Cleaning out a hoarding situation can be overwhelming, stressful, and potentially dangerous.
\r\n\r\nWithout the right equipment and experience, cleaning up a hoarder's home can be downright unsafe.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company to help clean out a hoarder home is a great option for a number of reasons.
\r\n
In this guide, we'll discuss the main benefits to hiring hoarding cleanup services.
\r\n\r\n![\"why](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/hoarding.png\")
\r\nMany people may not realize that hoarding cleanups come with a myriad of risks.
\r\n\r\nCleaning up a hoarding situation is more than just cleaning up some clutter, it's often extreme and often houses hidden risks.
\r\n\r\nTrip and fall hazards are the most obvious risk associated with both living in and cleaning up a hoarding situation, as well as the injuries associated with heavy, repetitive lifting.
\r\n\r\nOn top of that, the unclean environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other biohazards.
\r\n\r\nRodents, ants, and other infestations are not uncommon in hoarders' homes, as well as sharp edges, rusty metal, and more.
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal company who specializes in the safe, cautious cleanup of a hoarder house will eliminate your risks.
\r\n\r\nThese companies not only have the experience and knowledge necessary to get the job done, but they also have the necessary personal protective equipment needed to do it safely.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt's no surprise that a clean, organized, and uncluttered home just looks better than one that's cluttered, dirty, and unorganized.
\r\n\r\nCleaning and decluttering a home can make your home appear brighter, larger, and newer, which means its value goes up.
\r\n\r\nCleaning up a hoarding situation can have a huge impact, as oftentimes, the entire home is camouflaged by old equipment, boxes, documents, unused items, and general clutter and junk.
\r\n\r\nRemember that, after your hoarding cleanup project, home maintenance, decluttering, and general cleanliness should become a regular priority.
\r\n\r\nIf you don’t keep up on regular cleaning and repairs, you can expect to spend more money and time when it comes to prepping your home for sale in the future.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCleaning out a hoarder's house doesn't just improve the safety of your home environment; a clean, organized house can also relieve day-to-day stresses and improve the overall sense of well-being in your home.
\r\n
A clean home can reduce stress, which can have a ripple effect on improving anxiety and depression symptoms.
\r\n\r\nGoing from living in a cluttered and dirty home to living in a clean, organized home can positively impact your mental health in more ways than one.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHoarding often poses a number of immediate risks, including the risk of falling and fires.
\r\n\r\nMoving around in a hoarding situation is challenging for even the most balanced person, but for many people, safely maneuvering through and existing in a hoarding home is almost impossible.
\r\n\r\nThe act of physically cleaning up the space is no different, and a person may have a difficult time moving around due to the extreme amount of clutter.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal pros are skilled at carefully cleaning up a hoarding situation to prevent falls and to remove fire hazards.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when cleaning up a hoarder's home (whether it's your home or not) is that there can be a number of different safety hazards hidden among the boxes and clutter.
\r\n\r\nAirborne allergens, including dust, particle matter, sand, and insulation are common in hoarding homes.
\r\n\r\nIn addition, mold, mildew, bacteria, asbestos, insects, critters or animals, animal/human feces, and decomposing animals or food waste are also common and pose a serious health risk.
\r\n\r\nProfessional hoarding cleanup services are poised to safely contain and dispose of any of these hazards.
\r\n\r\nThe personal protective equipment needed to do so can be extensive and adds up quickly in costs.
\r\n\r\nA professional service company will have the equipment and experience needed to do the work in a timely manner.
\r\n\r\nThese companies are also insured to perform the work should any accidents occur.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nHoarding is a type of anxiety disorder, which means it can be extremely challenging for those suffering with hoarding to get rid of various items they've accrued over the years.
\r\n\r\nWhen a hoarder agrees to get help, being time-efficient is crucial.
\r\n\r\nIf items are moved out slowly over time, a hoarder has more time to contemplate each item and change their mind if they're experiencing emotional distress.
\r\n\r\nThis is why the best method for a hoarding cleanup is typically to have all the tools, equipment, and manpower needed to complete the task prepared and ready to be utilized immediately.
\r\n\r\nIf a hoarding cleanup takes place over several days, the emotional disruption this often causes may lead the homeowner to change their mind and shut down the entire operation.
