Tips & Techniques

A Dumpster for Moving Day
A dumpster for clearing away moving debris

Moving can be stressful, and sometimes it seems like packing takes forever. Why? Because in addition to the things you find yourself wanting to discard as you pack your things, you’ll be surprised at all the things you unearth once you think you are nearing the end of the job. It can be overwhelming, but renting a dumpster is a great way to make it easy.

  • If you are selling your home, the best way to do that is to make it look its best. Getting rid of clutter in the house, garage, and yard will help your house to look better and sell more easily. Cleaning out a house, doing home repairs, and working on some landscaping are all chores that generate a lot of garbage, and the best way to get rid of all of that garbage is to rent a dumpster. 
  • The less stuff you have to move, the easier and less expensive the move will be. Before you even begin to pack, pare down your belongings by giving things away or donating to charity. In the end, you will discover that many of the things you have kept around are actually better off being tossed in the trash. Having a dumpster gives you the perfect place to toss them. 
  • No matter how much you declutter, you will find more stuff when you think you are almost packed. In the attic, in the garage, in the backs and tops of closets, and under the furniture, trash and castoff belongings lurk. A dumpster on the property allows you to quickly and efficiently get all of those things out of your way, and out of the way of your movers once moving day arrives. 
  • Renting a dumpster puts the waste pickup schedule in your hands. Rather than leaving a pile of refuse on the curb until garbage day, you can schedule dumpster pick up when it’s convenient for you. You might want it picked up more than once during the process, you might choose to have it taken on moving day, or you might leave it a few days longer, so that you can get the house completely cleaned and ready for the new residents.

If you are in need of a dumpster, you need Brackenbox.  A family owned and operated business, we have been serving customers in Chicago for over 20 years, providing not only dumpsters but also professional recycling and demolition services. We offer same day delivery, competitive pricing, commercial dumping, and prompt, reliable service. For a complimentary estimate or to learn more about all, we have to offer, call us at 708.339.4100, or contact us through our website.

At Brackenbox, we are committed to offering dumpsters and recycling services at competitive prices while striving to exceed your expectations. If you are unsure about the type of dumpster you need, please feel free to get in touch with us so we may assist you. We have a wide range of sizes and are happy to provide you with our expert advice.

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WHERE TO FIND US:

2300 W. 167th Street Markham, IL 60428

yard waste items for placement in dumpsters

Yard Waste

Here are some things you should know about disposing yard waste:

  • Under Illinois Law, it is illegal to put yard waste in your weekly garbage can, so a rented waste container is the only option for most homeowners.
  • Yard waste includes organic materials like grass, leaves, dead plants, and branches. It does not include dirt, rocks, tree stumps, sod, and food scraps.
  • If you are attempting to dispose of excavated soil, you will need to submit a form LPC-662 to the Illinois Dept of Environmental Protection.
  • And if soil is your yard waste, please order a 10 yard dumpster.
Seasonal items for dumpsters

Seasonal & Remodeling

Here are some things you should know about disposing seasonal items:

  • Christmas trees and wreaths are fine, but please be certain to remove the lights.
  • Please see our details on yard waste for brush and leaves.
  • Old snow and other tires are subject to a collect fee.

Here are some things you should know about disposing remolding debris:

  • Most fixtures, removed during a renovation or remodeling project are accepted in a waste container; but please review our page on appliances before throwing it all together.
  • Light fixtures and other such items are acceptable, but please do not dispose of any bulbs at the same time. Also be sure to remove any batteries that may be in some items .
  • Kitchen cabinetry, doors, wallboard, trim and other demolition debris is completely acceptable as well.
Hazardous items for dumpsters

Hazardous Waste

Here are some things you should know about disposing hazardous items:

