Cleaning Out Your Garage — Dump It Or Recycle It?
Posted on: 9 November 2020
The garage is one of those points in the average home that turns into a catch-all for a bit of everything. When the job of cleaning out your garage can wait no longer, it is a really good idea to reach out to a dumpster rental place to rent a receptacle. You will no doubt have a lot of items during your garage clean-out that will go in the trash.
Some items should not go in the dumpster because they can be bad for the environment. In fact, there may be a few items in your garage that the dumpster rental company will not accept along with the rest of your trash. Here is a simple guide to help you sort out what can be dropped in the rented dumpster and what should be recycled or otherwise handled instead.
Metal Automobile Parts — Recycle It
If you have a collection of metal automobile parts in your garage, you can usually recycle these. These parts are typically made with recyclable metals like copper, iron, or steel. Therefore, while you could toss these in the dumpster without any real restrictions to worry about, it may be better for the environment to recycle them instead.
Empty Containers — Dump It
Most empty containers can safely go into your rented dumpster. For example, if you have empty cartons that once held cases of oil or boxes that no longer serve a purpose, you can toss these in your dumpster. Do keep in mind, however, that some types of plastic containers can be recycled.
Old Appliances — Recycle It
Old appliances like refrigerators or washing machines should go directly to a recycling center that deals with scrap metal. These items are often too large for a standard rented dumpster. In addition, metal appliances do not break down in the landfill.
Wooden Furniture Pieces — Dump It
Wooden furniture pieces like mismatched chairs, wooden tables in disrepair, and broken shelves can usually be disposed of in a rented dumpster. Wood is a naturally biodegradable material, so it tends to break down over the years and return back to the planet without causing a lot of harm.
Chemicals — Recycle
Your garage probably houses a lot of chemicals. From half-used cans of paint to lawn fertilizers, these are the types of items that can have a detrimental effect on the environment. Most products will have guidelines on the package that will instruct you about proper disposal. Some chemicals can be recycled at specialized recycling centers, but some have to be responsibly disposed of in other ways.
Contact a dumpster rental company to learn what materials they accept.
Share