\r\n\r\nThis is why it's so important to get a much done as possible in the least amount of time possible, and hoarding cleanup specialists are aware of this.
\r\n\r\nProfessionals are able to complete the work as quickly as possible, minimizing stress for everyone involved.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFeelings of embarrassment, guilt, and shame are common for those living in a hoarding home, so being discrete and respectful is not only important to the hoarder, but it should be a strategy of a qualified hoarding cleanup service.
\r\n\r\nHaving professionals that are trained to delicately handle these types of large clean outs is critical in minimizing the amount of emotional distress that is caused.
\r\n\r\nHoarding cleanup pros are great at being discrete to minimize any attention drawn to the hoarder's residence during their cleanup and can remove large quantities of unwanted items in a way that looks like an average home clean out.
\r\n\r\nFinding local hoarding cleanup experts is simple by searching on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nWe publish licensed, insured, locally-owned and operated junk removal companies across the country.
\r\n\r\nBy searching your zip code, you'll be able to read verified reviews and request quotes from as many companies in your area as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least three different junk removal quotes to ensure that you'll receive quality customer service at a competitive price.
\r\n\r\nIf you plan on attempting to clean out a hoarder's home yourself, renting a dumpster is the best way to throw out large amounts of trash at once.
\r\n\r\nWith Hometown, you can find qualified, locally-owned dumpster rental companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to read verified reviews and request multiple quotes from various dumpster rental companies to compare pricing and customer service.
\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nCleaning out a hoarding situation can be overwhelming, stressful, and potentially dangerous. Hiring a junk removal company to help clean out a hoarder home is a great option for a number of reasons. Find out more.
\r\n","changed":"2023-02-22T16:57:25+00:00"},{"id":"ce1bf41d-9260-5fe7-b2b4-29dad0cc3a49","title":"What Is the Quickest Way to Clean Out a Basement?","url":"/blog/quickest-way-to-clean-out-basement","image":{"path":"/static/5e0d3ad2da4ddc8cd4085531687131aa/cluttered-basement.png","alt":"basement filled with piles of old junk"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"c31df595-00f6-51ea-a7da-584c54e964ba","name":"Basement Cleanout","slug":"Basement-Cleanout"}],"content":"Basements are one of the easiest places to let junk and clutter accumulate.
\r\n\r\nPiles of slightly-used junk can build up quickly in your basement if you're not careful.
\r\n\r\nItems you no longer really use but don't know if you're ready to toss out often find a home in a basement where they never see the light of day again.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOld papers and documents, outdated clothes, slightly-used holiday decorations, old athletic equipment—all of this can build up quickly over time and can lead to your basement being a cluttered, unsightly mess.
\r\n
When considering the process of decluttering and organizing your basement, it can feel like an overwhelming task.
\r\n\r\n\"Where do I even begin?\" is a common question homeowners have when facing a basement cleanout, and \"How do I get this done quickly?\" is often the next question.
\r\n\r\nLuckily, Hometown is here to help answer those questions, and we make it easy to get started.
\r\n\r\n![\"how](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/clean-out-basement-fast-infographic_1.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nArguably the hardest part about getting your basement decluttered and organized is the labor involved.
\r\n\r\nHauling heavy items out of your basement, making repetitive trips up and down the stairs with cumbersome trash and boxes, going through dusty items, and finding a way to get rid of everything you no longer want quickly and safely is exhausting and sometimes dangerous work.
\r\n\r\nProfessional junk hauling services specialize in cleaning out basements, attic cleanups, garage cleanouts, entire home cleanouts, bulky item removals, and property cleanups.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies are experts at safely cleaning out cluttered spaces, like basements, in record time.
\r\n
Instead of breaking your back and spending your weekend cleaning out your garage, reach out to local junk removal companies for help and get it done fast.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUnless you want to get rid of everything in your basement, you will want to start your basement cleanout by determining which items are staying and which are going.
\r\n\r\nOnce you know what you want to get rid of, set those items aside and make a pile.
\r\n\r\nIf you have entire sections of your basement that you know contain items you want to get rid of, you can point those areas out to the junk removers.
\r\n\r\nMaking it clear to junk removal companies which items you want them to take will help them determine the scope of your project and the time and labor it will require.
