Going to the Dump
DIY OR CALL A PROFESSIONAL?
People dealing with large amounts of junk have a lot of work to do if they decide to DIY. If you don’t have a vehicle big enough to do the job at once, you will make several trips to the landfill. Local landfills charge according to the individual load so you will spend more on their fees by making several trips and more money on gas.
Want quick and painless junk removal? Then hire a professional. It might seem simple enough to DIY but the world of waste removal is more complicated than what you’d expect at first glance. Landfills have fees attached when you drop off your items and specific items that they will and will not accept. You’ll need to research the type of landfill that a nearby dump is classified as to know. Also, if you have any donatable items or recyclables, you’ll have to take extra trips that will multiply the time it’ll take you to finish. Bless This Mess Property Services can get rid of your junk quickly, easily, and hassle-free. Check out our services!
Each choice comes with its advantages and challenges. This article details everything you need to know before going to the dump if you decide to DIY.
WHAT’S ALLOWED WHEN TAKING STUFF TO THE DUMP?
There are things that you can and cannot take to the dump. Some of the things you can legally take to a dump include:
Non-hazardous household refuse
Recyclable appliances such as water heaters, refrigerators, dryers, and washers
Non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, such as roofing, drywall, cardboard, and tiles
Clean dirt, including granular soil such as silt, sand, or clay. The dirt should also contain less than 10% of grass or root contamination
Mixed inerts: This is a combination of clean dirt with clean concrete. It should not contain wood, trash, or wood and should have less than 10% of grass or root contamination
Wood waste and green waste
BEFORE YOU GO
Securely tarp/net your load: to avoid fines, check local rules for accepted items (especially hazardous waste), and know your facility's weigh-in/out system; separate recyclables/organics if possible, and use CalRecycle's resources to find nearby, permitted spots and understand rules for things like C&D debris or asbestos.
Check Local Regulations: Rules vary; confirm what your specific facility accepts (e.g., C&D, green waste, household trash) and if permits are needed. If you are in San Juaquin County check out their website for specifics.
Separate Waste: Keep hazardous materials (paint, batteries, electronics) separate for special disposal; separate recyclables and organics to make life easier when you are at the dump. Get in and out as easily as possible.
Find a Facility: Use CalRecycle's SWIS database to find permitted disposal sites.
Call Ahead: Confirm hours, accepted materials, and payment methods (cash/card/check).
SAFETY FIRST
Once you are directed to an unloading spot, be mindful of where heavy equipment is operating.
Unload on smooth, level ground, and if using a dump bed, monitor the truck's stability.
If a load gets stuck, ask an operator for help rather than trying to dislodge it manually.
After dumping, ensure your vehicle's bed and tailgate are lowered before exiting the dumping area and returning to the scale house to reweigh (if necessary) and pay.
