junk removal services may be the better option.
\r\n\r\nThe average cost to rent a 10 yard dumpster is $250-$350.
\r\n\r\nHowever, dumpster rental costs depend on a number of factors, like:
\r\n\r\nAs previously mentioned, if you put a prohibited item in your dumpster, go over your dumpster's weight limit, or exceed your dumpster's rental period, the cost for your 10 yarder will go up.
\r\n\r\nKnowing what to look for in a dumpster rental company and the services they provide can help save you money and stress if you’ve never had to hire one before.
\r\n\r\nJust like with junk removal service providers, a qualified dumpster rental company should have the proper license and insurance, a good reputation, competitive prices, and the availability to deliver and pick up your dumpster when you need it.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we specialize in helping people find qualified dumpster rental companies and junk removal services in their area.
\r\n\r\nTo be sure you rent from the best dumpster rental company, we recommend you reach out to multiple companies for dumpster quotes and get answers to the most important dumpster rental questions from each one in order adequately compare companies' estimates.
\r\n\r\nFind out more:
\r\n\r\n![\"full](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/bag-style-dumpster.png\")
\r\nThe most popular bag-style dumpster, Waste Management's \"Bagster,\" is available in most areas across the country.
\r\n\r\nTo get started, you will first need to make sure Bagster pick-up is available in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf pick-up is available in your area, you can buy a Bagster from Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, and other big box home improvement stores.
\r\n\r\nNext, open up and set up your dumpster in your driveway or where it can be picked up easily by Waste Management's truck.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend avoiding setting up your Bagster on your grass if you can help it, as this can quickly put a dead patch in your lawn.
\r\n\r\nOnce your bag dumpster is set up, fill it up following the included instructions.
\r\n\r\nWhen you're done or your Bagster is full, schedule pick-up with WM.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a small amount of relatively lightweight junk that takes up three cubic yards or less, a dumpster bag is a great option.
\r\n\r\nHowever, three yards is not much space, especially if you're loading bulky or oddly shaped items into it, and you may find that it's not enough to complete the entire disposal.
\r\n\r\nThe Bagster itself costs roughly $30, though this cost may vary slightly depending on where you live.
\r\n\r\nThe upfront cost for a bag-style dumpster is low, but the pick-up/disposal fee is where the majority of the Bagster's cost comes into play.
\r\n\r\nBagster pick-up costs vary from $120-$350 depending on where you live, making the total cost to use a bag dumpster $150-$380 on average.
\r\n\r\nAs we previously mentioned, you can find Bagster bag dumpsters from Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, and even some local hardware and home improvement stores.
\r\n\r\nWaste Management can help you locate a store that sells Bagsters near you.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nFor relatively small cleanup projects around your house or business, there are multiple disposal options available to you. Compare the benefits and costs of each to find out if you should hire a junk removal company, rent a 10 yard dumpster, or buy a bag dumpster.
\r\n","changed":"2022-02-09T23:36:48+00:00"},{"id":"8c610603-c670-5d30-9cda-143f510070b9","title":"How Junk Removal Services Can Help with Light Demolition","url":"/blog/junk-removal-light-demolition","image":{"path":"/static/9bc1fdefa6a8f86161e0e89d840c4709/light-demolitin-deck-removal.png","alt":"partially demolished wood deck and wheelbarrow"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"1bcaed27-a464-5ccf-b52a-7b4bca4d974b","name":"Light Demolition","slug":"Light-Demolition"}],"content":"Junk removal services are incredibly convenient, which is why so many homeowners and business owners opt to hire junk removal companies to help with their projects.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMost people know junk removal companies are great at getting rid of bulk trash, unwanted furniture and appliances, and remodeling debris, but not everyone knows that junk removal companies are great at helping with light demolition projects, too.
\r\n
If you're planning a light demolition project, like fence removal, above ground pool removal, deck removal, hot tub removal, flooring removal, etc., you may not realize that junk removal companies can be a great asset in getting the job done as efficiently as possible.
\r\n\r\nIn this guide, we'll go over the light demolition process so you know what to expect, how much you can expect to pay, and who to hire.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes from local junk removal companies for your light demolition project is the best way to ensure you hire the right company for the right price, and nobody makes it more simple than Hometown.
\r\n
![\"Hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request-form-1.png\")
\r\nHometown Dumpster Rental specializes in helping homeowners and business owners find waste disposal companies, including dumpster rental and junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nWe make it easy to request quotes from up to three companies with a single click.
\r\n\r\nStart by answering a few questions about your project...
\r\n![\"Hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request-form-3.png\")
\r\nSelect the type of project you have.
\r\n![\"Hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request-form-4.png\")
\r\nEnter the address where you will need service.
