Going Green with Your Dumpster Rental
We are well into the new century and we’ve all heard the phrase “going green.” We have a general idea of what it means. Being environmentally conscious. Thinking about sustainability. Leaving a place better than we found it.
But sometimes when we’re doing a major project at our home, it’s hard to see how “green” fits into the work of construction.
Going green no longer means doing the work slowly, or with prohibitively expensive products.
Instead, a few simple steps in prep work are all it takes to make sure that you have done the best you can with your rental.
Dumpster = Landfill
Ultimately, whatever goes in the dumpster goes to the landfill.
So this means you have to pay attention at the start of your project in order to have the greenest project possible.
Here are some questions to ask yourself about whatever project you have going on:
- Can this item be sold?
Sometimes a classified ad or a garage sale or some other small event (perhaps undertaken with neighbors instead of by yourself) is the right solution.
Rather than throwing away a room, you can sell it to people eager to PAY YOU in order that THEY CAN TAKE IT AWAY.
It’s really the best of both worlds.
- Can this item be repurposed?
One simple way to reduce landfill waste is by repurposing or reusing existing items. Are you throwing away a dresser or other furniture? Maybe it would have a second life in the garage or perhaps given to a friend’s child who’s moving away to their own apartment for college for the first time.
Usually this sort of donation is so welcome that someone else will come and pick it up.
Green and easy!
- Does this item recycle?
Think about what each item is made of. Is there a large amount of metal in it, like with a bedframe? You might be able to sell this for scrap.
Not a lot of home furnishings recycle, but the occasional item can be recycled. And it just takes a moment of consideration.
- Can this item be donated to a good cause?
Most cities have charities that help find homes for useful furniture and items. Some even pay people to refurbish, clean, and sell these materials. A donation not only takes your stuff out of the landfill, but it can create work and income for others.
These charities, like St. Vincent DePaul, are a phone call away, and can quickly tell you whether they need your items. If they do, they will make arrangements to pick them up for you.
- Call Big Daddy Dumpster
Once you’ve gone through the checklist, look at what’s left. If it’s more than what can fit in your trash can or go out curbside, it’s time to call an inexpensive professional service to haul away your trash to the landfill. Big Daddy Dumpsters has all sorts of sizes and options to fit your project.
Going through this mental checklist at the start of each project can save you time, money, and effort. All while preserving landfill space for future use!