Jun 1 2024 / Dumpster Rentals ,

The Do’s and Dont’s Of Filling Your Dumpster

When it comes to filling your dumpster, there are safe ways and unsafe ways to do so. There is not only the worrying of filling a dumpster properly but there is also the understanding that what you fill it with will need to be dumped out again at some point. In this article, we break down the best ways to fill your dumpster and the actions you should not take when filling a waste receptacle as large as a dumpster. We will also go over safety guidelines, prohibited materials, and how to maximize dumpster space when renting a dumpster.

Book your dumpster rental now for all of your waste management needs

How To Load A Dumpster The Right Way In The Midwest

There are several points of consideration when loading a dumpster safely. There is the fact that best practices do exist to ensure the safe loading of these tools. Furthermore, prohibited items and how to maximize your space are all key pieces of information that must be considered in dumpster filling. Below are more in-depth best practices when loading your dumpster.

Best Practices For Loading A Dumpster:

  • Organize and Sort items: Organizing items by weight, size, and volume before loading makes loading a dumpster that much easier.
  • Place Heavy Items First: Filling heavy items first ensures the dumpster is stable and will not tip.
  • Break Down Larger Items: Breaking down larger items as much as possible creates space and more room in the dumpster.
  • Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling a dumpster can be unsafe and can create waste management issues. Adhere to the total capacity your dumpster provides.
  • Plan Where The Waste Will Be Dumped: Knowing where your waste will be disposed of before filling the dumpster will determine how you pack it and how full it can be.

Appropriate and Prohibited Materials

When it comes to managing waste, some materials may be acceptable while others are prohibited. Below is a list of some acceptable and prohibited materials that you can or cannot fill into a dumpster.

Generally Appropriate:

  • Household junk
  • Construction debris
  • Metal
  • Yard Waste
  • Concrete and bricks
  • Some plastics
  • Cardboard and paper
  • Glass
  • Textiles
  • Items such as small electronics, toys, and other safe waste.

Generally Prohibited:

  • Hazardous materials
  • Electronics
  • Medical waste
  • Tires
  • Large quantities of liquid

Maximizing Dumpster Space

When it comes to maximizing dumpster space, your organization is key. By flattening, compacting, and stacking items neatly, you can gain more space in your dumpster. Furthermore, filling a dumpster intentionally with space in mind will lead to the dumping of these items to be safe and easier to manage. By maximizing dumpster space, you ensure more bang for your buck while making the task of waste management much easier. Intentional dumpster filling is vital to maximizing waste, especially when the worksite is busy, and dumpsters are often required.

Weight Limits and Overfilling Risks

It is highly important to follow all weight limits and filling procedures in order to operate a dumpster safely. If you put too much weight into the dumpster, the integrity of it can be compromised, which in turn makes it unsafe to transport or use. Furthermore, overfilling a dumpster can cause it to tip, and can make unloading or transport of the dumpster extremely unsafe. By following the correct limit and not overfilling, you ensure the safe use of the dumpster and a proper method of waste disposal.

Safety Guidelines For Filling Dumpsters

Below are some safety guidelines for filling dumpsters:

  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes gloves, sturdy footwear and safety goggles.
  • Lift Properly: Lifting with a team and with proper methods keeps the worker safe from injury
  • Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling is dangerous and can compromise the safety of the dumpster.
  • Sort and Handle Materials Safely: Sorting materials and handling them with safe methods keeps all workers safe when working with a dumpster.
  • Watch For Hazards: The area around dumpsters can be littered with debris, so being mindful at all times is key.
  • Secure The Dumpster: Ensuring the dumpster is secure before filling is integral to worker safety and the successful use of a dumpster.

Responsible Disposal Practices

First and foremost, it is important to comply with all regulations and local laws when disposing of waste. Furthermore, educating staff on how to use dumpsters and dispose of waste is key to an all-around safer workplace. Avoiding contamination, securing hazardous materials, and keeping track of any impact your waste has on the local community all tie into best practices for those using dumpsters.

Dumpster Rentals In The Midwest

At Koskovich and Murphy, it is our goal to ensure you are educated on the proper filling procedure for a dumpster when renting local dumpsters. If you have any questions when renting out a dumpster, regarding filling or price we can help guide you to the best possible answer. With safe practices, adherence to regulations, and an organized waste management plan, filling dumpsters with your waste is a breeze.

Book your dumpster rental now for all of your waste management needs