\r\n![\"Hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request-form-5.png\")
\r\nDescribe your project as clearly as you can, including dimensions, materials, and other important details about your light demolition project that may affect how the job is done.
\r\n![\"Hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request-form-6_0.png\")
\r\nSelect how many quotes you would like to request from local providers.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend selecting \"Up to 3\" because the more quotes you get, the more information you'll be able to compare, like companies' availability, customer service, experience, and cost.
\r\n\r\nThe more quotes you can compare, the higher your chances of hiring the best company for the job.
\r\n![\"Hometown](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hometown-junk-removal-quote-request-form-7.png\")
\r\nAfter describing your project, we'll get your contact details so companies can reach out to you to provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nWe never share or sell your data. We only use your project details to help connect you to the right local experts and to follow up on your satisfaction level.
\r\n\r\nOnce your request is submitted, you’ll receive a text alerting you when a company accepts your request and agrees to provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nThe junk removal companies will then follow up with you directly to schedule a time to come out to your property and provide an accurate quote for your light demolition project.
\r\n\r\nIf you haven't requested quotes from junk removal companies yet, Hometown can help you find qualified local junk removal services, read customer reviews, and easily request quotes from them.
\r\n\r\nKnowing the average cost of the most common light demolition projects will make it easier for you to identify a good deal.
\r\n\r\nAbove ground pool removal: $1,000-$3,000
\r\n\r\nDeck removal: $600-$1,000
\r\n\r\nFence removal: $600-$800
\r\n\r\nFlooring removal: $325-$700
\r\n\r\nHot tub removal: $300-$600
\r\n\r\nShed demolition: $600-$2,000
\r\n\r\nRemember: There’s zero obligation to hire when getting quotes from junk removal companies, or any contractor for that matter.
\r\n\r\nCompare and contrast the quotes you receive and each company's customer service and availability.
\r\n\r\nIf/when you’re ready, hire the junk removal company you think is best for your light demolition project.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nThe exact demolition process will vary depending on your particular project.
\r\n\r\nFor example, a fence removal will go differently than a hot tub or above ground pool removal.
\r\n\r\nHowever, the general light demolition process goes like this...
\r\n\r\nStep 1: A crew of typically two or more will arrive at your job site in a trailer truck to get started.
\r\n\r\nStep 2: The crew will confirm and finalize the exact work you need done.
\r\n\r\nStep 3: Before starting demolition, they will position the trailer/truck as close to the job site as possible for convenient disposal of debris.
\r\n\r\nStep 4: Any prep work that needs to be done takes place. For example, above ground pools and hot tubs are emptied, electricity gets turned off if interior demolition is taking place, etc.
\r\n\r\nStep 5: Using simple manpower and the necessary tools (e.g. electric drills, saws, pry bars, sledgehammers, and in some cases, heavy machinery, like backhoes or jackhammers), the crew will start the disassemby and demolition.
\r\n\r\nStep 6: As the demolition takes place, the debris is loaded onto the truck/trailer.
\r\n\r\nStep 7: Once the demolition is finished and all the debris is in the truck/trailer, the crew will typically sweep or rake the area clear of any remaining debris.
\r\n\r\nOnce your light demolition project is completed, before leaving your home or business, the junk removal company will provide you with an invoice.
\r\n\r\nOftentimes, they'll take a credit card or cash on the spot.
\r\n\r\nIn some cases, you can call into the office to pay the invoice over the phone.
\r\n\r\nOnce loaded onto their truck, the junk removal company will then transport the debris to the appropriate place for proper disposal.
\r\n\r\nFor example, if you have items that can be donated, the service company will take it to a local charity. (Ask for a receipt of donation if they do not provide one to you.)
\r\n\r\nIf the item(s) can't be donated but can be recycled, the company will take it to a local recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nIf they are unable to donate or recycle the item(s), only then will they take the debris to a landfill.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nIf you're planning a light demolition project, like fence removal, above ground pool removal, deck removal, etc., you may not realize that junk removal companies can be a great asset in getting the job done as efficiently as possible. Learn about the light demolition process so you know what to expect, how much you can expect to pay, and who to hire.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T20:41:33+00:00"},{"id":"dae1e54f-cbd8-5018-9b7b-fda861f519ee","title":"From Trash to Treasure: 7 of the Most Valuable Items Ever Found in a Dumpster","url":"/blog/from-trash-to-treasure-7-of-the-most-valuable-items-ever-found-in-the-dumpster","image":{"path":"/static/560aac51c69760d22fc05cd5ae6afdc9/valuable-items-found-in-the-trash.jpeg","alt":"valuable items found in trash"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"We’ve all heard the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Well, these are some of the most extreme cases you’ll ever hear about.
