For any work involving home renovation or cleanup, it is essential to ensure your dumpster is safe. Correct handling and positioning of dumpsters will protect you and your family during your clean-out project. Bargain Bins focuses on customer safety with our quality rental services for dumpsters in Colorado Springs. Follow these essential dumpster safety tips.

How to Open a Dumpster Safely

Unlocking a dumpster may appear simple, but mistakes can lead to accidents. Follow these steps to open your dumpster safely:

  • Check the Surroundings: Before opening the dumpster, check the space around it for any hindrances or dangers. Confirm that no uneven ground or garbage might make you stumble.
  • Take care when opening the bin door: Some dumpsters, like our Max 12, 15 and 20 bins, have doors installed on them, allowing you to carry waste inside them. Take care to ensure that there is enough space around these doors – on both the inside and outside of the dumpster – to allow you to open them and move freely in and out. When the dumpster is full, it is best to avoid opening the doors completely. Be sure to close and secure the doors so they cannot swing open.

Choose the Right Dumpster Location

Choosing the right place for your dumpster ensures safety and ease during your project. Here are some tips on how you can select a good location for the dumpster:

  • Accessibility: Place the dumpster where it can be easily reached for loading and litter removal. Ensure the area is free from obstructions and has enough room to navigate around it safely.
  • Flat Surface: Select a surface that is flat and stable for the dumpster. Surfaces that are not level may cause the dumpster to shift, causing accidents and harm to your belongings.
  • Proximity to Project Site: Put the dumpster near your project area so that you don’t have to go too far to dispose of heavy items. 

Ensure Proper Toxic Waste Removal

Throwing away toxic waste in a regular dumpster is not safe. This waste can be very dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. Always use dump sites that are authorized for toxic waste disposal. 

A guide for hazardous materials helps you understand what things can be thrown in a regular dumpster and what should be managed separately. Each city may have its own set of rules about this, so it’s important to check local guidelines before throwing anything away. 

Avoid putting flammable items such as gasoline or paint thinner inside the dumpster. Additionally, ensure there is enough space around the container, so fire trucks and other emergency vehicles can easily reach it if needed.  Do not dispose of any toxic substances in the dumpster. If you are unsure what materials can and cannot go into your dumpster, check our material guidelines.

Establish Dumpster Safety Procedures

To avoid accidents and maintain a secure working space, it’s crucial to use and adhere to dumpster safety processes. Here are some key procedures you should always remember:

  • Training and Education: Teach everyone who is part of the project about the correct use of dumpsters and safety steps. This includes understanding how to open a dumpster, and using the correct loading methods.
  • Use Protective Gear: Wear suitable protective equipment each time you add or remove materials from the dumpster. This includes gloves, safety goggles, and strong shoes.
  • Regular Inspections: Check the dumpster and nearby area frequently to find and fix possible dangers. 
  • Load Evenly: Spread materials uniformly in the dumpster, and do not allow any debris to protrude above the top.
  • Clear Communication: Ensure proper and ongoing communication among everyone involved in the project about using dumpsters and being safe. Make sure everyone knows the steps to follow and whom to reach out to if there is an emergency.

Safety is crucial when doing any residential project. Safety rules, such as knowing how to open a dumpster safely, picking the correct location for your dumpster, and making sure toxic waste is removed properly, are important to keep you and those around you safe. 

Contact Bargain Bins now and find out about our dumpster rental service, plus how we can assist in making your project more secure and effective. We are ready to help you with all your dumpster safety and rental requirements.