Month: April 2013

With the weather warming up, people will begin taking action on those landscaping and outdoor projects that they’ve been planning throughout the winter. Perhaps you’re going to finally put in that pool this year. Or maybe this will be the year that you decide to install a new patio. No matter what the project is, it is likely going to involve some serious planning and as a byproduct, a generous amount of waste/debris.

Sometimes before people can get a project underway, there are other items they must get taken care of. For example, maybe before you can put in that pool, you need to take down an old shed and trim overgrown tree branches. Taking on all of this work can make that new project not seem so worthwhile.  On top of that, figuring out how to dispose of all of the waste can become daunting. However, don’t let this work stand in your way. There are a few simple steps you can take to make the process easier.

Get Bagging – Disposing of yard debris such as grass and leaves can be as simple as bagging it and leaving it at your curb for trash pickup. Placing other yard debris such as small twigs should be bundled and tied. Be sure to keep this debris under four feet in length. You may also find it helpful to keep all debris separated in like piles.

Find the Guidelines – Debris from other sources such as trees or sheds, tree houses, etc., may require a bit more work. Most counties will have specific guidelines for how to set these items out for disposal and they can normally be found though local government websites.

Pick Your Day – Nobody wants their yard to become unsightly during a project, but depending on the scope of the work it may be unavoidable, at least temporarily. Help limit your stress by accepting this and setting a goal date to have all of the major debris ready for removal. Then you can begin focusing on getting everything prepped simply for removal. This can drastically cut down on the time you spend hauling waste from your home, which should alleviate some of the stress with such projects.

These tips are nothing shocking, but it tends to be the little things that add up and cause a new project turn in to a headache. If you’re planning any projects in your yard this season, we would be happy to assist you in your planning and making sure every item is checked off of your list.

In a world overwhelmed by technology, we are becoming more connected and available than ever, and at the same time, increasingly removed. The image of a group of friends all sitting together on the living room sofa, while absorbed in their individual phone applications is a prime example of this. We have sacrificed a human touch element of life for streamlined convenience, and this can most readily be seen in the world of service industries.

Well at 123JUNK, we certainly recognize the power of technology, and what it can do for the efficiency of a business, but at the same time we are committed to the value of a personal touch as well. A phone call can add clarity to an appointment, and helps us understand and get to know our clients better than a simple email can. This same idea bridges back to how we communicate to the business partners who have helped us get to where we are today. It’s of utmost importance to us to find out how our clients first heard about the company, so that we can thank the people who consistently lend their support; our favorite method being a hand written thank you card.

Continue reading →

While getting rid of waste should always be championed, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Recycling can do wonders for the environment, while improper disposal of certain items can do an equal amount of damage. Most people are aware of these issues, but knowing how to deal with them is not common knowledge. So, how can you make sure you’re follow the proper disposal methods?

Learn What Items Are Hazardous Materials – Understanding which items are considered hazardous may seem tedious, however you can make it a bit easier on yourself by not overthinking it. First, examine the products you want to dispose and check for any warnings or symbols indicating they are toxic, flammable, or corrosive. This is an immediate sign that you will need to take precaution during disposal. Examples of hazardous materials include batteries, paint, and pesticides.

Exchange or Donate – This idea may seem counterproductive, but why not help others if the option presents itself? Many times, communities will have organized events where items can be donated and put to good use. This can also help extend the use of products. For example, leftover pesticides could be put to use by public works throughout the community.

Find a Disposal Location – Once you have a list of items of what you are looking to dispose of (that cannot be donated first), find a disposal area. Most States or local communities have designated areas where hazardous materials can be dropped off for proper disposal. To find these areas, contact your local government.

Properly disposing of hazardous materials does not have to be a complicated process. In fact, your community and local government can help you make the process very easy. So when you’re doing your spring cleaning over the next few weeks, keep this in mind and help minimize waste.