![\"tips](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/decluttering-a-guide-for-success-infographic.png\")
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.
\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 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":"5cf069c2-baac-568f-aaad-0045417e4d50","title":"Decluttering: A Guide for Success","url":"/blog/decluttering-a-guide-for-success","image":{"path":"/static/551e7d5eaf7cd35dd1bec9198bbaefe1/decluttering-guide.jpg","alt":"decluttering tips"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"For most people, decluttering your home isn't always a fun and enjoyable experience, but it's something we should all do at least once a year.
\r\n\r\nHometown has put together a useful infographic to help streamline the decluttering process for you.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt's important to keep your home free of clutter for several reasons, primarily for the sake of your mental and physical health.
\r\n
A clean, organized house does wonders to relieve day-to-day stresses and improve the overall safety of your home.
\r\n\r\nWhen you're ready to declutter your home, refer to the below infographic...
\r\n\r\n
Learn more:
\r\n\r\nDecluttering has a number of health and environmental benefits. Learn how to streamline the decluttering process and why it's worth it using our helpful guide.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-22T17:01:37+00:00"},{"id":"549ff7ce-2376-5661-9f6f-002688827486","title":"Questions to Ask Junk Removal Companies Before Hiring","url":"/blog/questions-to-ask-junk-removal-companies-before-hiring","image":{"path":"/static/d45e1eda7d6f08332dab1f0a2ad98303/questions-for-junk-removal-companies.png","alt":"junk removal crew in front of truck"},"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":"Hiring a junk removal service is the most convenient way to get rid of bulk amounts of junk, trash, debris, appliances, yard waste, and more.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to do your research if you want to ensure you get the best price and customer service when hiring these services.
\r\n\r\nFinding locally-owned junk removal services is easy with Hometown, but once you find companies in your area, what should you call and ask?
\r\n\r\nWe've put together a list of all the questions you should have answers to before hiring a junk removal service.
\r\n\r\n![\"Questions](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/questions-to-ask-junk-removal.jpg\")
\r\nMost junk removal companies will try to accommodate your disposal needs, but what they are willing to accept might depend on your local landfill laws.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to be as detailed as possible when speaking with a potential service provider so that you ensure they will be able to remove everything your project requires.
\r\n\r\nRead on: What Junk Removal Companies Will and Won't Take
\r\n\r\n![\"pile](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/tv-by-road.png\")
\r\nIf you don't have the proper manpower to put all of your unwanted items in one central location for pickup, like the end of your driveway, you'll want to make sure that the junk removal company is able and willing to come into your home to do the heavy lifting for you. This is standard practice and is not typically an issue, but communicating your expectations are key to a smooth junk removal service.
\r\n\r\nIf you do have the ability to pile up all your items for pickup at the end of your driveway, ask the junk removal company if they will provide you with a discounted rate. Some companies will reward customers who make their loading process easier.
\r\n\r\nLearn more: 4 Ways to Save on Junk Removal Costs
\r\n\r\nAsk the junk removal company how they structure their pricing.
\r\n\r\nIf you only have a few pieces of furniture or an appliance you need hauled away, ask what they charge for small loads.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIt is standard practice for junk removal companies to provide a free quote, and oftentimes, this is done in person.
\r\n\r\nThe traditional method for providing a junk removal quote is to come on-site to evaluate the project in person. If the customer accepts the quote, they typically begin the removal on the spot.
\r\n\r\nSome companies are able to speak with you over the phone and provide a quote if you send a phone for them to assess.
\r\n\r\nIf you speak with a junk removal company that denies your request for a free quote, we highly recommend steering clear and finding someone else in your area that will communicate their pricing.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"hauling](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/full-junk-removal-truck.jpg\")
\r\nAsk the junk removal company how large their vehicle is and how much junk it can accommodate. If their truck needs to make multiple trips, ask them if they charge per trip.
