Proper Disposal Methods and Options

Proper disposal is one of the key components in eliminating illegal dumping. Illegal dump sites are not just unsightly. They come with numerous problems such as health risks posed by the vermin and mosquitoes that come to inhabit them, safety hazards from sharp edges and protruding nails that can affect the children and individuals in a community, as well as the economic problems of lowered property values and cleanup costs that could be used elsewhere in the community

There are numerous proper disposal avenues available. Read on to learn about each one, then choose the avenue that is best for you. Use our interactive resource map to find the nearest location and information for your selected disposal avenue and start making a proper impact today!

Who manages my waste?

Chances are the waste you generate is handled by one of the following waste management sectors.

Commercial

• Commercial waste management entities are private companies that offer waste management services to residential customers, commercial (or business) customers, or both.

Municipal

• Municipal waste management entities are city or county operated and offer waste management services to their residents. If a municipality does not have their own garbage service, for one reason or another, they may contract these services out through commercial waste management entities. Municipal waste management services can include landfills, transfer stations and curbside recycling.

Where can I deposit my items?

Here are some options that may be available to you via your municipal waste management provider.

Curbside

• Curbside collection programs allow single-family homes to place their household trash at the curbside to be collected either by the municipality themselves or a contracted commercial service provider. Some curbside programs may include recycling, yard waste and brush collection, household hazardous waste collection, grease collection, and even special item pick-up.
  
  Contact your municipality or commercial service provider to find out what items are accepted through your curbside program. Familiarize yourself with the collection schedule and be sure to ask about additional services such as recycling and yard waste collection.

Citizen Collection Station

• Citizen collection stations are a collection facility where residents and other citizens may bring varying types of materials for disposal. Contact your municipality or a specific citizen collection stations location to find out about accepted materials, hours of operation, and who is eligible to use the facility.

Landfill

• Landfill facilities are plots of land that accept varying types of material for disposal. Contact your municipality to find out about landfills in your area, accepted materials, hours of operation, and if there are any applicable fees. Some landfills may only accept materials from residents in a certain city or cities, so be sure to inquire when you call. If you know of a landfill you can contact them directly to obtain the previously described information.

Transfer Stations

• Transfer stations are facilities used for transferring solid waste from collection vehicle to long-haul vehicles. It is a midway point between collection and the waste’s final destination.

Outside of municipal waste management options, there is another that has proven to be similarly efficient and environmentally conscientious.