While roll-off dumpsters offer a convenient solution for disposing of bulk waste, they come with an essential set of guidelines about what can and cannot be discarded. Misunderstanding or neglecting these rules not only harm our environment but can pose health risks and result in costly penalties. Here are some of the items you should think twice about before throwing them into a dumpster.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste, as the name suggests, poses a threat to the environment and public health. Disposing of items like paint, solvents, chemicals, motor oil, and other toxic substances in a roll-off dumpster can lead to soil and water contamination. These substances contain chemicals that, when leaked into the environment, can harm plant life, aquatic life, and can seep into our water sources, making them unsafe for consumption.
Electronics
Electronics, often referred to as e-waste, like computers, televisions, and cell phones, contain materials that are harmful to the environment. These items often contain metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can pollute the soil and water. Additionally, electronics need specific recycling processes to recover valuable materials and properly dispose of harmful ones, making landfills an inappropriate disposal method.
Batteries
Whether it's your everyday alkaline batteries or car batteries, they don't belong in a roll-off dumpster. Batteries, especially rechargeable ones, contain heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, and lead. When not properly disposed of, these metals can leak into the ground, posing severe environmental risks. Specialized recycling centers are equipped to handle and dispose of batteries safely.
Tires
Rubber tires might seem harmless at first glance, but they pose a unique challenge when thrown into landfills. Tires tend to trap methane gas, causing them to rise to the surface. This "bubbling" effect can damage landfill structures. Furthermore, tires can become breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes when they collect water. Many local regulations prohibit the disposal of tires in landfills, and instead, they should be recycled or repurposed.
Appliances Containing Freon
Air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers often contain a refrigerant called Freon. When not properly disposed of, Freon can deplete the ozone layer, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Specialized facilities are designed to handle such appliances, ensuring that Freon and other harmful substances are safely removed and managed.
Medical Waste
Any form of medical waste, be it syringes, medication, or biohazardous materials, is strictly prohibited in roll-off dumpsters. These items can pose health risks to those handling the waste and can contaminate other materials in the landfill. Medical waste requires specialized disposal methods to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
If you have questions about roll-off container rental, contact a local rental agency today.
Share30 August 2023
When someone says something is "trashy," they usually mean it in a negative way. But we have chosen to reclaim that word. Because we are writing a blog about garbage bins, we will hereby declare the word "trashy" to have a positive connotation. Garbage bins can get trashy because that's just what they do: hold trash. Without them, the streets would certainly be a lot messier, so in that way, we have garbage bins to thank for keeping our spaces clean. That's trashy -- in a good way. As you read this blog, we suspect you'll come to agree that being trashy is not a bad thing if you're a garbage bin.
