Keeping the Earth Healthy

4 Tips for Disposing of Remodeling Waste

If you are planning on remodeling your home, you will need to figure out what to do with the remodeling waste. You will end up with some materials that can be reused or recycled, and other materials that need to go in the trash can or dumpster. Here are some tips for disposing of remodeling waste.

Have Salvage Yards Pick Up Metal Scraps

You will most likely end up with a good deal of metal scraps, depending on what you are remodeling in your home. If you have copper, steel, or aluminum, you can recycle them for a profit. If you have no interest in recycling them on your own, you can call a local salvage yard. They are often looking for these types of materials and might be willing to pick them up for you. This lets you get rid of the materials without sending them to a landfill, and have them picked up to make it easier.

Know What Can Be Recycled

If you are interested in reusing or recycling some of your remodeling waste, you might be surprised by how much can actually recycled. Recycling centers will take just about anything that is made of aluminum or other metals, glass, plastic, and paper. They also frequently take lumber, trim and molding, drywall, windows, doors, and cabinetry. They might also take your hardware, light fixtures, ceiling fans, carpeting and tile flooring, stair rails, sinks and bathtubs, and shower doors. Before recycling materials, consider whether or not the items can be reused in another part of your home.

Dispose of Hazardous Materials Safely

Make sure you keep track of the potential hazardous materials you will dealing with and dispose of them safely. If you know you will be tearing down mold, lead, or asbestos, or materials that might have these hazardous materials, call an abatement company. They will be able to get rid of them safely and not put you at risk. Never leave it up to chance when remodeling your home. If you have an older home and there is any risk of asbestos, at least get it tested before you begin.

Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster

If you have any materials left that couldn't be recycled or reused of, you will need to put them in the trash. Since your own trash can will fill up very quickly during a remodeling project, you should rent a roll-off dumpster. Your local waste management company will drop it off and leave it by your curb. You can throw all your trash in the dumpster and the waste management company will pick it up when you're done with it.


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