If you are planning to rent a dumpster, you might have some questions about what happens to your waste after the dumpster rental company picks it up? Many people assume that everything is dumped into a landfill, and that’s it — but the actual process is much more involved. Below, this dumpster rental company in West Allis, Wisconsin is going to explain what happens to your waste after it leaves your driveway.

The process of separating and recycling waste.

Once your dumpster is picked up by the dumpster rental company, it does not go straight to a landfill. Instead, it is usually taken to a material recovery facility (MRF). Here, recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals are separated from the general waste.

The recyclable materials are then sent to different recycling centers, where they are processed and turned into raw materials. For example, plastic can be melted down and reshaped into new bottles or packaging, whereas metals like aluminum and steel get smelted and repurposed for construction and manufacturing. This recycling process can significantly reduce landfill waste.

Where does non-recyclable waste go?

Unfortunately, not everything you throw in your dumpster can be recycled. Some things, like contaminated plastics, mixed-material products, and some types of treated wood, have no further use and must be disposed of properly. These materials are transported to licensed landfills that are made to handle non-recyclable waste safely and responsibly.

Modern landfills are nothing like the old, open dumps of the past. Today’s landfills have protective liners, drainage systems, and constant monitoring to prevent harmful substances from leaking into the ground or nearby water sources. Landfill liners made of geomembranes and geosynthetic clay prevent waste liquids from contaminating the surrounding land. On the other hand, drainage and treatment systems collect and clean contaminated water (or “leachate”) to make sure that nothing harmful reaches surrounding ecosystems.

When you choose an experienced dumpster rental company in West Allis, Wisconsin, you can be confident that your waste is being handled responsibly.

Proper disposal of hazardous waste.

Some things, like chemicals, batteries, old electronics, and leftover paint, are considered hazardous and require special handling to prevent environmental contamination and health risks. These cannot be mixed with regular waste, so they are carefully separated and sent to special facilities where they are processed.

These facilities either neutralize, recycle, or dispose of hazardous waste in the safest way possible. For example, some chemicals can be broken down into harmless substances, whereas electronic waste can be dismantled, and valuable metals like copper and gold are recovered for reuse. This process keeps toxic materials out of landfills and protects both nature and communities from long-term harm.

Before disposing of hazardous waste, you should always consult with your local dumpster rental company in West Allis, Wisconsin to find out whether they accept the materials you plan on throwing away.

Organic waste is turned into compost.

What about all the food scraps, grass clippings, and other organic waste? Well, a large portion of organic waste can be composted instead of being sent to a landfill. Composting turns biodegradable materials into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening, landscaping, and agriculture.

The composting process returns nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil, which consequently improves its structure and water retention. This makes it one of the easiest and most effective ways to recycle naturally.

Looking for a Dumpster Rental Company in West Allis, Wisconsin?

Are you ready to rent a dumpster? Ready to rent one from the top-rated dumpster rental company in West Allis, Wisconsin? If so, you’ve come to the right place — Eagle Disposal, Inc. is the company to call. Regardless of the type of project you’re planning, we can help you find the right dumpster for the job. Contact us today at (262) 895-4800 to begin the process.