Thank you Marcin for using Priority Waste for your dumpster rental needs and congratulations on winning our TV giveaway contest. More winners to come. Enter our contest now.
How Our Garbage Affects the Planet
Today, we are faced with tough questions about how we impact the planet we all share. Many businesses and individuals are searching for better ways to manage waste to keep our natural environment clean. How does garbage affect the world around us and what can we do about it?
Landfills and Leachate
Landfill sites can produce a toxic liquid called leachate, which contains high levels of heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and chemical compounds. If the area is not sealed, this pollutant can make its way into groundwater and cause problems in the local environment. It can damage ecosystems and hurt or kill plants and animals.
A Loss of Biodiversity
The expansion and creation of new landfills mean clearing away natural environments. Habitats and food sources are destroyed which can displace thousands of creatures and cause some to die off. As time goes on, this can create a loss of biodiversity which can have a very negative impact on the natural world.
Increase in Pests
Insects, plants, and vermin that are not native to the area can thrive on the conditions created by landfills and waste dumpsites. These creatures will encroach on the native species. Rotting food can also attract stray cats and dogs, leading to feral populations.
Harmful Litter
Litter that doesn’t break down can be hazardous to wildlife. Things like plastic bags, straws, wrappers, and six-pack rings can physically harm animals. They can be swallowed and cause choking or wrap around limbs and cause entanglement. The problem isn’t always caused locally, either. Approximately 80% of the litter in the ocean traveled there from an inland waterway.
How Can I Help?
The best thing you can do is to reduce the amount of waste you throw away at home and work. Find ways to reuse items or recycle. Spread awareness of these issues so that others do the same. To learn more or to start a recycling program in your area, contact Priority Waste.
Stop Dumpster Divers: How to Prevent Your Business from Becoming a Target
Dumpster divers can range from a minor nuisance to a serious threat. Some are scavengers looking for anything they can use or sell. Others are more concerning. They will sift through garbage to find documents with any sensitive information on them that can be used for identity theft. It’s best to deter all dumpster divers as much as possible to protect your business.
Keep Your Dumpsters Well-Lit to Discourage Diving
Good lighting will make some dumpster divers think twice. Have powerful outdoor lights installed above or around the containers. These should be placed high up on a building or pole so that they are out of reach and difficult to damage or block.
Install Motion-Sensing Cameras Focused on Dumpsters
Install motion-sensing cameras focused on your dumpsters to watch for intruders. Cameras are much more affordable to buy these days and easy to install. Just like the lights, make sure yours are out of reach so that they cannot be tampered with or easily blocked.
Destroy All Documents That Contain Personal or Business Information
Make sure there’s nothing that identity thieves want in your dumpsters. Destroy all documents with any personal or business information. It’s best to err on the side of caution and do this with all documents that you no longer need.
Hire a Remote Monitoring Service to Watch Your Dumpsters
Some companies offer remote monitoring security services. These utilize a camera with a person remotely observing activity. They can call you or the authorities if they see dumpster divers on your property.
Lock Up and Fence in Your Dumpsters
You can lock dumpsters or build a fence with a locked gate around them. This isn’t foolproof but will make it more difficult for dumpster divers to access the container. For more information on dumpster protection and safety, contact Priority Waste.
5 Reasons to Have a Waste Audit Done for Your Company
No matter what industry you are in, information is a valuable resource. The more you know about your operation, the better equipped you will be to find ways to improve it. Priority Waste offers audits that could provide the insight you need to increase efficiency and profitability.
Make Sure You Meet All Legal Requirements for Waste Disposal
Every area has a set of legal requirements when it comes to how businesses dispose of waste. An audit will provide you the information needed to compare your current operation to the regulations set forth by local laws to avoid expensive fines.
Find Ways to Save Money by Reducing Waste Production
A waste audit can reveal where you are producing the most waste so that you can find ways to reduce it. It will also provide insight that could help you more efficiently manage refuse across all departments or production stages.
Determine What Works and What Doesn’t with Your Current Program
Your waste audit will gather data that can show you where your current management program is successful or failing. You can identify weak and strong areas and adjust as needed. Find out what you’re doing right or how you can improve methods that are lacking.
Uncover Missed Opportunities to Reuse and Recycle
There may be materials that your business is throwing away daily that could be repurposed and reused. A waste audit will help highlight these materials and show you how to get more use out of them. Not only does it reduce waste production, but could cut down on other expenses like the purchase of new packing materials.
Get Advice and Recommendations from a Waste and Recycling Expert
A waste audit comes with advice and recommendations from an industry expert. Get valuable insight that could make it easier to meet operational and financial goals. Priority Waste is available to come to your Michigan facility to perform a comprehensive waste audit. Contact us today to learn more.
Tips for Better Construction Site Waste Removal
Construction jobs have many components. While most people think about buying materials and building a new structure, there are other factors that are just as important. One of those factors is waste removal. Even a small construction project can generate significant refuse. The more materials you need; the more trash you are likely to produce. How can you improve the way you handle construction site waste removal?
Talk to Your Waste Removal Company About Pick Up Options
Flexibility is important when you’re choosing a waste removal company. Construction sites can be particularly demanding. Debris can build up quickly and will need to be removed to prevent hazardous conditions. Some communities have regulations that state when cleanup must be done for public safety reasons. Find a company that offers recurring collection and can quickly handle one-off requests.
Recycle and Repurpose Materials as Much as You Can
Reusing and recycling are good for the environment and can help you save money. Some materials may require special handling and disposal. Talk to your waste removal company about options and the types of materials you will be working with. Look for a company that also offers recycling and can provide tips and information on reducing waste at job sites.
Know Available Dumpster Sizes
If you only have one or two dumpster sizes available, you could be losing money. Why pay for more capacity than you need? Some jobs may require a larger container, and anything less would be inefficient. Priority Waste provides four sizes that range from 10 to 40 cubic yards that can handle between two and eight tons. If you need construction site waste removal in Michigan, contact Priority Waste. We offer flexible service at competitive rates.
Happy Labor Day!
Cleaning up Michigan is a dirty job, but our employees do it like pros. The staff at Priority Waste brings over 75 combined years of experience to our business. We are thankful for every one of our employees. This Labor Day, we would like to extend our gratitude to our workers and all people who help strengthen the American workforce. May you all enjoy a well-earned break this Labor Day weekend!
