Whether you’re preparing to relocate, are cleaning up a cluttered space, or are just trying to dispose of your junk, you’ll need to know which materials you can load into your Dumpster. This article will explain which items you can safely throw in your Dumpster and which ones you should avoid.
Batteries
Having the right battery disposal method is important. The correct disposal method will protect you and the environment from toxic materials and potential fires.
Some types of batteries are prohibited from being thrown in the trash. These include lead acid batteries. The best way to dispose of these types of batteries is to take them to a special recycling facility.
The proper disposal of batteries is important because they contain heavy metals and toxic materials that can cause serious environmental hazards. These can include fire hazards at waste processing facilities.
Batteries can also contribute to pollution of lakes, streams and the environment. This is because they contain elements such as lithium, lead, mercury and tin. These elements are considered critical minerals and are at risk of being depleted.
Electronics
Whether you are disposing of a new TV or an old laptop, you need to know how to properly dispose of electronic waste. In many cases, electronic devices can leak toxic materials into the environment, and will not decompose on their own.
The best way to dispose of your electronics is by using a company that offers electronic recycling services. Some companies offer a free recycling program, while others charge a small fee.
You can also donate your old electronics to local charities. These charities recycle broken or working electronic items, saving local communities from the headache of disposing of them. You can also look up a local electronics recycler by using the Computer Technology Association’s Recycle Locator.
Trees, branches, brush, grass, and other green waste
Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, or a lawn care professional, the city of West Fargo has a program that can help you with yard waste removal. The program includes bio-mass recycling for personal landscapes. You can drop off bags of grass clippings, leaves, and brush at the locations listed below during daylight hours.
Residents can also have their yard waste picked up through their trash pickup service. This can be a convenient way to eliminate the hassle of having to deal with yard waste on your own. However, it does require that you follow certain guidelines in order to have your yard waste picked up.
Upholstered furniture
Getting rid of your old furniture can be a pain, so donating it may be your best option. A quick Google search will reveal many options for a vetted charitable organization. For starters, consider a local resale shop or garage sales. Alternatively, consider a furniture removal service. These companies will move bulky items like furniture and electronics for you.
The biggest hurdle is determining which company will deliver on time and on budget. A furniture removal service can also handle multiple bulky items at once. The cost of such services can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. The cost of hiring such a service can be offset by the benefits of having a dedicated team in one location.
Hazardous materials
Whether you are a business owner or a homeowner, you need to know how to properly dispose of hazardous waste. The improper disposal of these materials can lead to a range of health concerns for you, your family, and your community.
Proper disposal of hazardous waste includes following specific regulations. If you are unsure about how to dispose of certain materials, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is available to answer questions.
When disposing of household hazardous waste, you need to follow strict regulations and follow product label directions. Never remove labels and never mix products. You should always dispose of these wastes at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.
Disposing of valuable metals
Leaving valuable metals in the trash is a no-no. The metals can be melted and used for a variety of purposes. These metals can also be recycled, saving energy and protecting the environment.
There are some ways to dispose of valuable metals in the dumpster. Some metals are excluded from recycling, such as radioactive metals, mercury and lead containing products.
However, other metals can be recycled. These metals include aluminum, zinc and nickel. These metals have the potential to save up to 92 % of the energy required to manufacture new metals, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
There are many ways to recycle metals, including using a magnet to separate ferrous metals from nonferrous metals. Other ways include a process called leaching and precipitation. These steps allow for almost complete selective recoveries of metals.