\r\n\r\nLearn more about decluttering:
\r\n\r\n![\"looking](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-in-basement.png\")
\r\nHometown makes it simple for homeowners and business owners to request junk removal quotes from companies in their area.
\r\n\r\nJust enter your zip code and browse the junk removal service providers in your area.
\r\n\r\nFrom there, you can read more about their services, see what their customers have to say about them, and request free quotes from as many companies as you like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting three or more junk removal quotes whenever possible to help ensure you pay a fair price and get quality services from a professional and friendly junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nTip: When reaching out to junk removal companies for a project quote, be as detailed as possible when describing what you need removed and where it's located. If you can provide pictures or video of your junk and where it's located/how accessible it is, this will help ensure you get an accurate quote and good customer service with minimal contact.
\r\nKeep reading about junk removal services and costs:
\r\n\r\nIf you're able to provide adequate information, photos, or video of your basement cleanout needs, junk removal companies will likely be able to provide a quote over the phone, via text, or by email.
\r\n\r\nIf you're not able to provide enough information for the junk removers to provide an accurate and informed project estimate remotely, that's OK.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies will typically send two employees to your home or business to provide an in-person quote when the job involves more than just a few items.
\r\n\r\nThese quotes are free and you are not obligated to hire them if you don't like the price they quote you.
\r\n\r\nIf you agree to the price of their basement cleanout services, they get started right away.
\r\n\r\nRead more about hiring junk removers:
\r\n\r\nPayment is taken once the basement cleanout is complete.
\r\n\r\nNow that your unwanted junk is gone and out of the way, you can now finish organizing your items.
\r\n\r\nUtilize shelves to maximize storage space, label waterproof storage bins to keep items dust-free and easy to find, and limit the items you store in the basement moving forward.
\r\n\r\nEverything in your basement should have a designated storage space. And when you bring new items into your basement, it's a great rule of thumb to take one out in exchange to minimize clutter from piling up again.
\r\n\r\nFind out how to improve your basement:
\r\n\r\nBasement cleanouts are less overwhelming with the help of junk removal services. Find out where to start with your basement cleanout project and how to get it done as quickly as possible.
\r\n","changed":"2022-12-06T18:13:17+00:00"},{"id":"4ffb8096-a1c2-5ea0-97be-e009bf5bd146","title":"How to Clean Up Your Property After a Windstorm","url":"/blog/windstorm-cleanup","image":{"path":"/static/31e6cc6fc3a1ba807945e43a8cda5665/storm-cleanup-yard-removal.png","alt":"fallen branches and tree limbs lying in backyard"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"9b611674-a2b8-541f-99a9-bfaf0063fc7d","name":"Storm Cleanup","slug":"Storm-Cleanup"},{"id":"f39b8b1e-ba97-5f6e-a83c-b6d63423d4ad","name":"Yard Waste Removal","slug":"Yard-Waste-Removal"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"fcfad541-0b97-5db4-81fd-a5b271475661","name":"Junk Cleanup and Hauling","slug":"Junk-Cleanup-and-Hauling"}],"content":"Fallen tree limbs, large branches, wind-blown trash, and stripped siding from houses...these are all items you might find in your yard after a big windstorm.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo clean up your yard after a storm, professional storm cleanup services can help get it done fast.
\r\n
Professional storm cleanup and junk removal services can save you time, stress, and risk.
\r\n\r\n![\"windstorm](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/wind-storm-cleanup-infographic.png\")
\r\nBig windstorms can cause a great deal of damage, and in some cases, the resulting damage can be dangerous to deal with yourself.
\r\n\r\nOnce you're sure there are no downed lines or damage to your home, we recommend starting to find cleanup assistance ASAP.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nProfessional storm cleanup crews have the experience and equipment necessary to safely haul heavy branches, cut tree limbs, haul away collapsed sheds or fences, and clear the property of any additional yard debris, junk, or wind-blown objects, like siding, trash, or sharp objects.
\r\n
In some places, storm clean-up is a city-provided service, but for areas where the city doesn't offer contractor clean-up, Hometown can help you find a qualified cleanup crew near you.
\r\n\r\nStorm cleanup crews use saws and other equipment to break up large limbs and branches, and then haul away any yard waste or debris in the yard.
\r\n
\r\nFrom there, the debris is hauled to the nearest yard waste collection facility, junk is donated or recycled whenever possible, and everything else is taken to the landfill.