\r\n\r\nIf you have a large amount of junk that needs to be removed, finding a company with large hauling capabilities will be important when it comes to your final bill, helping you avoid additional fueling charges.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to make sure that the junk removal company you hire is a legally operating and licensed business in your state.
\r\n\r\nAnyone trying to operate a business without a business license is a huge liability to you and your property, not to mention suggests very dishonest business practices.
\r\n\r\nMaking sure the company is bonded is important in making sure that you are not held financially responsible for any work that the company fails to perform properly.
\r\n\r\nInsurance is equally as important, making sure to protect you from any harm or damage caused to you, a worker, and your property.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading: Why You Should Hire a Licensed and Insured Junk Removal Company
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal companies take special care in their method for disposal, making sure to separate and recycle as much as they can. If you have items still in good condition, they may also donate your unwanted items to local resell shops or charities on your behalf.
\r\n\r\nBetter yet, some may even provide you with a tax deduction slip in the amount of your unwanted, donated items.
\r\n\r\nWith so many companies offering these environmentally-friendly disposal options, it's worth shopping around to make sure that your load doesn't end up in a landfill if you can avoid it.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to junk removal services, hiring a local company is not only better for your local economy, it oftentimes saves you money.
\r\n\r\nAdditionally, hiring a locally-owned and operated company typically means that you will get better customer service and higher quality work because they know that their reputation is what will keep them in business.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-driver.png\")
\r\nIf you're in a time crunch, availability might be one of the most important requirements for you.
\r\n\r\nIf the price is right but their timeframe is wrong, call other junk removal services until you find one that can fit your project schedule.
\r\n\r\nFinding local junk removal companies in your area is fast and easy with Hometown. Our single quote request form makes it convenient to get multiple junk removal quotes that allow you to compare each company's pricing, customer service, and availability.
\r\n\r\nBy simply entering your zip code and answering a few short questions about your junk removal needs, you can choose up to 3 providers in your area to get free junk removal quotes from. We'll even match you up with local services if you don't feel like looking through their profiles yourself.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we know the type of quality service you deserve, and we offer the quickest and easiest way to compare all your options in one easy-to-use place.
\r\n\r\nTry our free quote request form today and have your unwanted junk hauled away in no time!
\r\n\r\nFind out which questions you should get answers to before hiring a junk removal service. Ask the right questions to ensure you get quality service when you need it for a fair price.
\r\n","changed":"2023-07-09T23:49:42+00:00"},{"id":"3c665f9f-5fac-5a5f-a38e-65167013ccc3","title":"How to Get Rid of Unwanted Junk Before Moving","url":"/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-unwanted-junk-before-moving","image":{"path":"/static/2036ac3743972a20f33b8196fee3c501/moving-boxes.png","alt":"Couple looking at tablet in room full of moving boxes"},"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"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"}],"content":"Moving provides an opportunity to take inventory of all your belongings and start fresh in your new living space.
\r\n\r\nDecluttering and getting rid of old or unused items can improve your quality of life, but you might be wondering, \"What do I do with all my old junk?\"
\r\n\r\n![\"How](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/get-rid-of-junk-before-moving-info_4.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nOne option for getting rid of old junk that won't fit in your regular trash bin is to take it to the landfill yourself.
\r\n\r\nWhen hauling items to the landfill yourself, be prepared to wait in line.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where your local landfill is located, wait times may be significant.
\r\n\r\nYou'll be charged based on the weight of your items, which is around $50 per ton on average.
\r\n\r\nTaking your junk to the landfill yourself may be cheaper than renting a dumpster, but consider the cost of travel and the value of your time when deciding which disposal solution is best for you.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nThe cheapest way to get rid of unwanted belongings is to donate them.
\r\n\r\nThere are several ways to do this:
\r\n\r\nIf your items aren't in decent working condition, donating won't be the right option for getting rid of your old junk before your big move.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor those that have a large amount of junk to get rid of, renting a dumpster is the perfect disposal solution.
