Hoarding: 7 Tips to Plan a Major Residential Cleanup Project

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Owning rental properties can be a significant investment, but maintaining them can sometimes be problematic as trash removal can be challenging. If you provide a way for people to dispose of their trash easily, however, it can be less of a burden. Installing trash compactors for your tenants is one solution that has some benefits for both you and the tenets. 1. Improved Aesthetics Residential apartments often attract the public. When a prospective tenant comes to see the property, or someone comes to visit, you want the property to look good. That first impression can make or break the property’s reputation. Once that happens, it is tough to turn around and can affect the properties potential to attract future residents. Installing trash compactors can help keep the property clean, and if you install the compactor inside a fence or wall so they are harder to see, the trash around them is at least out of site. The enclosure has to be accessible to the truck that comes to change the compactor, but that does not mean the compactor needs to be in the center of the complex. It can still be out of direct view if you plan for it. 2. Reducing Liability Dumpsters can attract people looking for free things to them. If the dumpster has an open top that someone can get into, they might climb in to try and retrieve something they see in it. A problem occurs when the person who jumps into the dumpster gets hurt. In many cases, they will want to hold you responsible. Having the dumpster posted might not be enough to protect you if the court sides with the dumpster diver. When you install compactors on the property, the trash is pushed into the container making it harder to access from the outside. There is less temptation to see what is inside the container and, with it, less likelihood that someone is going to climb into the dumpster. Running the compactor is essential to keep trash from being visible in the compactors hopper. 3. Reducing the Risk of Rodents and Animals Anytime you have trash in an exterior area, you run the risk of having rodents and small animals looking for food scraps. They are not looking for trouble, just a free meal. The problem is, they bring diseases with them, and they make a mess pulling things out of the dumpster or trash containers. Once the trash is compacted, it is much harder for them to get at and may even discourage them from coming back. 4. Cost Savings Loose trash fills a dumpster very quickly, and once it is full, it can blow out of the dumpster. I can become necessary to have the dumpster emptied daily, and with the services comes additional costs for dumping and hauling. The additional costs can quickly become too much to handle, and if the dumpsters sit full for a day or two, people will start putting trash on the ground. It can create a significant problem in a short time. Installing compactors will reduce the problem of full dumpsters. Once the trash is inside the compactor, the ram minimizes the size and volume of waste using high pressure. The amount of trash inside the container will depend on the compactor you choose, but a standard option is a 4:1 ratio or a compactor that holds 75 percent more waste than a dumpster of the same yardage. At Pro-Star Roll-Off Dumpsters in San Antonio, we can provide the compactors for your property and service them for you. Give us a call, and we can help you determine how large a compactor you need and set up a service schedule that works for your needs.

Many businesses often overlook the issue of waste management, yet waste can have significant implications for factors such as revenue, productivity, efficiency, and safety in the workplace. One way facilities can optimize their waste removal process is by using trash compactors. If you generate a large amount of waste, renting a compactor can make business sense. However, a lot goes into selecting the right waste compactor. Here are important considerations for choosing a rental trash compactor for your business. ​ Type Commercial waste compactors come in two different types — stationary compactors and self-contained compactors. The type of compactor you need will largely depend on the nature of the waste your business generates. Stationary Compactors A stationary compactor is bolted or welded to the ground and features a removable container for convenient emptying. This type of compactor is suitable for managing high volume dry waste such as paper, cardboard, and other recyclable materials. Self-Contained Compactors Self-contained compactors are mobile and have a leak proof construction. This type of compactor is ideal for facilities that handle a high volume of liquid or wet waste. Facilities can include restaurants, apartment complexes, and hospitals. Space Every business wants to make the most use of available floor space. When looking for the right trash compactor, bear in mind the space limitations of your facility. The right size compactor at the right location will allow you to balance between your waste management requirements and the need to optimize efficiency within the facility. Volume Next, estimate the amount of waste in cubic yards your business generates per week. This will allow you to determine the right size compactor. The larger the volume of weekly waste you generate, the larger the compactor size you will need. Additionally, consider the size and weight of the waste your business generates. This will determine the appropriate compactor charge chamber and hopper size to avoid jamming up the in-feed and affecting the efficiency of the compactor system. Choose the right size compactor to minimize pickup frequency and the related fees. Consult your local trash compactor rentals company for recommendations on the right size compactor for your business. Disposal When selecting a commercial trash compactor, prioritize efficiency and ease of use. Consider how workers will bring waste to the compactors. Some compactors allow workers to dispose of waste by hand while others allow the use of carts to conveniently dump waste into the compactor. Additionally, some systems feature a chute through which the user can remain in the building and feed waste into the compactor. When workers are able to dispose of waste easily, they are more likely to comply with and take ownership of the company's waste management policy. Removal In addition to considering the waste disposal style, determine the most appropriate waste removal procedure based on the volume of waste your facility generates and the hauling frequency. The main waste removal styles are front load, rear load, and roll-off. Roll-off trash compactors are generally suitable for facilities that generate a high volume of waste. This type of compactor maximizes the truck's carrying capacity. However, the compactor will need to go to and from the landfill. Therefore, you should adequately prepare for this downtime. Front load and rear load compactors might be a suitable alternative for moderate to lower volume waste generating facilities. Although typically smaller, these compactors deliver optimal waste compression to minimize hauling frequency. A trash compactor can help to improve your waste management practices, which, in turn, can result in significant cost savings, space maximization, improved safety and sanitation, and a better business reputation. If you want professional waste compactors in New Braunfels and San Antonio, Texas, call Pro-Star Roll-Off Dumpsters today.

