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Waste piling up at your home or in the neighborhood isn’t a sight for sore eyes. Moreover, it takes up space and pollutes the environment. That is why you can count on your weekly trash pick-ups or dumpster services to take your junk away to the landfill.
However, while loading a dumpster, you must be careful that the rental container doesn’t start to overflow. An overloaded dumpster not only is it a health hazard for the staff. It can also spill the waste onto the roads, leading to accidents and more contamination. Thus, one must follow the safety protocols and weight limits when loading their trash onto a dumpster.
Thanks to urbanization, we are generating more and more waste each day. Experts estimate that over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste is generated annually. However, by being mindful of our consumption and cooperating with waste collection services, we can help in waste management and keep our surroundings clean, safe and tidy.
How Can a Dumpster be Overloaded?
Many first-timers may not know how to correctly fill the dumpster and end up with it overloaded. The key to avoiding an overloaded container is to distribute the weight evenly. Another key fact to remember is not to load the debris too high in the trash container. It will not be safe to transport it in those conditions.
A trash dumpster can get overloaded in the following ways:
- The refuse exceeds the garbage dumpster’s wall height
- Items stick out of the roof of the dumpster or hanging over the sides
- Illegal dumping from others that create weight limit issues
- The lid of the container is not closed with a hitch
An overloaded dumpster can also result in extra charges for you such as overage fees. Trash removal companies will charge a dry run fee if the dumpster cannot be hauled on the agreed date. 必利勁
umpsterco.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-dumpster-delivery/">Inaccessible driveways or items blocking access to the rental container might also result in expensive delays.
So, before booking a dumpster, consult with your Discount Dumpster sales representative. They can suggest the right dumpster size to accommodate your needs.
Hazards of an Overloaded Dumpster
If the waste in the rental dumpster isn't secured, it will result in complications. This goes for both you and the service staff. Some of the common hazards of an overloaded dumpster include the following reasons:
1. Health Hazards
Dumpsters haul urban waste from the cities to the nearest landfill. Some areas are even franchised by a single waste management provider for this effort.
Carrying junk that exceeds the weight limits is highly unsafe. This applies both for the service folks who are regularly exposed to contaminated materials, as well as to everyone else near public roads.
An overfilled trash bin is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. As per studies, those working in garbage collection are already at higher risk for respiratory illnesses. Thus, transporting an overloaded dumpster risks exposing citizens to infections and deadly diseases.
2. Accidents on the Road
An overloaded dumpster with waste hanging from its sides or top can lead to accidents. A piece of junk may topple off, injuring motorists or passers-by. Getting stuck in tree branches are also a concern.
3. Public Nuisances
An overfilled dumpster can cause other problems too. If the roof isn’t shut properly, the waste spills out on the public road.
This might lead to a blockage in the streets, increasing traffic and inconveniencing others. The local municipality must get involved to clean up the mess and ensure that the roads are safe to travel through again.
4. Pollution
As mentioned earlier, an overweight dumpster is a public health hazard. Even if the driver has the waste dropped off safely, the waste is still exposed to the environment. Hazardous material disposal is a tricky situation for the most part.
If construction waste such as asphalt exceed their weight limits, then it isn’t safe to drive them through a public road. Such materials release contaminants into the air, spreading respiratory diseases. If some of the waste falls onto the streets, it may eventually seep into groundwater and contaminate the city’s water supply.
Thus, overloading a dumpster can incite a chain reaction of negative consequences.
5. Property Damage
The waste from an overloaded rental container may spill and damage nearby property. Whether it’s private or public property, the rental company may face legal issues as a result of a simple oversight.
6. Injury or Death
Finally, not only can an overloaded dumpster damage property, it can also cause fatal accidents. A motorist could get hit by falling debris, or a pedestrian might breathe in the polluted air.
By 2050, the global municipal waste generation will increase by 70%. For the safety and continued well-being of the community and environment, it is imperative that you don’t overload your dumpster.
How Can I Prevent an Overloaded Dumpster?
As a conscientious citizen, it is your responsibility that you carefully load the dumpster. To avoid a dumpster overload, follow these simple steps:
1. Estimate the Weight
Estimate beforehand the weight of the garbage that you wish to dispose off. If you have a lot of garbage, such as from home renovations or an estate cleanout, book the largest dumpster size available.
2. Watch for Prohibited Items
Waste companies have lists of prohibited items that are not allowed in landfills. If you have such items, inform the dumpster company staff or contact another waste management service for a recycling facility.
3. Rearrange the Debris
If your waste still exceeds the wall height and prevents the lid from being closed, consider rearranging the materials inside. If it still doesn’t work, remove some of the materials and arrange for another drop-off at a later date.
Given the looming threat of climate change and rising pollution levels, we must all do our part to conserve the environment and comply with waste management safety regulations.
Need Tips on Loading a Dumpster?
At Discount Dumpster, we promise to make your waste removal experience as simple, cheap and hassle-free. Simply give our friendly team a call and we’ll suggest the best-sized dumpster for your needs. All rentals come with free no-obligation quote.
While you have certainly learned a lot about loading dumpsters here, there's always more to learn! Our team will give you professional tips and tricks to make sure your dumpster isn't overloaded!
Call us today to learn more about how to get rid of your waste in a safe and responsible way.
Call to Answer All of Your Dumpster Rental Questions! - (888) 316-7010