\r\n\r\nTemporary dumpster rentals allow you to load your unwanted items at your own pace.
\r\n\r\nMost residential dumpster rentals have flexible rental terms, ranging anywhere from a single day to several weeks.
\r\n\r\nThere are different dumpster styles and sizes available on the market to accommodate disposal projects of all sizes while still fitting in your driveway.
\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to renting a dumpster, the best price can most often be found with a locally-owned and operated company.
\r\n\r\nIt's also best practice to get multiple quotes and shop around before making a decision on who to rent from.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to request free quotes from multiple dumpster companies in your area with a single quote request form.
\r\n\r\nWe do the research for you and present you with a list of licensed, insured, and reputable dumpster rental companies that service your zip code.
\r\n\r\nThe customer reviews are all verified, so you can read about others' experience and make the best, most informed choice when deciding who to rent a dumpster from.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIf you're someone who doesn't have the time, manpower, physical ability, or desire to load a dumpster yourself, hiring a junk removal crew is the most convenient way to get rid of all your unwanted junk before you move out.
\r\n\r\nSimilarly to dumpster rental, junk removal services can comfortably accommodate disposal project of all sizes.
\r\n\r\nIf you only have a mattress and box spring or maybe just a couple boxes to get rid of, a removal crew can have your items loaded on their truck and hauled off your property within a matter of minutes.
\r\n\r\nLarger, more extensive projects can likely be done within a few hours.
\r\n\r\nUnlike a single flat rate when you rent a dumpster, junk removal companies will charge you based on the amount of space your items take up in their truck.
\r\n\r\nWhile junk removal services can cost more than renting a dumpster for those who have 7 cubic yards or more of junk, the convenience of not having to lift a finger is invaluable to many.
\r\n\r\nUnsure whether renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service is the better option to get rid of old items before your upcoming move? Get free quotes for both services!
\r\n\r\nFill out Hometown's quote request form for both services and compare local companies.
\r\n\r\nFind out who has the best prices, best reviews, and the availability your timeline requires - all in one convenient place!
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nDecluttering and getting rid of old or unused items before moving provides an opportunity to start fresh in your new living space, but you might be wondering, \"What do I do with all my old junk?\". Read about different disposal options available to make your move seamless.
\r\n","changed":"2022-11-16T21:23:29+00:00"},{"id":"ae25fdbf-ce95-5032-8d18-1d30bbf0ce10","title":"Donating Furniture: Giving Back to the Community Through Responsible Removal","url":"/blog/donating-furniture-giving-back-to-the-community-through-responsible-removal","image":{"path":"/static/2312327f299512b1b28e4003eed94562/furniture-removal.jpg","alt":"couple watching professionals load their dining room set onto truck"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"1e45c637-f541-57aa-bc46-d9d831cafe4c","name":"Furniture Removal","slug":"Furniture-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"In today's world, where consumerism often encourages the ongoing acquisition of new possessions, it's easy to overlook the benefits of donating furniture and other items we no longer need. However, responsible furniture removal and donation can have a profound impact on both your community and the environment.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt's not just about getting rid of old stuff; furniture removal and donation is about giving back and making a positive contribution to society.
\r\n
Junk removal companies are professionals at removing furniture quickly and safely and then transporting it to a local donation center. Only if furniture isn't salvageable is it taken to the landfill, making professional furniture removal an eco-friendly choice.
\r\n\r\nResponsible furniture removal entails more than just tossing unwanted items to the curb or dumping them in a landfill. It involves a thoughtful process that prioritizes community welfare and environmental sustainability.
\r\n\r\nHere are some compelling reasons why responsible furniture removal matters:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most significant advantages of donating furniture is the opportunity to help those less fortunate in your community. Many individuals and families struggle to afford basic furniture, and your gently used items can make a substantial difference in their lives. By donating, you provide essential items like beds, tables, and chairs to those who might not otherwise have access to them.