So while you're safely indoors, the storm cleanup company can clean up the aftermath of a windstorm in record time and give you your yard back.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStorm cleanup costs can vary a great deal depending on how severe the damage is, the labor involved with the cleanup, where you live, and who you hire.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor a relatively minor storm cleanup, including removing fallen tree branches and scattered junk or trash from your yard, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$600.
\r\n
If you have large, heavy tree limbs that need to be cut up and hauled away, you can expect this cost to increase to $1,000 or more.
\r\n\r\nIf an outdoor feature, like a fence or shed, was also ruined as a result of a windstorm, the costs increase even more to $2,000 or more.
\r\n\r\nIf your home was damaged in a windstorm from a fallen tree, reach out to your insurance company right away to get it repaired.
\r\n\r\nNote: If you live in an area prone to windstorms or other types of storms, it may be worth adding Debris Removal Coverage to your property insurance. This coverage would mitigate or eliminate the cost of paying the pros to clean up and dispose of debris from a covered loss, leaving you with less stress in the long run.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen your property is affected by a storm, you want to get it handled as quickly as possible, and Hometown gets that.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHometown can help you find qualified junk removal and storm cleanup pros in your area, read reviews, and request quotes easily and free of charge.
\r\n
Give as much detail about your project as you can to each company you speak to in order to get the most accurate junk removal quote. Oftentimes, junk removal companies will need to come out to your property to assess the work and provide a quote.
\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, we recommend getting more than one estimate for your junk removal project.
\r\n\r\nIf you'd rather handle the work yourself, dumpster rental is a great option, and Hometown can help with that, too! Just like with junk removal, Hometown can help you find local dumpster rental companies, makes it easy to request multiple dumpster quotes, and read reviews.
\r\n\r\nNote: If your property has extreme damage, we recommend reaching out to a restoration company.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\nFallen tree limbs, large branches, wind-blown trash, and stripped siding from houses...these are all items you might find in your yard after a big windstorm. Get your yard cleaned up fast after a storm with the help of professional storm cleanup services.
\r\n","changed":"2022-02-02T01:12:44+00:00"},{"id":"d8c2fc02-ef5d-53aa-b855-8ce7aea968ad","title":"4 Ways to Save on Junk Removal Costs","url":"/blog/4-ways-to-save-on-junk-removal-costs","image":{"path":"/static/1db059462f6685a7aa215c747008c21a/save-on-junk-removal-1.jpg","alt":"woman holding her credit card and looking at computer"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"Junk removal services cost anywhere from $75 up to $5,000 or more depending on the project.
\r\n\r\nThere are many factors that affect the cost of junk removal services, including:
\r\n\r\nBecause junk removal prices can vary so much, we've compiled a list of our 4 biggest tips for ensuring you get the best price for your junk removal project.
\r\n\r\n![\"Four](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-ways-to-save-on-junk-removal-infographic2.png\")
\r\nThis is the most important tip for saving money on junk removal services because junk removal prices can vary by hundreds of dollars between different companies in the same town.
\r\n\r\nFor example, one company may quote $500 for a garage cleanout, while another company offers to complete the job for $300.
\r\n\r\nBy going with the first company you contact, you may be missing out on getting a better deal with a competing company.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting at least 2-3 estimates for junk removal projects before booking the service.
\r\n\r\nFor larger and more expensive jobs, it may be worth getting 4-5 quotes prior to selecting a junk removal company.
\r\n\r\nThe difference can literally lead to hundreds of dollars in savings.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nDepending on the type of cleanup, you may be able to reduce costs by having the junk ready to load in the driveway or curbside before the junk removal company shows up.
\r\n\r\nBy making the job quicker, it may help reduce labor costs.
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal companies determine rates based on the volume of junk, so putting it all in an easily accessible area, like in your driveway or curbside, may not generate any savings for you, but it’s worth mentioning over the phone when booking the service to see if you can get a better rate by making the junk more accessible to their crew. It never hurts to ask.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nItems in usable or good working condition can be donated or given away rather than junked.
\r\n\r\nSome examples include:
\r\n\r\nSome charitable organizations, such as Salvation Army, may offer to pick up gently used items from your location for free.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A fair number of junk removal companies offer special rates for seniors, veterans, or other segments of the population. There also may be other holiday discounts or coupons as part of a marketing campaign.
