There was a time when we didn’t have dumpsters and garbage collection. Trash was once tossed anywhere. It’s easy to see how this became a problem, especially in communities with a fast-growing population.

Sanitation departments were formed to help clear the streets. It was a big first step, but one that was not efficient. Picking up all that trash was not easy and required the work of horse-drawn carts and several men. Eventually, the Ford Model T was introduced and could be used to replace the horses. Even with this advancement, it was an arduous task.

Enter Inventor George Roby Dempster, Mayor of Knoxville

George Roby Dempster, who once served as the mayor of Knoxville, Tennessee, owned a construction business. This gave him first-hand experience with the challenges of hauling waste. He applied his understanding of machinery to create a more efficient solution for this common problem.

The Dempster Dumpster was introduced in 1935. This was the first large-scale container used to remove waste. It was designed to be mechanically emptied into a truck, reducing the amount of manpower required to pick up garbage.

Companies from around the world wanted a dumpster for their operation. As demand increased, Dempster’s company invested all of its resources into production. They later expanded their offerings to include the Dempster-Balester which could crush and bale automobiles. The first front-loading garbage truck was added to the company’s product line by the 1950s.

Today, we all benefit from the innovation of Dempster and his company. Find out more about Michigan dumpster containerss and waste/recycling management systems by contacting Priority Waste.

The way you load a dumpster will affect how much refuse you can put inside it. With a little planning and information, you can load like a professional. Get the best value out of your dumpster containers by using the methods outlined below.

Plan Your Load before the Dumpster Arrives

Make sure you know what can and cannot go into the dumpster. Some items may require special recycling or disposal. The rules will vary from one city to the next, so check with your local waste authority to learn more.

Start with the Big Stuff at the Bottom

Big, bulky items should go in first. These will fill the bottom of the dumpster and serve as a solid foundation for smaller items that sit on top. Make sure you have enough people on hand to lift heavy objects without injury.

Fill in the Gaps with Small Garbage

Pack as much smaller debris into the gaps between your bulky refuse. This will maximize your space usage and help hold everything in place. You may be surprised at how much you can pack in the small open spaces.

Get Creative but Do So Safely

Getting creative is great if it means you get more into your dumpster. Just do so safely. Do not place objects in that are not balanced. Also, never overfill a dumpster. Some places have rules that prohibit moving dumpsters that have objects sticking out over the top or sides of the dumpster. If you have questions about loading, contact Priority Waste. We can help our customers get the most out of their dumpster containers!

 

Dumpster containers are an easy way to get rid of larger items that you no longer want. While most household and construction debris are permitted, there are some items that are not. Follow the rules, so that you don’t end up with a fine from your local sanitation department.

Things That You Can Throw in a Dumpster

The good news is that there are many things that can be thrown in a dumpster. If you are working on a building project or renovation, then the following can be discarded this way:

• Brick
• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Drywall
• Cabinetry
• Siding
• Lumber
• Flooring

If you are getting a dumpster for household purposes, then you can also discard the following items:

• Yard waste
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Appliances
• Storm debris
• Aerosol cans

Things That You Cannot Throw in a Dumpster

Objects and substances that can be harmful or hazardous to the environment cannot be put in a dumpster. The restricted list includes:

• Refrigerators
• Air conditioners
• Tires
• Adhesives
• Food waste
• Oil & fuel
• Propane tanks
• Railroad ties
• Car batteries
• Household cleaners

Most waste removal services will also include anything that could potentially damage the dumpster itself. If you aren’t sure about an object, make sure you ask before putting it in the dumpster.

Know the Rules About Dumpster Rentals

Some areas may have variations in their permitted and restricted lists. Make sure you know the rules about dumpster containerss in your area by talking to a professional. Priority Waste is available to help Michigan customers learn more about what they can put in their dumpsters. Contact us today!

Everyone should consider recycling. There are many good reasons that benefit all of us. Why should you consider letting Priority Waste provide recycling services for your home or business?

1. Recycling Reduces Waste – The main reason most people recycle is to reduce their waste output. Less waste sitting around is better for the environment and our communities.
2. Recycling Reduces Energy Consumption – Recycling helps reduce energy consumption because products can be made without starting over using new materials. For example, recycled aluminum cans require 95% less energy to produce.
3. Recycling Reduces Water Pollution – Clean waterways should be a priority. Recycling helps keep refuse out of our water supply.
4. Recycling Is Good for Businesses – Recycling helps boost the economy because it provides another way to produce the materials needed to manufacture new products.
5. Recycling Protects Wildlife – Debris left in the environment is dangerous for animals. Recycling helps protect wildlife by reducing discarded trash that otherwise would be dumped in or near habitats.
6. Recycling Slows Landfill Use – By producing less waste, we are also slowing the rate of expansion at landfills. That means more land is left clean and untouched.
7. Recycling Creates Jobs – Recycling creates new jobs. It is currently an industry that produces over $230 annually in the United States. Recycling and reuse companies employ over 1 million workers across the country.

Are you ready to start recycling? Contact Priority Waste today to discuss available services and find out how you can lower your impact on the environment while helping local economies.

The amount of debris and refuse you can fit in your dumpster will rely heavily on how you fill it. While most waste removal companies will provide an estimated capacity for each container, this will mean less if you do not fully utilize the interior space. The following tips will help you fill your dumpster efficiently so that you can take advantage of its maximum capacity.

1. Break Down Items As Much As You Can

Break down anything you can. Make sure items are in their smallest, most compact form before placing in the dumpster. This will ensure optimum space usage and reduce the chances of hidden gaps that will cost you capacity.

2. Place Flimsy Materials at the Bottom

If you are throwing away flimsy materials like foam, fabric, or cardboard, use these to line the bottom. These objects will compress as more weight is added on top, which means they will take up even less space. Foam sheets and cardboard can be crushed, so it makes minimal difference in height when stacking refuse.

3. Fill Bulkier Objects First

Next, you can add bulkier objects. These need the most room, so they should be placed first. Arrange contents so that everything is as close together as possible. Anything with flat sides or objects that can fit inside others should be placed accordingly.

4. Use Smaller Debris to Fill in Gaps

Some larger objects are oddly shaped, which means there may be pockets of open space created. Find smaller debris to fill in these areas. Once filed, you can start adding to any open spaces surrounding bulky objects or along the walls of your dumpster. Try to fill in as much as you can horizontally before building up.

5. Monitor Progress and Watch for Openings

Make a point to stop and check progress every now and again. This will provide you an opportunity to look for any open gaps you may have missed or spots that could be better arranged. By methodically adding more and more refuse, you can fill your dumpster to its maximum capacity.

Contact Priority Waste today to learn more about the best ways to fill a dumpster.