As the organizer of your neighborhood cleanup project, you are in the right position to make a difference in your community. Once you've put together a team of volunteers, your next step is to figure out what to do with all of the trash that your group removes from the public areas. Depending upon the focus of your project, you should expect to clean up general garbage, landscaping debris, and household items that are all too big for your normal trash container to hold. Roll-off dumpsters provide a simple way to dispose of almost all waste, so you should use them and the following tips to improve your cleanup project. 1. Assess the Scope of the Project Your first step is to determine how much trash you think the cleanup project may generate. Gather some information about your project, such as the areas where the volunteers will focus, along with a list of any large items that you know need to be disassembled and removed. For large lot cleanups, get a measurement of the square footage of the property, and take note of special debris such as fencing. Then, give this information to the customer service team when you arrange for the dumpster rental so that they can help you determine the size and number of dumpsters you need. 2. Choose the Right Dumpster Location The dumpster should be located in a central area that is easily accessible to all of the volunteers. However, the placement may be restricted by laws for safety and access purposes. For instance, you should never place a dumpster below power lines, and it should be put on level ground. When choosing a good location, be sure to adhere to local laws, while also keeping the dumpster in a convenient location for your volunteers. 3. Acquire Any Necessary Approvals Dumpster permits are sometimes required if you plan to place them on public areas such as the road. However, you may not need one if you plan to place the dumpster on a private driveway. Keep in mind that the HOA and other community planning boards may still need to give their approval before you can set one up. 4. Advise Volunteers of Prohibited Items When multiple people are working on a project, someone can easily mistakenly toss something that is not approved into the dumpster. Hold a meeting before the event to discuss what cannot go into the container, such as flammable liquids. You may also include these prohibited items on any volunteer flyer materials to reinforce the concept. 5. Make Plans to Dispose of Hazardous Waste Although the dumpster is perfect for holding old building materials and organic trash such as branches, you need to plan to dispose of hazardous items. Identify the hazardous items that you expect to accumulate and find community resources for their disposal. For instance, many auto supply stores and repair shops have programs that allow people to safely dispose of oil, antifreeze, and car batteries. You can also check with the local office supply or electronics store to find out if they accept old batteries and devices that cannot go to the landfill. 6. Enforce Basic Safety Rules Once the cleanup operation is up and running, appoint a member of the crew to stay near the dumpster for safety purposes. For instance, they can remind people not to smoke near the dumpster and help to keep debris picked up around the sides so that no one trips and falls. At Pro-Star Roll-Off Dumpsters, we love helping our customers keep their communities clean. Give us a call today to get an estimate on dumpster rental that makes your neighborhood cleanup project a breeze.

