To start, let’s talk about dumpster safety. Here are some basic tips for reducing dumpster fire hazard risks:
- Never dispose of hazardous or flammable materials in a dumpster. There are better, more secure ways to dispose of these items, and we’re working on a guide for that. In the meantime, here are some items you shouldn’t throw in dumpsters.
- Keep the area clear around the dumpster. If a fire starts outside the dumpster, you don’t want nearby materials igniting and spreading into the dumpster.
- Post no smoking signs near the dumpster and make sure any employees or building tenants know not to throw lit cigarette butts in or near the dumpster. It only takes one carelessly tossed cigarette to start a fire.
If you do have a dumpster fire, don’t try to extinguish it yourself – call 911. If your dumpster has a hinged lid and you’re able to safely close it, go ahead and close it to help prevent the fire from spreading. Don’t endanger yourself or others, though.
If the lid is already closed, but you know a fire is burning inside, do not open the lid! Leave it closed and wait for firefighters. Opening the lid could create a backdraft, which would be far more dangerous.
Dumpster fires almost always destroy the dumpster – the lid may melt off if it’s plastic, and any paint or decals will likely be destroyed. The dumpster itself may warp. If any of these things happen, and it’s a rental, contact the rental company after the fire is safely extinguished.
Safety is the first priority during a dumpster fire. After that, there will more than likely be a fire investigation and depending on the circumstances, you may end up owing damages.
Why are there waste rules?
Some of the prohibited items listed above are regulated by government agencies and simply can’t be dumped in landfills. Other materials may be regulated by the dumpster rental company because they can’t properly manage that type of waste. Concrete, for example, can become too heavy to move when placed in a roll-off dumpster.
How can I throw away items that can’t go in a dumpster?
If you have materials that can’t be placed in a dumpster, contact the local sanitation department to find the appropriate method of disposal. The sanitation department may direct you to a recycling center or a private entity that manages that particular waste in the area. Your dumpster rental company may also be able to point you in the right direction.
There may be extra fees associated with the disposal of these materials. If so, make sure any fees are explained up front and factored into your rental contract. Keep in mind, some materials may require testing before you throw them out. Lead and asbestos testing are common examples. Do your homework and make sure any additional fees are written into the contract before starting the project.
When undergoing a home renovation project, the old must make way for the new. For this to happen, demolitions must take place. This can be done as a DIY project, but there are many benefits to hiring someone to do it for you.
Projects That Require Demolition
Any home renovation project will require demolition to some degree. Remodeling a kitchen, adding a room and removing a swimming pool all require demolishing existing structures.
Save Yourself Time
Demolition projects can be extremely time consuming. By hiring out the work to someone else, the project can be completed quicker and give you time to work on other projects and commitments.
Be Satisfied
Hiring someone to do your home renovation project comes with a guarantee of satisfaction. The workers are skilled in the demolition process and can remove everything without unnecessary damage. The work will continue until it reaches your satisfaction
Reduce Risk of Injury
When undertaking a demolition project, you run a risk of injuring yourself especially if you have never done one before. Professionals have all the proper safety equipment as well as the skills to reduce the risk of injury.