Residents in one Colorado town may find it harder to keep a commercial dumpster on the site of a home renovation or construction project when city council members take up the issue next month.

The town of Cañon City, Colorado is looking to ban the use of large trash container and commercial dumpsters from residential areas unless they are concealed by a fence, according to the Cañon City Daily Record.

If the proposal is passed by the city council next month there will be a number of exemptions which will allow apartment buildings, mobile home parks and some other residential locations to have a commercial dumpster on site. Additionally, businesses located in non-residential zones will be exempt from the ban, according to the paper.

There is a chance that language can be placed into the proposal which would allow residents who need a construction waste container to obtain a $35 permit which would authorize the use of a refuse dumpster for up to 30 days for use during a move or remodel.

Last month the city of Longview, Texas proposed an ordinance that would require dumpsters to have screens on up to all four sides in order to hide them from view, according to the Longview News-Journal.

No, you can’t! That oil is environmental poison, as it can harm or kill wildlife and plants. Plus, it can cause serious damage to drinking water supplies, as well as sewage/septic systems. According to the earth911 website, dumping cooking oil and grease down the drain is the leading cause of stopped-up plumbing.

But before you dispose of your oil, you may want to contact a local restaurant. If the oil is still good, it can be added to their existing supplies for future use. This may be a good idea if you’re a “frequent fry-er”! You may also want to consider adding the used oil to a compost heap. But if these ideas don’t appeal to you, just follow these simple steps, and avoid any environmental catastrophes!

1.) Make sure that the used oil has safely cooled off.

2.) Check if the oil is actually done for good. Deep-frying oil can be used repeatedly. If it is unusable, you’ll need to find a clean container that seals tightly; an old plastic jar (NOT glass) with a durable lid is a good choice.

3.) Then, strain the used oil into the container. But be careful — you don’t want to slip and fall!

4.) Do you have only a small amount of left-over oil? If so, you can toss the jar right into the trash.

5.) If there is a lot of oil left, you’ll need to take it to your local landfill.

If you have any other questions about the disposal of oil or other waste, call the professionals at DumpsterSource, the place for all your dumpster rental needs.

Best Answer: The answer is “Yes,” but you can’t just toss it out of a truck bed and take off … In most communities, you can drop off large appliances for recycling at local landfills, transfer stations and municipal recycling depots.

But if you have any regard for the health of the environment, you’ll need to be aware of certain local AND federal guidelines. You should contact your local government to find the proper facilities and programs for recycling appliances. In fact, these locations are preferred, as the employees will be able to remove any hazardous materials.

But before you just dispose of your unwanted washer and dryer, why not consider helping out your neighbors in need. As long as the appliances are still working, they can be reused, or even salvaged for valuable parts. And if they’re beyond repair, be sure to contact the qualified professionals at DumpsterSource. They’ll pick up your appliances at your home or business, and transport them to the proper facilities. You can contact them at (888) 423-8677, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am EST until 8:00 pm EST, or online, 24/7.

But before you run out and replace all of your units, you’ll need to know what to do with the old extinguishers. After all, you can’t just toss them in the trash. They may not be totally empty, and if the liquid, gas or chemicals inside leak out, serious damage can occur, including contamination or even explosions! So how do you get rid of those old extinguishers?

Instructions: First of all, you need to determine what type of extinguisher you’re dealing with. Newer extinguishers typically contain water, gas, or chemicals. Water-filled and gas-filled (CO₂) models are safe, as the liquid or foam inside is inert. However, the chemical models may be toxic, and if released, they can irritate skin (and the environment).  To be safe, it’s a good idea to contact your local fire department, or even a fire extinguisher service company. This can be located with a simple Google search.

You may have to follow local and even Federal guidelines when disposing of extinguishers. Again, the fire department, as well as your local sanitation or environmental protection departments may have the proper information for disposal and recycling. You see, fire extinguishers are often considered to be “hazardous waste,” and as such, they may require special arrangements. Plus, these extinguishers are generally under a great deal of pressure (this is what makes them effective). Therefore, they need to be handled by qualified professionals!

Typically, local sanitation workers will pick up old extinguishers for disposal and recycling. If the extinguisher can be reused, the employees willfully inspect and perform pressure tests. If the unit is unusable, it is cut in half or pierced. Then, it’s scrapped, as almost all of the unit can be recycled.

