Construction Debris Disposal: It's Not Your Job! [5 Tips]

All construction work, whether large commercial projects or smaller residential jobs, creates debris and this requires construction debris disposal. Trash from material packaging, cutoffs of material, scrap, and demolition debris, are the normal results of any construction project.

But cleaning it up, hauling it out and disposing of it is not always one of the cost-effective functions of a construction job. It typically takes resources away from the productivity tasks of a job and it can be costly, as well.

The problem is that it’s still has to be done and someone’s still has to do it!

Construction Debris Disposal Does Not Have To Be Your Job

While larger construction firms typically have the vehicles and crew to handle the task, not every contractor wants to deal with their own construction debris removal. An alternative to doing it yourself is to hire someone with a truck and who wants to make a few bucks. This may be feasible for small projects, but even then it can be a risky and often inefficient option.

The other alternative is to outsource to a professional hauling firm. However, many contractors tend to believe that paying someone else to handle tasks such as this is not especially cost-effective. However, that is not the case!

You Can Be Cost-Effective With Your Construction Debris Disposal

A key point to keep in mind as a contractor is that doing it yourself involves not only the costs and time involved with cleaning, removing and hauling the material, but also the "lost opportunity costs" of having labor and vehicles tied up with debris removal and not with building.

As we already noted, simply hiring a "guy with a truck" can seem to be a smart option. However, with this approach you run the risks of legal issues, lack of accountability, and possibly finding that they aren't as quick and efficient as you need them to be in order to keep your project moving forward on schedule.

Outsourcing Can Be a Cost-Effective Approach

Experience has shown that the best option is to outsource this work to a licensed, reputable, professional hauling company. The advantages with this approach far outweigh opting to do it yourself. Competence, security and the peace of mind comes with knowing your vendor will do the job right and quickly.

In addition, the costs involved can often be far less than doing it with your own staff. And the potential for costly issues that can occur when using a local person with a truck are eliminated.

Hiring a Firm for Your Construction Debris Disposal: Five Questions to Ask

While you may find that debris from smaller jobs is easy enough to clean up and haul out yourself, it often pays to outsource this job to a professional company specializing construction debris removal. While cost is certainly a factor, it is not the only or even most important factor to take into consideration.

Here are five questions to ask any prospective contractor offering debris removal:

1. Does the company provide free, on-site estimates for debris removal?

A quality removal firm will not give you an estimate over the phone for this type of work. They should come to your site and work with you to determine the scope and potential volume of debris that will be produced. An estimate should include all phases of the removal work including recurring pick-ups and removal.

2. How quickly can they be on-site and how fast will they complete the job?

Since many projects are time-sensitive and often have limited windows of time to allow for debris removal, a company offering those services should be able to respond quickly, work quickly, and complete the task within the required time frame allowed. Flexibility and efficiency are hallmarks of a truly professional removal firm.

3. Do they offer site clean-up as well as debris hauling?

It’s one thing to pick up construction debris and trash to be hauled off site. It is another thing altogether to clean up a site in the process. While it is not expected that a debris hauling company is going to dust, vacuum and provide complete site restoration, a professional firm will ensure that the site is left in a state that is safe and clean.

4. Does they provide one-time and recurring debris pick-up and removal?

Larger construction projects can generate debris at a pace and in amounts that cannot be left to the end of the job. This can require a number of scheduled pick-ups and removal throughout the life of the project. In addition, depending on the location of the project and the nature of the work, periodic clean-up may be needed for aesthetic and public safety reasons.

5. Will the debris be disposed of properly?

Your local agencies, as well as the Federal and State agencies, have specific requirements for the proper handling and disposal of various materials and substances. It is paramount that whoever is tasked with removing and disposing of construction debris be knowledgeable in this area. Professional firms will make use of the proper disposal sites and methods, while recycling as much of the materials as possible.

Why It Makes Sense to Outsource Your Construction Debris Disposal

Although debris hauling might be considered a required “part of the job”, for many contractors it really doesn't need to be. When you consider that every hour your crew spends picking up debris, cleaning the site, and hauling and disposing of the material, is an hour NOT spent generating revenue on a project, the cost begins to add up.

When you add to that the possible costs of hazardous waste disposal or even required training for your employees, the benefits of outsourcing these tasks become more that much more attractive.

Finding the Professionals You Need For the Job

Do you have a current or upcoming project that will need clean-up and removal? If so, call Junk King! Our team specializes in construction debris removal. We can be at your facility in mere minutes, so call us today! Our crew is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.

One of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle a much of the material we pick-up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service. If you have questions about what we do or what we believe, give us a call at (707) 744-4254.