\r\n\r\nIt’s unbelievable what sort of items people find when digging through the trash, from high-end gadgets to historic relics and priceless items. Let me show you what I mean…
\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Found](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/ancient-mayan-artifacts.jpeg\")
\r\nNick DiMola worked at a junk removal company back in 2004 when he was hired to clean out the apartment of an artist who had recently passed away. DiMola discovered a cardboard barrel he mistook for trash and stuffed it away in a warehouse for the next few years.
\r\n\r\nHis curiosity eventually got the best of him, and he opened the barrel to see what was inside. To his surprise, he found $16,500 worth of ancient Mayan artifacts dated between 300 B.C. and 500 A.D., including a stone ax god worth $1,000.
\r\n\r\nVia: NY Daily News
\r\n\r\n![\"Valuable](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/one-valuable-laptop.jpeg\")
\r\nIt was one discarded laptop found lying amidst trash that broke open a highly publicized case involving former Goldman Sachs trader Fabrice Tourre.
\r\n\r\nThe laptop, found in a dumpster by an unnamed person, contained secret emails and other information related to the controversial sales of mortgage securities. The information helped convict Tourre of mortgage fraud.
\r\n\r\nVia: MSNBC
\r\n\r\n![\"Real](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/real-life-treasure1.jpeg\")
\r\nAbandoned storage units are auctioned off to the public all the time, but not all of them contain $500,000 worth of gold bars, silver, and rare coins. The winning bidder, a San Jose man who wishes to remain anonymous, paid $1,100 for the unit. I’d say it was a good investment!
\r\n\r\nThe auctioneer was none other than the husband/wife duo that stars in the A&E hit show Storage Wars, Dan and Laura Dotson. According to Storage Auction Central, the former owner of the storage unit is Daniel David Rigmaiden, a self-proclaimed computer hacker on trial for fraud and identity theft. He allegedly stole about $4 million by filing fraudulent tax returns.
\r\n\r\nVia: ABC News
\r\n\r\n![\"Recycled](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/recycled-inheritance1.jpeg\")
\r\nA Kentucky man found $22,000 worth of U.S. savings bonds lying in a barrel of scrap metal at the recycling center he worked at.
\r\n\r\nMaybe even more surprising is the fact that the man, Mike Rogers, tracked down the rightful owner of the savings bonds and returned them to him. He may be the most honest person in the world!
\r\n\r\nVia: ABC News
\r\n\r\n![\"Found](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declaration-of-independence.jpeg\")
\r\nA Pennsylvania man purchased a painting for $4 at a local flea market. He liked the frame and thought he could restore it. When he couldn’t restore the frame to its original luster, he nearly tossed the frame and painting into the trash.
\r\n\r\nInstead, he took the painting out of the frame and discovered an old folded up piece of paper behind it. He had found one of 24 known copies of the Declaration of Independence, which were used to spread the good news around the country. The historic document sold at auction for $2.42 million to an Atlanta businessman.
\r\n\r\nVia: AllThingsMundane
\r\n\r\n![\"Lost](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tres-Personajes.jpeg\")
\r\nElizabeth Gibson stumbled upon a painting on the side of a Manhattan street. The painting was sitting there waiting to be picked up by the garbage collectors. She liked the colors used in the painting but didn’t know anything about it, so she took it home and researched it over the next few years. Turns out, it was a lost masterpiece called “Tres Personajes” painted by a famous Mexican artist named Rufino Tamayo. The painting sold at auction for a cool $1 million.
\r\n\r\nVia: PBS
\r\n\r\n![\"Found](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/lotto-tickets.jpeg\")
\r\nEdward St. John regularly searched through the dumpsters at a local Massachusetts convenience store looking for lottery tickets. He hit the jackpot, literally, in 2005 when he found a $1 million winner.
\r\n\r\nKevin Donovan, who was apparently the man who purchased the winning Hold’em Poker scratch-off ticket, later sued him. St. John eventually had to give up $140,000 of his winnings in a settlement, although it’s still safe to say he’s one lucky guy.
\r\n\r\nVia: NBC News
\r\n\r\nLearn more about dumpsters:
\r\n\r\nDiscover some of the treasure that people throughout the country have found thrown out with the trash—fine art, historical documents, ancient artifacts, lottery tickets, and more!
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-13T11:46:38+00:00"}],"populars":[{"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"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/pittsburgh-pa.html","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":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-philadelphia-pa","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":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-pittsburgh-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"10 Yard Dumpsters","body":"Learn more: Dumpster Rental Pricing Guide
\r\nLearn more: Complete Guide to Dumpster Rental Sizes
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