\r\n\r\nCheck the junk removal company’s website, as well as their Facebook page and other social accounts, to see if there are any current discounts available. Also be sure to ask when calling to get information or book their services.
\r\n\r\nDiscounts in these categories can be significant. It’s not unusual to see a 10% or even 20% discount of seniors or veterans. A 10% discount on a $500 job, for example, knocks $50 off the top and that’s a good chunk of change.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy for customers to find junk removal companies in their area.
\r\n
\r\nBrowse junk removal companies based on your zip code, read customer reviews for each company, and request quotes from multiple dumpster rental and junk removal providers to ensure you pay a fair price for great services.
Find out more:
\r\n\r\nUse our 4 biggest tips to get the best price on your junk removal service. You can save tens or even hundreds of dollars on jobs ranging from garage cleanouts to commercial building cleanout projects.
\r\n","changed":"2022-06-16T18:22:49+00:00"},{"id":"5e3f4a61-beb3-5936-8144-4db6869f7f3f","title":"Factors That Affect the Cost of Junk Removal Services","url":"/blog/junk-removal-cost-factors","image":{"path":"/static/2678e0ec3e123a591ca26b7e864b30cb/junk-removal-cost-factors.png","alt":"pile of household junk outside"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"Junk removal services are a convenient, handy way to get rid of any amount of junk, trash, or debris quickly and safely.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBecause junk removal services can help with projects of all shapes and sizes, costs for junk removal vary quite a bit.
\r\n
Junk removal costs anywhere from $100-$1,000 on average.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies have minimum fees that they charge for removing one or two items, like a mattress, treadmill, TV, or couch.
\r\n\r\nYour exact junk removal project cost will depend on a number of factors.
\r\n\r\n![\"junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-cost-factors-infographic.png\")
\r\nOne of the major factors that affects junk removal project costs is the location of the project.
\r\n\r\nDo you live in an area with a high cost of living?
\r\n\r\nDo you live out in the country far from the nearest junk removal company or local disposal facilities?
\r\n\r\nIf either of these situations are true, your junk removal service will be more expensive due to the increased disposal fees and travel/gas costs.
\r\n\r\nFor example, junk removal services in New York City will cost more on average than junk removal services in Wichita, Kansas due to the difference in cost of living.
\r\n\r\nThe cost of an apartment cleanout on an upper floor will also be higher that a first floor cleanout.
\r\n\r\nHaving a pile of items in your driveway or by the curb for easy pick-up is the most cost-effective option because it speeds things up and simplifies things for the crew.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies typically price general household junk removal projects differently than removing large or heavy items/debris.
\r\n\r\nFor example, construction and demolition debris is extremely heavy and requires additional labor to load and haul it away safely.
\r\n\r\nThe same is true for large, heavy furniture pieces, like pianos and treadmills.
\r\n\r\nDifficult-to-haul items require more labor and therefore will typically be more expensive to dispose of than lightweight debris.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSimilarly to the type of debris, the amount of debris affects junk removal pricing as well.
\r\n\r\nThe more space your items take up in the company's truck or trailer, the more your junk removal project will cost.
\r\n\r\nFor junk removal, costs rise as the volume of junk increases.
\r\n\r\nA full truckload of junk will cost more than a load taking up half the truck space.
\r\n\r\nThe more items you need to remove, the longer it will take for the junk pros to complete the job as well.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nAs the complexity of a junk removal job increases, so does the price.
\r\n\r\nRelatively small, straightforward junk removal projects, like furniture or appliance removal, typically cost $100-$350.
\r\n\r\nA larger, more complex cleanup project, like cleaning out a garage, attic, or basement, costs $200-$800 or more on average.
\r\n\r\nAnd the largest and most complex cleanup projects, like entire home cleanouts, foreclosure cleanouts, or hoarding cleanups, typically cost anywhere from $800-$3,000 or more.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies charge slightly different prices for the same service, which is why we recommend getting at least 2-3 quotes.
\r\n\r\nNot only does getting multiple junk removal quotes ensure you pay a fair price, it also ensures you hire the best company.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRegardless of how big or small your junk removal project is, knowing what to look for in a junk removal company can help save you money and stress if you’ve never hired one before.