\r\n\r\nThe disposal of furniture in landfills contributes to environmental problems such as increased methane emissions and soil contamination. Responsible removal reduces the environmental impact by extending the lifespan of these items and diverting them from landfills. This not only conserves valuable resources but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with furniture production and disposal.
\r\n\r\nDonating furniture aligns with the principles of sustainability. It encourages responsible consumption and waste reduction, two key components of a more sustainable lifestyle. When you choose to donate rather than discard, you participate in a circular economy that promotes the reuse and recycling of goods.
\r\n\r\nIn many countries, donating furniture to registered non-profit organizations can qualify you for tax deductions or credits. These incentives can provide financial benefits to individuals and businesses while encouraging philanthropic behavior. It's a win-win situation, allowing you to support charitable causes and reduce your tax liability simultaneously.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nIf you're ready to give back to your community and minimize your environmental impact through furniture donation, here are some steps to follow:
\r\n\r\nStart by assessing the condition of your furniture. Items in good, usable condition are ideal candidates for donation. Ensure they are clean and free of any significant damage.
\r\n\r\nResearch local charities, non-profit organizations, or thrift stores that accept furniture donations. Contact them to inquire about their donation guidelines and whether they offer pick-up services.
\r\n\r\nClean and disinfect your furniture before donating it. This ensures that you're offering safe and sanitary items to those in need.
\r\n\r\nCoordinate with the chosen donation center to either schedule a pick-up or arrange for drop-off. Many organizations have specific hours and procedures for accepting donations.
\r\n\r\nKeep a record of your donation, including photographs of the items donated and any receipts or acknowledgment letters provided by the organization. This documentation can be essential for tax purposes.
\r\n\r\nEncourage others in your community to donate furniture as well. Your example may inspire friends, family, and neighbors to follow suit, multiplying the positive impact.
\r\n\r\n![\"two](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/crew-carrying-couch.jpg\")
\r\nProfessional junk removal services often make it easy to donate furniture by streamlining the process and connecting with local charities or organizations that accept furniture donations.
\r\n\r\nHere's how professional junk removal companies typically handle furniture removal and make your life easier...
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate the homeowner's or business's needs. This allows you to choose a time that works best for you.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies provide on-site estimates in most cases. When the junk removal team arrives at your location, they assess the items you want to donate, determine how much space your furniture will take up in their truck, determine whether or not they can be donated or need to be disposed of, and give you a price estimate on the spot. If you agree to their quote, they can usually remove your unwanted furniture right away.
\r\n\r\nProfessional crews are trained to identify furniture items that are in good condition and can be reused. They separate the items that are suitable for donation from those that need to be disposed of, and transport them to a donation center or landfill accordingly.
\r\n\r\nThe service provider will have the necessary vehicles and equipment to safely transport the donated furniture. They ensure that the furniture is loaded and secured properly during transportation to prevent any damage.
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies have established partnerships with local charities, thrift stores, or organizations that accept furniture donations. These partnerships simplify the process of finding suitable recipients for the furniture.
\r\n\r\nMany professional junk removal services can provide you with a receipt or documentation for your donated furniture. This can be used to claim a tax deduction, as furniture donations to qualified nonprofit organizations are often tax-deductible.
\r\n\r\nBefore leaving, the junk removal team will typically provide you with a donation receipt or confirmation from the charity or organization that received your furniture. This serves as proof of your donation.
\r\n\r\nFor any items that cannot be donated, professional junk removal services ensure environmentally responsible disposal. They will recycle or dispose of items in compliance with local regulations.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services usually have transparent pricing structures, so you know what you'll be charged upfront. This can include fees for labor, transportation, and disposal. Donation services may or may not have additional charges, depending on the company.
