As waste disposal requirements expand and change, and regulations become more restrictive, costs also continue to grow not just for businesses, but also for the average person. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical household spends around USD$1,000 every year on waste disposal.
Waste removal, indeed, costs money, but you also don’t have to pay so much. Here are eight ways to save money when you’re getting rid of household waste:
Most people think that they don’t have a choice when it comes to waste removal providers. However, providers with competitive market pricing are growing and becoming more accessible across the country. There are even junk removal providers, like https://easydonationpickup.com/blog/free-junk-removal-services/, that offer their services for free, depending on the type of waste.
Don’t settle; instead, do your research as you may get better prices from local or regional providers. If your municipality offers household waste removal services through a contract with one supplier, compare their prices to an independent provider. More often than not, you’ll find that these private haulers can deliver the same services for much less.
If you’re renting dumpsters, trash bins, or containers, think about whether your costs match your output. Are you paying for more space than what you actually need? If they’re only half-full by the time your pick-up schedule rolls around, consider downsizing. Conversely, if they’re usually overflowing, it might be best to get bigger ones. After all, pick-up fees for the excess are usually more expensive than just getting bigger dumpsters and bins.
Another way to deal with dumpsters and bins that still aren’t full when they’re due to be collected is to change your pick-up schedule. Ask your provider if it’s possible to arrange fewer pick-ups every month. You’re bound to save a lot more money when you optimize your schedule with the capacity of your dumpsters and bins.
Waste disposal depends on several factors, including the following:
Not all types of waste have to go directly into your garbage bin. Some of them you can compost or recycle. Others, such as old, but still functional furniture and appliances, you can donate to a local charity or sell online. By segregating your household wastes depending on the most cost-effective disposal method, you can reduce your removal expenses and even earn extra money.
The details you don’t understand or often ignore can add up over time. Here are some examples of hidden costs that you may be unwittingly paying for:
Check your contract to determine whether you’re supposed to pay for these fees or if they’re separate items that the provider just tacked on without informing you.
According to Greenpeace, 46% of the waste found in landfills is recyclable. Municipal garbage, for example, contains 26% paper products and 3% wood—both of which can easily be reused or recycled. These figures mean that there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to expand their recycling efforts, while also saving money on disposal costs.
Here are some ways to recycle and reduce the household waste you generate:
If the amount of waste you’re generating isn’t enough to even fill a small dumpster every month, consider sharing removal costs with a neighbor. Rent one dumpster for both of your households and share the monthly costs proportionally.
Bulky items, such as furniture or appliances, can be the most expensive to get rid of. Furthermore, it’s difficult to schedule their removal because of the large volume.
Here are some ways to cut down your costs:
By following the tips and methods listed above, you can significantly reduce your waste disposal costs. In some cases, you can even turn your efforts into new revenue streams. The most effective strategy, however, is source reduction. By lowering the amount of waste your household generates, you’ll also significantly reduce your disposal costs.