  • Motor oil, gasoline, heating and diesel fuels are all BANNED disposal items.
  • Lithium batteries are considered hazardous and are banned from waste containers.
  • Spent car batteries, which contain lead and harmful acids are hazardous and banned from waste containers.
  • Asbestos waste is hazardous and is banned from disposal in a waste container.
  • Propane tanks are considered hazardous and are banned from disposal in a waste container.
  • Antifreeze of any type contains glycols that considered hazardous and are banned from disposal in a waste container.
  • Pesticides and pool chemicals, especially chlorination tablets are hazardous and banned from disposal in a waste container.
  • Pressurized fire extinguishers and aerosol cans of all types are hazardous and are banned from disposal in a waste container.
furniture items for dumpster rentals

Furnishings

Here are some things you should know about old disposed bulk furnishings:

  • Bulk furnishings are acceptable in a rented waste container
  • Mattresses; however, are subject to a State-mandated $10 Fee.
  • Please remember that these items are called 'BULK' because they are BULKY and may take up valuable space in your container. If the items are still in good, serviceable condition, consider reaching out to organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army that may have just the use or place to rehome such items.
electronic items for placement in dumpsters

Electronics

Here are some things you should know about electronics:

  • Illinois has an extremely strict E Waste Ban; hence, there are a number of items we are unable to accept in our dumpster units. These include: Televisions, Computer Consoles, Video players of all types; Cellphones, Smartphones, Gaming Consoles & Stereo Equipment.
  • Many such items are subject to recycling and any electronics store may be able to assist in such matters. .
  • Lithium batteries (rechargeable) and Fluorescent Light Bulbs are readily recyclable at most home centers and may not be placed in a rented waste container.
  • Any of these banned electronic items will be rejected if found in a rented container.
appliance items for placement in dumpsters

Appliances

Here are some things you should know about appliances:

  • Dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, washers and driers are allowed in a dumpster; however, the doors MUST be removed ahead of disposal. If this is not done, we reserve the right to reject the item(s) or charge a fee for door removal. This in accordance with State Law.
  • Water heaters may be placed in your dumpster unit; but please ensure that it has first been thoroughly drained.
  • By State Law, microwaves must be recycled, which begins with returning them to the appliance store.
  • Should you have any further questions, please call us at 708.339.4100.
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Are You a Contractor, Looking for Additional Services?

Then, if you are new to Brackenbox, please be sure to drop us a line at...

Dump & Return -

Need us to come, grab your container, empty it and return it for refilling? We can do that!

Attentive Driver -

(Live-Load)- Need our driver to stay on-site while you fill your container? We can do that!

Container Liner -

(10 Yard Containers Only) - Need us to transport wet concrete or other saturated materials? We can install a liner into our 10 Yard Containers.

Relocation Service -

Need us to move your container from one area of your jobsite to another? We can do that!

Switch-Out Service -

Need us to bring an empty container when we come to pick-up your full unit? We can do that!

Wood Driveway Protection -

Need us to bring a selection of material to place under your container to protect your driveway? We can do that!

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What Materials Are Prohibited?

For a more complete listing, visit this page...

  • Aerosol cans
  • All liquids
  • Animals
  • Antifreeze
  • Appliances
  • Asbestos
  • Barrels
  • Batteries
  • Chemical products
  • Computers
  • Contaminated oils (mixed with solvents, gasoline, etc.)
  • Dirt
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Hazardous waste
  • Herbicides and pesticides
  • Industrial waste
  • Lubricating/hydraulic oil
  • Medical Waste
  • Microwaves
  • Monitors
  • Motor oil
  • Oil filters
  • Other flammable liquids
  • Paint (except dried latex paint cans, no liquids)
  • Petroleum-contaminated soil/lead paint chips
  • Propane tanks
  • Radioactive material
  • Railroad ties
  • Solvents
  • Televisions
  • Tires
  • Transmission oil
  • Keep in mind that larger dumpsters (30+ Yard Containers) may also prohibit additional materials, such as:
  • Concrete
  • Bricks
  • Demolition material