\r\n\r\nThey often provide excellent customer support, making the process hassle-free. You can ask questions, request additional information, or seek assistance as needed.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are typically familiar with local charities and organizations that accept furniture donations. This local expertise helps ensure that your furniture goes to those in need within your community.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: All You Need to Know About Furniture Removal Costs
\r\n\r\nDonating furniture is a meaningful way to give back to the community while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
\r\n
\r\nResponsible furniture removal ensures that your gently used items find new homes with those who need them most, all while minimizing the environmental impact of disposal. So, the next time you consider replacing your furniture, think about the positive change you can make by choosing to donate instead of discarding.
\r\n
\r\nProfessional junk removal companies offer streamlined, eco-friendly furniture removal services, making it easy for customers to donate furniture, reduce waste, and benefit those who can use the items. Additionally, these services can save you time and effort by handling all the logistics of furniture donation.
Junk removal companies are professionals at removing furniture quickly and safely. Learn all about how junk removal services can assist with you furniture donation.
\r\n","changed":"2023-09-28T20:52:10+00:00"},{"id":"0d931cf2-33ef-56d4-860c-120c72ec1f73","title":"Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Waste Removal","url":"/blog/eco-friendly-waste-removal-guide","image":{"path":"/static/bb9360ab155699eb7df20066a6f97d42/eco-friendly-waste.jpg","alt":"Aerial view of forest with lake in the shape of recycling symbol"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"8a088d18-16c4-5f32-8898-b75d5543d9fa","name":"Environment","slug":"Environment"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"}],"content":"Most people don’t think twice about trash once it hits the bin and gets hauled away to the landfill.
\r\n\r\nThe fact is that in the U.S. alone, approximately 146 million tons of trash enters the municipal waste system each year, according to 2018 statistics provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
\r\n\r\nA large percentage of this trash is actually recyclable, reusable, or shouldn’t actually be in the municipal waste system. The key is being smart about what you’re throwing away to make sure what makes it in the bin should actually be there.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over some helpful tips and tricks to make the most of your disposal efforts to ensure you're being as eco-conscious as possible.
\r\n\r\n![\"Complete](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/eco-friendly-waste-removal-info_0.jpg\")
\r\nCertain items shouldn’t enter your trash bin or dumpster, including electronics, batteries, chemicals, paint, printer cartridges, yard waste, construction and demolition debris, recyclables (like plastic, paper, and metal), and tires to name a few.
\r\n\r\nMost major electronics retail stores accept used electronics for proper recycling. Motor oil and other fluids are accepted by oil change centers and most automobile dealerships. Tire dealers accept used tires for proper recycling.
\r\n\r\nA good general rule to follow is that if an item isn't safe or legal to throw away, you can often times reach out to a retailer that sells these items to see if they offer free recycling drop-off. If you can't find a free solution in your area or don't have the time, ability, or desire to haul these items to a recycler yourself, you will have to find an alternative solution.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Benefits of Recycling Junk vs Throwing It Away
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are known for their ethical and intentional efforts towards eco-friendly disposal and are a top disposal choice for consumers.
\r\n\r\nWhen junk removal services are hired to haul away unwanted items, whether it be household junk, large appliances, furniture, C&D debris, yard waste, or other items, they'll sort through the removed items and separate any items that can be recycled or donated to ensure they don't end up in a landfill.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal provides eco-friendly electronics disposal, yard waste recycling, debris recycling, and will donate lightly used household items and building materials to further contribute to their local community.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to their recycling efforts, junk removal services are a consumer favorite due to their invaluable convenience. Perfect for those who physically can't move large items, don't have a hauling vehicle to do it themselves, or have busy lives and don't want to spend additional efforts arranging recycling or disposal during their free time, junk removal companies handle all the heavy lifting, loading, hauling, and disposal for you.
\r\n\r\nFor those that are looking for a long term way to sustainably reduce their landfill contributions at home, composting provides a great solution.
\r\n\r\nComposting allows you to reduce the amount of trash that makes it into the garbage can, and it can actually help you save money in the long run. Compost is the best natural fertilizer out there, and best of all, it’s completely free!
