Apex Dumpsters Blog

Renovating your home is an exciting process, but often comes with a significant amount of debris. Whether you're knocking down walls, replacing flooring, or updating your kitchen, proper disposal of renovation debris is crucial. Not only does it keep your worksite clean and safe, but it also ensures that materials are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Here's how to sort and dispose of your renovation materials properly.

Step 1: Identify and Sort the Debris

The first step in managing renovation debris is to identify the types of materials you're dealing with. Common debris from renovations includes:

1. Wood: Lumber, plywood, and wooden beams.
2. Metals: Pipes, wires, and metal fixtures.
3. Drywall: Sheets of gypsum board used for walls and ceilings.
4. Plastics: Pipes, insulation, and packaging materials.
5. Glass: Windows, doors, and mirrors.

Once you've identified the materials, sort them into separate piles. This makes disposal easier and ensures that recyclable or reusable items don't end up in the landfill.

Step 2: Recycle What You Can

Many renovation materials can be recycled, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Here’s a quick guide on what can typically be recycled:

• Metals: Scrap metal from pipes, wires, and fixtures is highly recyclable. Local recycling centers often accept these materials.
• Wood: Clean, untreated wood can be recycled or even reused in other projects. Avoid mixing treated or painted wood with recyclable wood, as it may contain harmful chemicals.
• Plastics: Certain types of plastic pipes and packaging materials can be recycled. Check with your local recycling facility to see what types they accept.
• Glass: Window glass, mirrors, and doors can often be recycled, but it’s important to remove any metal components like frames before recycling.

Make sure to contact your local recycling center to confirm what materials they accept and if there are any specific guidelines for preparation.

Step 3: Proper Disposal of Non-Recyclable Materials

For materials that can't be recycled, proper disposal is key to maintaining safety and environmental standards:

• Drywall: This material is generally not recyclable, so it needs to be disposed of in a landfill or through a specialized waste service.
• Hazardous Materials: Items like asbestos, lead-based paint, and certain chemicals require special handling. Do not dispose of these materials in regular dumpsters. Instead, contact a hazardous waste disposal service to ensure they are handled safely and legally.
• Treated Wood: Wood that has been treated, stained, or painted often contains chemicals that make it unsuitable for recycling. Dispose of it in a designated landfill or through a waste management service.

Proper sorting and disposal of renovation debris are essential steps in any home improvement project. By recycling what you can and responsibly disposing of the rest, you contribute to a cleaner environment and ensure your project is completed safely.

Make it Easier - Rent a Dumpster for Easy Disposal

Renting a dumpster is an efficient way to manage the disposal of your renovation debris. With a dumpster on-site, you can easily toss materials as you go, keeping your workspace clean and organized. Make sure to choose a dumpster size that fits the scale of your project, and inform the rental company about the types of materials you’ll be disposing of.  Often, materials going in to the dumpster do not need to be sorted as this is done at the transfer centers/commercial recycling centers.

Apex Dumpsters is excited to help you on your next home renovation project! We are ready to provide a dumpster for your project in Apex, Cary, and the surrounding Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area! Please call/text our customer service team at 919-607-6670. You can also visit our website at www.apexdumpstersinc.com.