FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Materials are NOT ALLOWED in a Container?
Here are some guidelines of materials that are NOT generally allowed in most rented dumpster:
- Aerosol cans
- All liquids
- Animals
- Antifreeze
- Appliances (acceptable in 10 yard containers only)
- Asbestos (unless with appropriate paperwork)
- Barrels
- Batteries
- Chemical products
- Computers
- Contaminated oils, solvents, gasoline, etc.
- Dirt (acceptable in 10 yard containers only)
- Fluorescent tubes
- Food & Food Waste
- Furniture (acceptable in 10 yard containers only)
- Hazardous waste
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Industrial waste (additional fees may apply)
- Lubricating/hydraulic oil
- Mattresses (acceptable in 10 yard containers only)
- 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 (additional fees apply)
- Solvents
- Televisions
- Tires (additional fees apply)
- Transmission oil
- Keep in mind that larger dumpsters (30+ Yard Containers) may also prohibit additional materials, such as:
Concrete
Bricks
Demolition material
What is ILLEGAL to Dump?
Illegal dumping is the disposal of trash generated at one location and disposed of at another location without legal permission. This includes dumping yard waste, appliances, tires and other garbage in alleys, dumpsters, vacant lots and open desert locations.
If you witness illegal dumping in progress, call your local authorities.
If you have our services and illegal dumping is occurring at your site, below are some suggestions for preventative measures:
- Put up “No Dumping” and “No Trespassing” signs
- Install security cameras
- Relocate if current placement permits locking of area
- Call and report to the local authorities
What Happens if I Overfill My Dumpster?
An overloaded container happens when your trash or recycling materials exceed the top of the bin, prevent the lid from closing easily, or cover the ground around the container. It also applies when extra debris is found on top of a closed container lid. Overages may lead to an incomplete service or an additional charge of $65.00 per ton to your account.
If you notice overages occurring frequently, you may need a better fit.
What Do You Recommend As a Checklist Before Renting a Container?
It’s always a good idea to be prepared prior to your dumpster service.
Below are some action items to check-off as you complete them:
- Picked the right size of dumpster for materials you plan to discard
- Placed your dumpster order through brackenbox.com Costs will vary based on the size of the dumpster you select and the duration of time you need your dumpster on site.
- Added drop off and pick up dates to your calendar
- Identified designated location for dumpster placement
- Secured City or Neighborhood Permit, if needed
- Gained an understanding of what can and can’t go into the dumpster, based on local regulations
- Communicated safety requirements and placement details to those near your dumpster, such as neighbors, the local fire department, and other businesses
- Have a plan to monitor the fill line for your dumpster
- Added support items for your dumpster; such as wheels, liners or locks, if needed.
What Construction (or Demolition) Materials May I Put into a Container?
Acceptable Materials Include (for a list of Unacceptable Materials, See the top Tab):
- Brick
- Carpet
- Concrete
- Insulation
- Lumber
- Masonry
- Metals
- Pipe (Metal and PVC)
- Plastic
- Porcelain
- Rigid plastics
- Rock
- Tile
What Would You Recommend as a List of Safety Precautions When Managing an Onsite Container?
Safety is important. Keep your crew safe by reviewing the dumpster safety rules below and posting these at your job site. Appoint a crew member as a dumpster-captain, to help share the daily responsibility of managing a dumpster.
Safety Rules
- Clean the area around the dumpster several times during the day
- Clear any tripping hazards
- Do not enter the dumpster
- Never move or compress trash with your hands, feet, or body
- Use caution when dropping contents
- Watch hand and body placements and potential pinch or strain points
- Be cautious on adverse weather days
- Secure lightweight items to prevent fly-outs
- Do not place liquids or hazardous materials in the dumpster
- Never fight a dumpster fire, please notify the Fire Department immediately
- Do not remove animals or pests, please call your local Animal Control
Is a Permit Always Required to Rent a Dumpster?
Not all locations need a permit, but some Homeowner Associations, Improvement Districts, and Municipalities may require permitting. Be sure to check with your local governing authorities.
Be ready to provide the size of your dumpster and expected placement and duration. They may also ask the time of day you will be filling, to see if you are working past any prescribed noise ordinance hours. The municipality may ask about your plans to keep the debris area secure and clean.
How is Household Hazardous Waste Defined & What Should I Do with It?
Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, glues, adhesives, cleaning fluids, oil-based paints, paint thinners, stains, lawn and garden chemicals, pool and spa chemicals, propane and butane tanks, and automobile fluids are all considered household hazardous waste (HHW). These items generally contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients. Improper disposal of HHW has been known to pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health?
The disposal of these items are generally governed by local or state laws/regulations and local government offices should be contacted.
What Are ‘Best Practices’ for Construction Waste?
Dealing with construction project waste is the last thing you want to worry about on a job site. With a large selection of roll-offs and a dedicated team of service representatives, we can take care of your waste and recycling the right way so you can get the job done.
Not sure if those leftover materials are recyclable? Some examples of recyclable construction debris include:
- Concrete
- Porcelain
- Rigid plastics
- Tile
- Lumber
- Metals
- Masonry
- Plastic
- Rock
- Carpet
- Insulation
What Counts as Yard Waste?
Before you start disposing of all the debris from your yard, it’s important for residential customers to know what items do and do not count as yard waste.
The items listed below are acceptable to throw into your trash bin for collection on your service day:
- Tree trimming/branches
- Leaves, and house/garden plants
- Brush, grass clippings and lawn edging
Due to the weight, the items listed below are NOT considered yard waste:
- Soil
- Sod
- Bricks
- Stones
PLEASE BE ADVISED: RESIDENTS & CONTRACTORS WITHIN THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
The City of Chicago provides for only TWO durations for placement of a roll-off waste container:
- 3 Day Duration – $90.00 Additional to the cost of your rental
- 30 Day Duration – $175.00 Additional to the cost of your rental
- These permits will be arranged by Brackenbox and added to your invoice.
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.
