Question 1

What can you put in a dumpster?

Accepted Answer

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You cannot put anything you want into a rented dumpster, as there are significant restrictions on certain items.

Generally allowed items include:

Household Junk: Furniture, old linens, carpets, toys, small appliances, and excess trash.
Construction & Yard Debris: Wood, yard debris, roofing materials, old finishes, and other construction waste.

Commonly prohibited items include:

Hazardous Materials: Toxic waste, medical waste, dangerous chemicals, items with lead paint, and asbestos.
Flammables: Gasoline, oil, and fuel.
Specific Banned Items: Paint cans, electronics, batteries, tires, refrigerators, and hot water tanks.

Because rules can vary, you should always check with your specific dumpster rental company for their guidelines if you are unsure about an item.

Question 2

Should you tip junk haulers?

Accepted Answer

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While tipping junk haulers is not required or expected, it is a greatly appreciated gesture for a job well done. Many junk removal companies state that tips are welcome but not mandatory. A good rule of thumb is to tip between 10% and 20% of the total bill, or a flat amount of $10 to $20 per worker. For exceptional service, a tip of $20 to $50 for the entire crew is also appropriate. It is often best to give cash directly to each worker at the end of the job.

Consider tipping if the crew:

Goes above and beyond your expectations.
Handles heavy, bulky items or navigates difficult spaces like tight hallways or stairs.
Works in inclement weather or deals with potentially hazardous materials.
Takes extra care to protect your home and property.
Accommodates a last-minute scheduling change.

Question 3

How to dispose of a chain link fence?

Accepted Answer

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You can dispose of a chain link fence in a handful of ways. One way to dispose of a chain link fence is to give it away to someone else. Some other options to get rid of your fence is to recycle it, scrap the metal, donate the fence to someone who needs it, or bring it to a local landfill. You may have to pay a fee to hand it over to a landfill; check with the establishment first to check on fee costs.

Question 4

What happens if we cut down all the trees on our property?

Accepted Answer

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In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.

That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.

Question 5

Can I do my own leaf removal?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can conduct your own leaf removal, but consider that keeping up with leaf removal is time-consuming and requires regular yard work throughout the fall. The process can take a few hours a week. Professionals have lawn equipment that can speed up the process and save you time. Additionally, consider how you’ll dispose of the leaves. If your sanitation company won’t pick them up—especially if you have many bags from a once-annual cleanup— you’ll have to drive the bags to the dump. It’s usually easier to leave the work and disposal to a professional leaf removal service.