Home projects and cleaning out your space can be exciting, but even minor projects and cleaning tasks can create lots of trash and debris. Cleaning up after working all day or all week is possibly the worst part of the entire process. However, it is still important to clean up correctly. In the following article, KC Dumpster discusses the safety tips for hauling trash to the dumpster, the proper way of handling trash bags, and more. Complete your project or cleaning task the right way! Let’s get started. 

Renting a Dumpster vs Hauling Trash Yourself

Deciding on renting a dumpster vs. hauling trash yourself depends on a few different factors. Take into consideration how much debris and waste you will be disposing of. If there are between 2,000 and 20,000 pounds of trash expected, we recommend calling a rental dumpster company. A pick-up truck can usually hold around 1,000 pounds of trash. 

Next, consider the amount of work that will go into the task. If you feel capable and motivated to finish the job the right way, hauling trash yourself should be no problem. 

Time is another factor. Taking care of junk removal without help from a dumpster rental is a time-consuming task. Making trips back and forth from the dumpster could take up a majority of your day. Consider the above factors when deciding on renting a dumpster vs taking care of the waste yourself. 

Renting a Dumpster 

Many home projects can be done yourself, and oftentimes DIY projects are the most rewarding. However, if you do not want to do full DIY throughout the entire process, consider renting a dumpster to take care of your debris. Just replacing countertops can create a mess. Considering many countertops can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot, it might be a good idea to call in some help. 

Renting a dumpster from KC Dumpster is affordable, easy, and convenient.

renting a dumpster vs hauling trash yourself

With KC Dumpster, you can expect the highest quality of service. A 20 yard dumpster is perfect for those home projects you’ve decided to take on yourself. Whether you are cleaning out your basement or replacing cabinets, we have a dumpster for you. Contact us for a quote, and we will drop off the dumpster. When it’s ready to be hauled out, we pick up the trash and debris and haul off the container.

Hauling Trash Yourself 

Taking on the entire project yourself? Make sure to follow the safety guidelines for hauling trash and properly disposing of the debris. With the proper equipment, the correct safety steps, and securing your load, you will be in good shape to finish your project or cleaning task efficiently. 

Let’s take a look at the safety tips below on waste management and junk removal

How to Handle Trash Bags

Trash bags are common and quite simply, essential. You may use trash bags every day, and you will definitely use trash bags when taking on a home project. Take a look at the following safety tips when handling trash bags during a project. 

  1. Wear protective equipment including gloves, safety glasses, and proper footwear. 
  2. Tie the trash bag shut properly before removing it from the trash can to ensure trash stays put. 
  3. Restrict the weight of the trash bag by closing the bag once it is three-quarters full. 
  4. If you are utilizing dumpsters, make sure to not overfill the dumpsters with trash bags. 
  5. Invest in the right equipment to transfer trash bags to the dumpster including two-wheeled dollies to safely roll trash. 
tips on hauling trash yourself

Now, let’s look at proper garbage lifting techniques. 

When you are dealing with heavier materials, it is important to know the proper lifting techniques. Not knowing the right way to lift heavier materials could result in injuries. A mechanized trash can dumper can help exponentially when lifting debris and trash. Likewise, a hydraulic foot pump can come in handy as well. 

Make sure to bend at the knees while keeping your back straight when you lift trash bags. Additionally, keep the trash bags close to your body to keep your muscles from straining. Keep the bags close to your body within reason. Sharp objects have a tendency to poke through and could possibly injure if not taken seriously. 

As mentioned before, if a bag seems even slightly too heavy, call for help. 

Dumpster Safety Tips

Once you’ve learned how to handle trash bags, it is now time to take the trash to the dumpster. First off, check your surroundings on your way to and from the dumpster. Slipping and falling with heavy trash bags in hand should be avoided at all costs. Especially in the Midwest, icy and snowy conditions are common. Next, open the lid of the dumpster and secure the lid all the way back safely. 

Toss the trash bag into the dumpster safely and correctly.

tips for how to take trash to the dumpster

Face your body towards the dumpster to throw in the trash properly. KC Dumpster recommends to never reach past shoulder-height to dump in the trash bags. Instead, consider a step platform to reach. Never, under any circumstances, climb into a dumpster. In the situation that the dumpster is full, leave trash bags next to the dumpster, securely tied.

Tips on Transporting Trash

Using a truck to transport trash to the dumpster is common and, if executed correctly, a good alternative to renting a dumpster. First and foremost, secure the load. Trash blowing across the roads from the back of opened truck beds is all too common. Secure the trash when transporting debris and garbage bags any distance. 

Securing the Load

Large items should be secured with rope, bungee cords, straps, or netting. If you are transporting loose items like tree clippings and branches, invest in a canvas tarp or netting. Place lighter items at the bottom of the load and remember to not overload your truck.

Not only is securing the load important for safety reasons, but construction and trash debris contribute to our major litter problem in the United States. Take the time to secure your load to prevent accidents, littering, and a possible ticket.

If you’ve decided to take on hauling trash to the dump yourself, we hope the above safety tips help the process go smoothly. Handling trash bags properly, knowing the safe way to dispose of trash bags into a dumpster, and transporting debris are all tasks you can do yourself if you know the safety precautions.

hauling the trash in your pickup tips
tips for keeping roads clear of trash

Contact KC Dumpster to do the job for you if the above safety tips seem overwhelming! We will help make your project run smoothly and efficiently.