\r\n
A qualified junk removal company is insured, has a good reputation, offers fair prices, and is available to complete the work when you need it.
\r\n\r\nAt Hometown, we specialize in helping people find qualified junk removal companies in their area.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you choose the best junk removal company, we recommend reaching out to multiple companies for junk removal quotes and getting answers to the most important junk removal project questions from each one in order to adequately compare job estimates.
\r\n\r\nRead on:
\r\n\r\nJunk removal services are a convenient, handy way to get rid of any amount of junk, trash, or debris quickly and safely, but prices can vary quite a bit. Find out the main factors that affect junk removal cost to help ensure you pay a fair price for your services.
\r\n","changed":"2022-05-11T22:52:02+00:00"},{"id":"05f51cd7-aaab-52a6-b9c2-e169cd7f48f0","title":"Paper Recycling 101: Everything You Should Know","url":"/blog/paper-recycling-101","image":{"path":"/static/06aa8e7ad205e7d5db7ed2e3be936947/paper-recycling.jpg","alt":"Yellow dump truck next to large pile of paper at recycling plant"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"ed797128-86b6-5592-953b-f6cbae7dd3e2","name":"Paper Recycling","slug":"Paper-Recycling"},{"id":"39c3533a-c46f-509b-8fcc-19e935627151","name":"Recycling","slug":"Recycling"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"}],"content":"With roughly 40% of landfill waste being paper, its no wonder why consumers and businesses are being called now more than ever to recycle paper as often as possible.
\r\n\r\nWe are all sitting on a huge opportunity to reduce the size of our landfills at a time when landfill \"real estate\" is limited and dwindling by the day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRecycling is a great cause but there are rules you must follow in order to not contaminate a batch of recyclables.
\r\n
Not following these rules can lead to recyclables having to be tossed into a landfill, producing the exact opposite results you were trying for.
\r\n\r\nWe'll go over everything you need to know about paper recycling for homes and businesses so you can ensure your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n\r\nAs we've already mentioned, one of the more obvious benefits of recycling paper is conserving landfill space, but that only just scratches the surface of the many benefits of paper recycling.
\r\n\r\nMany of us were taught in school that recycling paper helps to reduce the amount of trees that are cut down, but how many trees are we actually preserving?
\r\n\r\nTo put it in perspective, if all newspapers that were put into production every year were recycled, we could save around 250 MILLION trees each year!
\r\n\r\nFor every ton (2,000 lbs) of paper that is recycled, we save roughly:
\r\n\r\nIf you're more motivated by the economy than you are the environment, don't worry, we've got you covered there too.
\r\n\r\nA new study by Eco-Cycle shows that if the United States could transition to a 75% recycling rate by the year 2030, we would create an estimate 1-2 million new jobs!
\r\n\r\nJobs created by the recycling industry aren't minimum wage jobs, either. The recycling industry offers theirs workers competitive wages and health benefits.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things to keep in mind when recycling paper is that it is crucial to keep all paper products clean.
\r\n\r\nIn a mixed recycling bin where you throw aluminum, glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard, you're much more likely to get cross contamination from foods or liquids which can ruin an entire bale of recyclable paper.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe best paper recycling practice is to keep the paper separate from other types of recyclables so that they can remain clean.
\r\n
It's also important to understand the different types of paper products we use and what they can often be lined or mixed with.
\r\n\r\nSome of the old ways that we or our parents were taught to recycle is no longer applicable and can actually contaminate our more current paper recycling processes today.
\r\n\r\nChina is the world's largest purchaser of recycled paper and they have strict rules, requiring that recycled paper have 1% or less of contamination.
\r\n\r\nSo while it used to not be necessary in the past to remove the plastic windows in business envelopes, it can be the difference between contaminating recycled paper that can be repurchased or not.
\r\n\r\nThe best practices for recycling any type of material is to understand exactly what can and can't go in your bin, specifically in your area.
\r\n\r\nSome recycling facilities can handle certain products that others cannot.
\r\n\r\nFor example, most recycling centers can't recycle paper cups because they are actually lined with plastic.
\r\n\r\nThere are, however, some recycling centers that have special machines that can separate this plastic from cups.