Whether you're working on a small or large construction project, you will inevitably produce waste. You could just dump it all, but construction businesses must show more responsibility when it comes to construction waste. Figuring out responsible ways to deal with your construction waste can take some effort, but it's worth it. Here is how you can start. 1. Know Your Construction Debris The type of construction debris produced by your activities will vary depending on the nature and scope of the work. Most forms of construction will produce waste consisting of one or more of the following: Wood Masonry Drywall Metal Tile Plastic Wiring Anything found in most homes or buildings can become construction waste. Other than the larger materials, construction waste can also include smaller things like packaging, tape, nails, or shingles. Make sure you know what materials you have present on the site at any given time. Knowing what you have will help you to better plan what to do with it. 2. Separate Your Construction Debris Separating your construction debris can help a lot if you plan to do other things with the debris after you complete the job. Separation can also help if you're using a debris removal service to collect the debris. Some removal services won't pick up certain types of debris. Some others may need to know precisely what you're dumping. Texas has laws concerning what a waste removal service can dump. These companies must also adhere to certain federal regulations. Separating your debris can help you and the company. You may come up with a separation system of your own, especially if you or your company does many regular jobs. However, you should make a plan and find responsible solutions for your construction waste even if you work alone. 3. Have a Plan for Your Construction Debris Always have a plan in place specifically for your construction debris. Your plan can also help you figure out how best to deal with your construction debris. Include what you plan to do for each type of material you have at the site. For example, you can separate things by: What you can recycle What you can reuse What you can sell Recycling your debris benefits both the local and global environment. Recycling also adds a level of sustainability to your business that people will respect. You can search for local buyers who purchase the types of debris you create. Some recyclers and a number of private businesses will pay for particular types of construction debris. Reusing materials can make sense and even save you money. You can even establish another arm of your business dedicated to selling materials left over after you complete a job. You can reuse things like doors, fixtures, and anything you can keep intact. Other people can use these things as well. So keep them for yourself, sell them, or give them away. This kind of activity gives your business another layer of sustainability. 4. Use an Experienced Service for Your Construction Debris Even with a plan for your debris, you will still likely need to throw a good deal of it away. When choosing a debris removal service, or ordering a roll-off dumpster, choose a service that can properly dispose of construction debris. Using a service with responsible practices is also part of dealing with your construction waste the right way. Not all dumpster services know how to navigate construction sites. Some non-professional services don't adhere to waste and recycling regulations. Pro-Star Roll-Off Dumpsters can handle your construction debris responsibly so you don't have to worry. If you need dumpster rentals or professional debris removal services, contact us for your next job.

If you need to clean up your home or property, rent a roll-off dumpster to dispose of junk, trash, and unneeded items. Most homeowners know that they can use a dumpster to get rid of old household items, including worn-out clothing, old papers, and broken electronics. However, you can put additional items in your roll-off dumpster. Here are just a few lesser-known household items you can put in your roll-off dumpster. 1. Yard Waste How to dispose of yard waste poses a quandary for homeowners. Even seemingly small projects can have significant waste, and most cities have laws that dictate how and when you can throw away leftover landscaping project materials. For example, the city of New Braunfels has strict regulations regarding green disposal and refuses to accept some types of yard waste at all. Green waste includes plant trimmings, small tree branches, and grass. New Braunfels does not permit homeowners to dispose of green waste in the regular trash, as green waste can damage the processing equipment. Instead, homeowners must adhere to the green waste pickup schedule and follow specific guidelines when packaging the waste. Green waste collection will not accept soil, rocks, and certain types of plants. A much more convenient option to dispose of your yard waste is to place it in your roll-off dumpster. Many roll-off dumpster companies accept your landscaping waste as is so that you don't have to worry about following a bunch of rules or holding onto the waste until it is your green waste pickup day. Many dumpster companies also have no restrictions concerning the type of landscaping waste that you can put in your roll-off dumpster. 2. Most Appliances Appliances are another tricky item for homeowners to get rid of, especially if they are no longer working. Though you can haul them to the landfill, this option is time-consuming, costly, and requires access to a truck or spacious vehicle. Some cities do have a bulky item trash collection day, but this service typically costs extra and only occurs on certain dates. You don't want to worry about where you are going to store an old stove or dishwasher while you wait for your scheduled pickup date. As long as your appliance does not contain Freon, you can throw your old appliances away in your rental roll-off dumpster. This eliminates the need to haul away these heavy, bulky items and prevents them from becoming eyesores. 3. Project or Storm Debris When tackling home improvements, many homeowners choose to do some or all of the project themselves to save money. One notable area where homeowners can trim expenses during a project is by tackling the demolition. However, you must then figure out how to dispose of the old materials, and this can quickly eat into your project savings. Instead, rent a roll-off dumpster to rid your property of your project debris. Not only is renting a roll-off dumpster a convenient alternative to hauling the debris away yourself, but renting a dumpster also helps you maintain a tidy work area because you can throw items away as you work. Check with your dumpster company for any guidelines concerning building materials. Some may not accept materials with asbestos. Storms are notorious for destroying trees, damaging your home, and wrecking outside structures. Fortunately, a roll-off dumpster holds debris and trash from all these damaged items so that you can restore order to your property as quickly as possible. Don't delay cleaning out your garage or tackling that next landscaping project. Instead, contact Pro-Star Roll-Off Dumpsters today to rent a roll-off dumpster perfect for your cleanup needs.

