Home renovations are a smart way to add value to your property, improve its functionality and create something that truly reflects your design tastes. But while the thought of transforming your living space into the home of your dreams can be exciting, the practicalities of actually doing so can seem daunting.
It’s not surprising really, given how much you have to think about. However, in the midst of drawing up plans, sourcing reliable tradies and picking out fixtures and fittings, it’s easy to forget about the need to remove rubbish from your home.
Renovations are very messy! Moreover, this mess can cause problems such as health and safety hazards, major inconveniences in your temporary living arrangement and delays in workflow. So, it is important to dispose of it responsibly.
If you are planning to renovate your home in the near future, this post will show you how to do just that, by outlining some of the best strategies you can adopt to stay on top of the rubbish that will undoubtedly accrue during a home makeover.
By adopting these strategies, you will go a long way towards ensuring your home makeover progresses more safely, efficiently and enjoyably.
1. Plan Ahead
During a home renovation, it is important to remove rubbish from your property in the most effective way possible, and the key to doing this is to plan the process thoroughly.
Before you start any work, you should take the time to establish what type of rubbish you will accumulate, as different renovation projects generate different types of waste. Knowing that you will be getting rid of old furniture, construction debris, or hazardous materials will make the whole process of disposing of them much easier. It will also enable you to streamline their removal by separating them into different piles in readiness for their collection or disposal.
If you intend to get rid of these items yourself, you should check with your local authorities about any state or local regulations that are in place. Doing this can help you avoid hefty fines and ensure that you responsibly dispose of these materials. Alternatively, should you prefer to outsource this task to a professional rubbish removal service, research companies in your locality like 1300 Rubbish, who can save you the time and effort involved in shifting large volumes of waste. You can find out more about them here.
2. Sorting and Segregating
Being aware of what type of rubbish you’ll create during your home renovation is one thing. But actually taking steps to sort and segregate it ready for disposal is another thing entirely.
Once the renovation is underway, make sure you divide your waste into items into the categories below. By doing this, you will be able to dispose of your rubbish efficiently.
Sell or Donate
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so make a pile of everything you no longer use or want to keep. This may include old furniture, appliances, TVs, stereos and other items that are still in decent condition.
You might be able to sell some of them on websites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. However, if you just want to get rid of them from your home, most charities will gladly take them off your hands. Some will even collect them from your property.
Recycling
Recycling your unwanted items is an excellent way to declutter and reduce your carbon footprint. However, not all items can be recycled, so it is worth double-checking with your local authority or the professional rubbish removal company you have hired on what can and can’t be salvaged.
As a general rule, glass, metal, paper, and certain plastics can all be recycled. It is a good idea to have separate boxes for each to make the process of disposing of them much more efficient.
Hazardous Materials
Unfortunately, some items cannot be recycled or disposed of in general waste because they are hazardous materials. They include car solvents, electronics and paints, which should all be gotten rid of in accordance with local regulations at specifically designated disposal sites that will prevent environmental harm.
3. Waste Disposal Options
To get rid of the rubbish that is created during a home renovation, there are several waste disposal options available.
Which one you choose should depend largely on the size of your project. But it is important to select the right one because a wrong choice can increase the cost of your project, clutter up the workspace and make it less efficient overall. For this reason, you should consider the following options:
Skip Hire
For those undertaking larger renovation projects, it is a good idea to rent a skip. They come in different sizes that are delivered to you and picked up by the hiring company.
Skips provide you with a central point in which to put in your general waste. However, it is important to judge your needs accurately because you run the risk of having to get another one or only filling it up halfway if you misjudge the size you require.
Bagsters
If you are undertaking a smaller reno project, Bagsters are a convenient option. These are collapsible, disposable bags also come in different sizes and can be filled with construction debris. Like skips, they are delivered to you and picked up by a waste removal service.
Pavement Pickup
Depending on where you live you might also have the option available to you of a pavement pickup. Many local councils offer a free service at least once a year to collect large items or renovation debris. If they don’t, they usually charge a nominal fee.
4. Tips For DIY Removal of Rubbish
For those who would prefer to remove the rubbish themselves, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
First of all, you should consider renting a truck, particularly if you have several bulky items or lots of debris you need to get rid of. By doing this you will be able to take the waste to the recycling centre or local landfill whenever you want to, without being restricted to other business’s timeframes. In turn, this will enable you to keep the construction zone free from clutter.
At the same time, if your renovation includes landscaping, you should consider composting green waste such as branches. This is an eco-friendly option that reduces the volume of waste that ends up in landfill. You might also consider contacting a company that may turn the branches into mulch at their own expense.
Lastly, it is always worth checking out if your local community has a cleanup event organised. Should there be one scheduled at the time of your renovation, it can provide you with a convenient opportunity to dispose of certain items or materials – if not for free, then at a reduced cost.
5. Post-Reno Clean-Up
Once the renovation project has been completed, there are a few things you should do to make sure it is habitable.
The main thing to do is conduct a thorough inspection of the entire renovation area to carefully check for any glass, debris, nails, or potentially hazardous materials that might have been overlooked. The last thing you want is to injure yourself on something that has not been tidied up properly. If there is any renovation waste still needing to be disposed of you should do that as efficiently as you can.
You may also want to employ the services of a professional cleaning company who can ensure your work has a pristine, showroom-style, finish. Doing this will create an extra ‘wow’ factor when it comes to the grand reveal.
Final Thoughts
There are some people who may think the concept of responsibly removing their renovation waste is, frankly, a load of old rubbish. But the truth is it is a very wise thing to do.
Not only can it significantly reduce the chances of injury or accident occurring due to an over-cluttered construction zone, but it can also make the process of disposing of your rubbish much more seamless. At the same time, you can also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment and even make a bit of money out of the endeavour.
Although you might need to plan ahead, when it comes to efficiently sorting and segregating your renovation waste, ultimately, all it takes is a bit of vision, common sense and discipline. If you have this, then you won’t suffer any added inconvenience.
