Proper Disposal Of Construction Materials: Four Things To Consider

Cleaning up after a construction project is complete is an important task you want to make sure you handle properly. This means disposing of materials in the proper container and ensuring that items are properly loaded. Here are a few things you should consider as you prepare for construction cleanup.

Rent A Dumpster

A dumpster provides a convenient way to dispose of construction material, particularly for large pieces of lumber, concrete, or other bulky items. Work with your dumpster rental company to find the right size to meet your needs, and be sure that the dumpster you choose can hold the materials you need to dispose of. For example, a bag dumpster might be appropriate for scraps of wood or pieces of drywall, but disposing of brick may require a heavy-duty metal dumpster.

Post Dumping Rules

It's important for your crew to know what can and can't be placed in your rental dumpster. For example, you may have paint, paint thinner, or other chemicals that need to be disposed of. Some dumpster rental companies will require these to be placed into separate approved containers. Consider placing a sign on the dumpster or next to it that lists the items that are prohibited from being placed in the dumpster. Your construction crew can reference the sign if they are unsure of where to dispose of certain materials .

Have Heavy Items Removed Frequently

Bricks, concrete blocks, and other heavy objects should be cleared from the dumpster more often than other lightweight materials. Filling a dumpster to the top with heavy objects can make it unsafe to transport. Ask your dumpster rental company how full the dumpster should be before having it removed and emptied A company offering same-day rentals can typically remove these heavy materials every day as needed.

Wear Proper Safety Equipment

When your crew is placing items in the dumpster, it's important that they wear proper safety equipment. Hard hats and steel-toed boots can help to prevent injuries should items bounce out of the dumpster or slip when being placed in the container. It's also a good idea to have your workers visit the dumpster in pairs. This means one person can be the spotter to ensure no one else is throwing items in the dumpster at the same time, which can help to reduce the risks of accidents and injuries.

Be sure to schedule your dumpster rental in advance so you have the proper container ready for you when it's time to begin the cleanup process, and work with the company to determine how often the dumpster will need to be emptied during the cleanup phase of your project.

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