\r\n\r\nThat's why it's important to get a list of accepted material directly from your waste management company so that you aren't mistakingly contaminating the paper or other items you're trying to recycle.
\r\n\r\nHere is a list of the most universally accepted paper products that can be recycled:
\r\n\r\nMixed material items like orange juice containers and milk cartons can be recycled in some areas, and not in others.
\r\n\r\nAgain, that's why it's important to do local research before tossing just anything into your recycling bin.
\r\n\r\n![\"Paper](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/paper-cup.jpg\")
\r\nThere are many common mistakes well-intentioned people make when recycling paper.
\r\n\r\nOne of the most common is tossing in pizza boxes with grease stains.
\r\n\r\nWhile cardboard is a recyclable material, no paper products that are contaminated with food should be recycled.
\r\n\r\nIf the top half of your pizza box does not have any grease on it, feel free to separate that from the bottom half of your pizza box and put it into your recycling as long as you're sure it's clean.
\r\n\r\nAnother common mistake people make is throwing in paper items that are lined or coated with wax or plastic, like paper cups, milk cartons, juice boxes, receipts, parchment paper, printed photographs, etc.
\r\n\r\nMany recycling centers can't recycle paper with fibers are already heavily refined, like tissue paper.
\r\n\r\nPaper towels and napkins have fibers that are too short to be recycled (but they can be composted!).
\r\n\r\nOne of the more shocking pieces of information regarding paper recycling that is a common mistake, for businesses especially, is that shredded paper cannot be recycled in the same manner as regular paper.
\r\n\r\nThe fibers in shredded paper have been shortened too much and the small pieces often jam recycling machinery.
\r\n\r\nSome facilities allow shredded paper that is contained in plastic bags and kept separate from other full pieces of paper, but not all do.
\r\n\r\nCheck with your local facility to learn more.
\r\n\r\nIf your curbside trash service also offers recycling, having your recycling picked up at the end of your driveway is certainly the most convenient option.
\r\n\r\nFor those who live in areas where this isn't offered, however, there are plenty of other options available.
\r\n\r\nMany communities have drop-off recycling programs or community dumpsters at different drop-off locations for recyclables.
\r\n\r\nMichigan, for example, has a paper and cardboard recycling program called PaperGator where residents can deposit their recyclable paper products into dumpster containers at several designated drop-off locations.
\r\n\r\nVisit Earth 911 to find recycling centers or programs near you. You can type in the specific type of material you'd like to recycle, as well as your zip code, and you'll be shown recycling solutions in your area.
\r\n\r\nIf you're a business or contractor that has large amounts of paper or cardboard to recycle that won't fit in your curbside collection, consider renting a dumpster for your recycling efforts.
\r\n\r\nOr, if you have a lot of paper to recycle but not enough to justify renting a dumpster, consider hiring a junk removal company to haul away your paper for you.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal company will be able to recycle all your paper and cardboard products on your behalf without you having to lift a finger.
\r\n\r\nHometown makes it easy to find junk removal services and dumpster rentals for all types of disposals across the U.S., including paper recycling!
\r\n\r\nSearch your zip code, answer a few quick questions about your project needs, and get free quotes from qualified companies in your area.
\r\n\r\nLearn everything you need to know about paper recycling to ensure that your recycling efforts don't go to waste.
\r\n","changed":"2023-03-15T18:07:46+00:00"}],"populars":[],"tips":[{"name":"Removing Unwanted Junk","body":"Generally speaking, junk removal companies accept more items than dumpster rental companies.
\r\n\r\nA junk removal service may be more willing to remove some of the items that you can't put in a dumpster, like tires, refrigerators, or old cans of paint.
\r\n\r\nOther common items that most junk removal companies accept include:
\r\n\r\nA majority of junk removal companies charge a minimum rate, regardless of how small the removal job is. For example, most companies charge around $75-$125 to come out and haul away anything. For large projects, like whole-home cleanouts and hoarding jobs, then you could end up paying upwards of $2,000.
\r\n\r\nThe amount of junk that needs to be removed, where the junk is located, how heavy the junk is (and whether it needs to be disassembled), and who you hire are some of the biggest factors affecting junk removal cost.
\r\n\r\nTo ensure you pay a fair price, we recommend getting quotes from 2-3 junk removal companies.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading: Rent a Dumpster or Hire a Junk Removal Company?
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