Removing junk and waste from your office or home seems like a simple enough task. You may think “I can handle this myself and save some money by not hiring professionals.”
While that may be true in some cases, DIY junk removal comes with a number of risks that you must consider before taking on the project yourself.
Trying to dispose of large items, a hoarded mess, or handling hazardous materials without proper training and equipment can lead to injury, property damage, fines, and other unnecessary headaches.
Below, we’ll explore some of the top risks of tackling junk removal as a DIY project.
Physical Injuries
One of the biggest dangers of DIY junk hauling is the potential for physical injuries.
Lifting and moving large, bulky items like furniture, appliances, and construction debris can easily strain muscles or cause back injuries. Even smaller items can be precarious if not handled properly.
Trying to maneuver objects down stairs or load them into a vehicle heightens your risk of slips, falls, cuts, and crush injuries.
A quick junk removal job can become hazardous without proper lifting techniques and transport equipment. Minor cuts and abrasions are likely if you attempt to dismantle junk. Serious wounds can occur if you accidentally drop heavy objects on yourself or get limbs caught in debris. Attempting removal work alone amplifies all these risks. So, if you know you have bulk waste to get rid of, hiring a professional junk removal team is the fastest and safest way to clear out your property.
Transport and Disposal Issues
Transporting and disposing of junk brings its own set of challenges and dangers. Using your personal vehicle to haul waste may not be legal or safe, depending on the size and type of items you’re disposing of.
Hazardous materials like chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and asbestos require special disposal procedures that are best left to professionals.
Even mundane junk like old furniture or appliances may exceed weight limits or cause load balance issues if not loaded properly. Improper tying down and debris containment in an open truck bed can lead to dangerous road hazards.
Finding a legal place to dump the junk is another thing to consider. Dumping on public or private property brings the risk of littering fines.
At East Texas Junk Removal, we come with our own fleet of trucks and equipment. Before we even start our job, we’ll come out to your location, evaluate the mess, and ensure we have the right equipment on hand on the day of disposal.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Let’s get back to those hazardous materials. You may encounter hazardous waste that poses unique removal and disposal risks. Fuel, paint, cleaners, pesticides, and other chemical products can leak or expose you to toxicity and burns.
Older building materials like asbestos insulation and lead paint, commonly found in office cleanouts, also require expert handling and disposal.
Even demolishing and processing inert waste like wood, metal, and concrete at a construction site creates dust and particles that can irritate eyes and lungs if you don’t take precautions.
Attempting junk removal without understanding what types of hazardous materials are on site and how to handle them is extremely risky and is one of the biggest reasons to call in a professional for the job.
Property Damage Potential
Well-intentioned junk removal attempts can easily damage property if precautions aren’t taken. Walls, floors, woodwork, doors, and other structures are all prone to scuffs, dents, and scratches when removing large objects or demolition debris. One slip with a crowbar or hammer can damage flooring and drywall.
Heavy appliances and furniture can dent walls and break banisters when not maneuvered carefully. Minor cosmetic damage may not be a big deal. However, structural damage to load-bearing walls and other elements can be extremely costly to repair.
Doing junk removal yourself means assuming this property damage liability and means you’re at even higher risk of these issues happening. Hiring junk removal services means hiring experienced professionals who come with credentials and insurance if something goes wrong.
Legal and Permit Issues
Before attempting major junk removal or demolition work, it’s important to understand what legal and permit requirements apply.
Many homeowners associations and landlords prohibit tenants from placing junk curbside. Local regulations may also require permits for demolition, transport, and disposal – especially when handling hazardous waste.
DIYers can unknowingly violate nuisance laws for noise, sidewalk blocking, and littering associated with disposal efforts. Skipping needed permits or inspections related to asbestos, gas lines, and other risks can also lead to legal problems down the road. As a junk-hauling novice, it’s easy to overlook these important situations.
Make Junk Removal Safer With East Texas Junk Removal
Junk removal doesn’t need to be a daunting or risky chore. Partnering with East Texas Junk Removal minimizes the safety hazards, legal concerns, property damage risks, and physical demands of waste disposal projects.
Our team comes with essential equipment, waste management expertise, and the drive for an efficient job well done. Let us help you streamline the junk removal process and take the weight off your shoulders that comes with DIY removal.
East Texas Junk Removal is always ready to help at any home or business, from demolition projects to residential hoarder cleanouts.
Do yourself a favor for your next junk removal day. Contact us today to schedule our services.