\r\n\r\nComposting is easier and less intimidating than it sounds for those who have never tried it. By collecting all of your plant-based food scraps, used coffee grounds, egg shells, dryer sheets, vacuum residuals, hair and grass clippings and mixing these items with equal amounts of yard waste, such as twigs and dead leaves, you can create a natural, self-decomposing pile of fertilizer that can be reused in your garden.
\r\n\r\nThe trick is keeping the mixture moist in a garbage can or similar container in a shady area, preferably outside. Stir the mixture a couple of times per week, and within a few months, you’ll have 100% organic fertilizer filled with nutrients—not to mention a significantly less full weekly garbage bin.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nHandling large amounts of waste in an eco-friendly manner requires a larger disposal solution. Junk removal companies can handle bulk disposal projects and are the easiest way to have a home cleaned out while having recyclables and donation-worthy items separated without having to do so on your own, but large junk removal projects can get costly due to the all-inclusive nature of their services.
\r\n\r\nSo, how can you get the best price for bulk waste pick-up services while also prioritizing the environment?
\r\n\r\nThis is where dumpster rental services come into play. As time goes on, more and more dumpsters rental companies are going green, taking notes from their junk removal service competitors and making efforts to responsibly dispose of waste rather than dumping everything they haul off to a landfill.
\r\n\r\nWhen calling to rent a dumpster, ask if the company offers any type of trash recycling or clean load sorting. A clean load simply means the dumpster is filled with the same type of material rather than a mixture of items, making it easier (and often cheaper) to haul the entire load to the appropriate recycling facility.
\r\n\r\nSorting facilities can handle clean loads much more efficiently, so try to fill each dumpster load with one type of material to increase the odds the material gets recycled rather than just emptied into the local landfill. Examples of this would be a dumpster clean loaded with only yard waste, concrete, cardboard, or scrap metal.
\r\n\r\nIf you're considering renting an eco-friendly dumpster or hiring a junk removal service to haul away your donations or recyclables, Hometown makes it easy to find locally-owned and operated service providers in your area.
\r\n\r\nWe publish licensed and insured disposal services across the U.S. to help consumers find the best service for the best price. You can read more about each company in your area, read verified reviews from real customers, and request multiple quotes, free of charge, to compare the level of customer service, availability, and charges you can expect from each provider.
\r\n\r\nOur single quote request form significantly eliminates the time it takes researching and requesting quotes from multiple companies. By providing your zip code and answering a few short questions about your disposal needs, you'll be able to request free quotes from local services near you.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nThe U.S. municipal landfill system is becoming greener, so that’s an encouraging step in the right direction. The garbage you can’t recycle, compost, or reuse can still be helpful to the environment at some landfills.
\r\n\r\nAccording to the EPA, there are currently 75 landfills across the country utilizing waste-to-energy (WTE) initiatives. These eco-friendly landfill facilities use various methods to extract energy from the waste sitting at the landfill. One method is capturing the methane gas naturally produced at landfills and turning it to a useful energy source.
\r\n\r\nThe EPA states WTE landfill facilities turn 28 million tons of trash into approximately 2,720 megawatts of power each year. The U.S. is definitely heading in the right direction as far as waste removal goes, but it’s still up to each individual person to do their own part in preserving our environment. These simple tips can help you get started.
\r\n\r\nLearn all about how to handle eco-friendly waste removal in a way that is not only better for the environment but also better for your wallet in some cases.
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\r\n\r\nOther common items that junk removal companies accept include:
\r\n\r\nMost junk removal companies charge a base rate regardless of how small the removal job is. For example, many will charge around $75-$125 to come out and haul away anything. For large projects, like whole-home cleanouts or hoarding situations, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 or more.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you pay a fair price, we recommend getting quotes from 2-3 junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\nThe biggest factors affecting junk removal cost include:
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Rent a Dumpster or Hire a Junk Removal Company?
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEli's Junk Hauling and Demo has been serving Martinsburg and surrounding communities for two years, offering residential and commercial waste removal, full house clear outs,...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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