Promoting environmental stewardship, especially in today’s “green” society is appreciated by all. Make sure your client has a clear understanding of what they can dispose of beforehand to prevent serious issues down the road.

By Bill Weber

 

Roll-off containers make for a quick and easy way to dispose of unwanted trash, construction and demolition materials. But don’t be so quick to throw waste over the top of the dumpster on your job site without knowing the rules. Safety and the environment should always come first and to avoid fines and even lawsuits, being familiar with federal, state and local disposal regulations are a must.

General guidelines to help identify prohibited items vary somewhat, but as a rule of thumb, any waste item that is considered flammable, toxic, hazardous and corrosive are strictly prohibited from being placed in any type of waste container. Almost all chemicals and fuels fall into these categories. If you’re unsure about whether a material is allowed in your trash dumpster, be sure to check the product label for warnings and instructions for disposal. Any time you see a skull and crossbones, the biohazard symbol or the 3, 2, 1, W chemical symbol, look for disposal directions on the label. If you’re still not sure, err on the safe side by contacting your local city waste department or local landfill professionals for clarification.

Following is a breakdown of categories outlining materials prohibited from being disposed of in waste containers and roll-off dumpsters. This list is by no means all-inclusive. So again, as a best practice it is strongly advised that you contact your local municipality for rules and laws that govern your state and city.

Tires

More than 250 million scrap tires are generated annually in the U.S. and the most often dumped hazardous waste. All tires need to go through a special recycling process instead of being thrown in a landfill. Methane gas can actually build up in tires allowing them to rise to the surface of a garbage pile and break liners. Tires should be delivered to your local city or county recycling center or locally owned waste and recycling business.

 

Paints

Paints, lacquers and even their cans sometimes contain harmful elements. Mercury and lead are the most common culprits. This is typically the case for paints that were made before the 1990s. On top of containing hazardous materials, paint cans are highly flammable and when ignited release airborne toxins. Leftover paint can be taken to your local Habitat for Humanity for re-use or to a local PaintCare Drop-off location. Visit www.paintcare.org to check if there are drop-off centers near you. You can also treat paint prior to disposal by adding equal parts of cat litter, stirring the mixture until it will not spill, and then letting it sit one hour before disposing.

 

Motor Oils

Oils that are used in vehicles and industrial equipment are generally considered to be hazardous. Disposing motor oil through storm sewers, in road culverts, in lakes and rivers or on top of open ground is prohibited. To properly dispose of used motor oil, put it in a clean plastic container with a tight lid. Do not mix it with anything else—paint gasoline, solvents, antifreeze, etc.—that will make it unsuitable for recycling. Take your used oil to a recycling center that collects used oil, a service station, quick lube or any suitable business that recycles or will reuse it.

 

Refrigerants

The refrigerants that are used in appliances, machinery and vehicles are highly dangerous and regulated by federal guidelines. Most types of refrigerants are considered ozone-depleting substances. The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. The release of refrigerants contributes to ozone depletion, which results in increased levels of sunburn and skin cancer in people. Many times, local refrigerant wholesalers will buy back non-contaminated refrigerant for recycling. Check local listings for wholesalers in or your area or contact your city waste department or landfill for information on recycling centers that accept refrigerants.

 

 

Asbestos

Asbestos is a highly dangerous mineral fiber that was used to make construction materials more flame resistant. It was used for ceilings, roofing, flooring, insulation and more primarily in structures built before the late 1970s. The human health effects from long-term unsafe asbestos exposure are well documented. Asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and carried into the lower regions of the lung where they can cause lung disease.  Asbestos remediation should be left to certified disposal experts. Contact your local landfill or city health department for removal and disposal options.

 

Fuels

Petroleum and gasoline are highly flammable and, for that reason alone, they are banned at landfills. Unusable fuels can be disposed of at a local hazardous waste center.

 

Batteries

The chemicals, metals and corrosive materials in batteries can pose a serious threat. This is particularly true for car batteries, which have lead-acid composition. Lead, along with other heavy metals, has to be disposed of in accordance to federal, state and city regulations. Old car batteries can be recycled and AAA has a Great Battery Round-up program that they host once a year to celebrate Earth Day. For information, contact your local AAA office. Another option is to exchange your old battery. Many retailers will offer a discount when you hand over your old battery to a purchase new one. If you want to just throw your battery away and move on, contact your local landfill or hazardous waste facility for information on special pick-up or drop-off dates.

 

Have a Clear Understanding

Promoting environmental stewardship, especially in today’s “green” society is appreciated by all, including your clients who are most willing to abide by the regulations mandated by federal, state and local municipalities. Be clear and concise with your customers upfront. Providing them with a flyer listing prohibited items and posting this on your Web site are two easy and effective tools to use.  In addition, it is always good practice to discuss regulations outright. Your client having a clear understanding of what they can dispose of beforehand is sure to prevent serious issues down the road. | WA

Bill Weber serves as the Vice President of Franchise Support for redbox+, LLC (Winona, MN) a national franchise system specializing in waste collection and disposal.  Bill’s career spans more than 30 years with experience in franchise and business development, residential remodeling and waste disposal industries.  He can be reached at (507) 452-8242 or via e-mail at [email protected].

 

The redbox+ portable toilet waste container combination on the jobsite. The unique redbox+ design portrays a professional image, promotes environmental stewardship and provides contractors with an efficient 2 in 1 service.

Photo courtesy of redbox+.

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