5 Tips for Smarter Commercial Trash Collection

While commercial trash collection isn’t a complicated process, there are some tricks to learn that can help streamline the process. The following tips will help you ensure that removing your business’s commercial trash is a simple and stress-free process.

1. Know Your Local Waste Regulations

If you’re not following local waste regulations, you risk being fined. When it comes to commercial trash collection, the biggest regulations to look out for are whether you’re required to keep your dumpster inside a corral, whether there are restrictions on disposing of electronic waste, and whether there are regulations governing disposal of food waste.

2. Choose the Right Dumpster Size for Your Business

In most areas, commercial dumpster sizes range from containers that hold 2 cubic yards (roughly 24 kitchen-sized trash bags) of debris to ones that hold 8 cubic yards (roughly 96 kitchen-sized trash bags). 

Consult with your trash collection company to choose the dumpster size that best fits the amount of waste your business typically produces within your pickup timeframe. This way you won’t be stuck paying for extra pickups or for more volume than you really need.

3. Ensure Your Dumpster Is Accessible on Pickup Day

In order for your hauler to access and dispose of your waste, the area in front of your dumpster must be clear of any obstructions. Ensure that no one parks there and keep the area plowed in the winter.

If you keep your dumpster inside a locked corral, be careful not to lock your hauler out of the area on pickup day. Not only will you miss your pickup but you may be charged a fee. 

4. Make Sure All Waste Fits Inside the Dumpster

Don’t allow items to stick up over the top or hang over the sides of your dumpster. It can be dangerous for the hauler to remove commercial waste when it isn’t properly broken down. Keep all your materials contained to ensure you don’t miss out on a pickup.

5. Don’t Overfill Your Dumpster

An overfilled dumpster can become too heavy for your hauler to safely empty. If this happens, you may miss out on a pickup or be charged a fee. To avoid overfilling, use your dumpster only to dispose of your typical commercial trash. Don’t dispose of particularly heavy items like concrete, dirt or bricks. 

If you’re planning a one-time project that will produce a lot of waste, such as a renovation or a special event, consider renting a temporary dumpster to handle this excess debris. 

Have tips of your own? Comment below.