For some reason, our need for hoarding seems to come at a young age. Watching a child's room fill up with stuffed animals, toys, books, and clothes is pretty incredible, and after a while, you may realize how much has actually accumulated. Multiple studies have shown that children with too many toys can become stressed and overwhelmed, and they no longer enjoy their playtime as much. You can easily reduce the number of toys and other items a child has with a roll-off dumpster rental. Dumpster rentals are the ideal solution for decluttering your home, and there are multiple ways to help children get involved. Before a child dives head-first into cleaning out their room or playroom, read through these tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible. 1. 10 Toys for 1 Toy As a child declutters, you want to minimize the toys they have so they can better appreciate the options available to them. For children, getting rid of toys may be hard, but you can make things easier by offering a rewards system. For every 10 toys a child gets rid of, offer them 1 free toy once the decluttering process is complete. You may also stack this deal. For example, if a child gets rid of 20 toys, they may pick out 2 new toys the next time you visit a store. To help keep track of the toys, post a piece of paper right on the side of the dumpster. Every time a toy gets added, the child can place a check-mark or a sticker to signify the toy is tossed out. At the end of the clean-up, count all of the marks to determine how many new toys the child receives. 2. 6-Month Rule Some children may have a hard time deciding on which toys to get rid of. To help give them a little perspective, introduce a 6-month rule for the toy. If the toy has not been used for 6 months, then you might as well toss it away. The child clearly does not use the toy anymore, and it has become a waste of space. By following the same rule yourself, you will help declutter your whole house and fill the dumpster with a lot of items you no longer need. 3. Outgrown Items There are many things a child may have that you didn't even realize they outgrew years ago. Look in playrooms, bedrooms, and outdoors for things the child is too big to use anymore. For example, you and your child could toss out old bikes with training wheels, child-sized furniture, or older toys like walkers and activity cubes. Removing these bulky objects will help make way for new products in the future. 4. Missing Limbs When it comes to action figures, Barbie dolls, or other small toys, have your child follow the missing limbs rule. Is an arm or a leg gone? The head popped off? Get rid of the toys and just toss them out. Toys break and accidents happen, but you do not need a whole pile of mutated toys. If the child really enjoys the toy, then they can use a toy reward to get the same type of one in the future. It's not worth all of the super glue and hassle to keep these broken toys around. Missing limbs may also refer to toy cars with missing wheels or puzzles with missing pieces. If parts are missing, then consider the toy garbage and throw it out. To help children get rid of these toys, consider using a buddy system where two toys go into the dumpster together. Children often anthropomorphize their toys, and if they feel like the toys are traveling together, it can help them cope with the loss. To help get the process started, contact us at Pro-Star Roll Off Dumpsters . We have all types of sizes to help accommodate your needs.

As a short person, you may have limitations when doing construction projects and other things around the house. Thankfully, the construction world is aware of this and there are multiple solutions to help eliminate height as a factor when considering how to complete various projects. Renting a roll-off dumpster for a project makes a clean-up a breeze, but the tall structure of a dumpster may present issues for filling or reaching the top easily. As you consider a dumpster rental, learn about the various ways to access a dumpster as a short person. Ideas include additional rentals, dumpster features, and a few tools for easy-reach capabilities. Open Doors At first glance, a roll-off dumpster may look like a giant steel box, but look closer and you'll discover the large steel door on one of the ends. Open the steel door during your rental period to have walk-in access to the dumpster. For short people, the steel door acts as a way to easily access the dumpster without straining to reach over the side. At the start of a project, carry items in with ease and limit the amount of strain you feel while putting stuff inside. The door access also makes it easy to organize items as they are placed inside. Stack items to save space. Once the dumpster gets about half filled, shut the door and consider other ways to access the inside without straining your body. Ladder Sections A majority of dumpsters include built-in ladders around various sides. The ladders provide easy ways to climb up and get a clear look at the dumpster. You do not need to go on tip-toes or struggle to peer over the edge with the use of the ladder sections. The ladders also help when loading items in with a partner. You can easily stand on the ladder while someone hands you an item and then toss the item in without too much extra strain. Step Platforms For something more stable than the ladder, consider an additional rental like a step platform. These platforms are made specifically for construction purposes. The steel design features a section of steps followed by a raised platform. Multiple legs provide strength and stability while you stand on it. There is no need to worry about balance and using too much agility while on the platform. The raised area gives a short person the extra height needed to easily reach inside of the dumpster. Wide stairs on step platforms make it easy to carry items to the top of the platform and toss them right into the roll-off dumpster. Push the platform as close to the dumpster as possible for the best results. Claw Scoops As a short person, you may also have short arms which makes reaching the dumpster edge hard in certain circumstances. While larger pieces like wood and drywall can easily be tossed over the top, other items may be harder to get over if you do not have the proper height. One way to help is with a claw scoop. Remember the old grabber toys we had as children? Well, a claw scoop is essentially an adult version of this and was made specifically for construction projects. Scoop up small items like nails, lawn debris, and shingles using the extended handle of the claw. Once the claw is full, easily reach the device over the dumpster and release the contents on the inside. The extended size of the claw helps your body reduce strain and makes clean-up a lot easier. Contact us at Pro-Star Roll-Off Dumpsters to find the ideal dumpster rental for your needs.