At DumpsterSource, our representatives will schedule personal pick-ups and disposal for your extinguishers and other waste and trash. To reach a representative, simply call (888) 423-8677, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am EST until 8:00 pm EST. Or, you can reach them online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

However, this insulation does have its drawbacks. It can scratch and irritate skin (although extensive testing has shown that the material is safe to use and live with). The bottom line is that, like other installation processes, there are steps to take to ensure safety and comfort, both in the short- and long-term. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), fiberglass insulation is safe, as long as it’s properly installed or removed. At this time, the material is not considered to be a human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).

Here are steps to take when installing or removing fiberglass insulation:

• Skin Safety – Be sure to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and long pants. It’s a good idea to wear gloves, but do not tape the sleeves or pants at the wrists or ankles. Whatever you do, be sure NOT to scratch or rub your skin, especially when fiberglass particles accumulate on your skin! Once you’re finished, you must wash your skin, or better yet, shower with mild soap and warm, running water.
• Eye Safety — Wear safety glasses with side shields as well as a hat, if possible. And be sure NOT to rub your eyes while installing/removing fiberglass.
• Nose, Mouth, and Throat Safety – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers special respirators known as “N 95” particulate respirators, which limit or eliminate any irritation of the nose, mouth, or throat. You may also want to consider a disposable dust respirator. This is very helpful if you’re working in a dusty environment, or fiberglass insulation is located overhead. These respirators can usually be found in home improvement stores.
• Clothing Safety – Once the installation/removal is complete, take off the work clothes. These clothes must be washed separately from other clothes. When the wash cycle is finished, be sure to wipe out the washer.
• General Safety – Always maintain a clean workspace. When it’s time to clean up, be sure that you’re careful; you don’t want to disperse fibers back into a clean area when you’re sweeping. And it’s crucial to have a waste bin or plastic trash bag nearby at all times. For larger projects, renting a dumpster is the safest thing to do.
• Once you’re finished installing or removing the materials, you’ll need to make sure that no insulation is left exposed in an occupied area. Also, materials with paper or foil coverings can offer potential fire hazards. The insulation must be kept clean and dry, or else it can attract mold.
• Be sure to only handle the necessary amount of fiberglass insulation.
• Always use the proper cutting tools, such as a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.

Pocono Raceway, located in Long Pond, PA, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, will soon be the world’s first solar-powered sporting facility.  The raceway, also known as the “Tricky Triangle” and the “Bermuda Triangle,” is set to install 40,000 shiny black solar panels on 25 acres along Long Pond Road, across from the infield entrance.

Once installed, the track will be first carbon-neutral sporting facility in the world. It will produce three megawatts of solar energy, as well as huge profits for its owner, Dr. Joseph Mattioli. That’s because the power produced – about three megawatts — will be sold to the regional electrical grid year-round.

In the process, the Tricky Triangle will be the NASCARs most environmentally conscious track. “This new system will not only satisfy the raceway’s energy needs,” said track President Brandon Igdalsky. “It will allow us to help power close to 1,000 homes and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 2,500 tons every year.”

And the environmental benefits for the facility don’t stop there. The $17 million solar energy installation project qualifies the track for a 30% tax credit. The raceway is also participating in “NASCAR’s Green Clean Air” program. In the program, ten trees will be purchased and planted locally for every green flag dropped during the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500. In addition, more recycling bins have been placed throughout the grandstands and suites, including those donated by such business giants as Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch and Waste Management.

Installation of the solar panels is planned to begin in the fall. If all goes well, the solar farm could be producing electricity by as early as spring 2010. Once up and running, the solar farm should provide enough energy to offset the power used at the track, as well as the newly opened Village at Pocono Resort.

SOURCE: http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090801/NEWS/908010343/-1/NEWS01

Instructions:

First, DON’T pick up the pieces with your bare hands, no matter how big they are! You could get sliced by small pieces without even realizing it. And forget about sweeping. That just pushes the slivers into the corner, placing everyone at risk down the road.

Many waste disposal companies offer special cardboard containers just for broken glass. Once you’ve placed the shards in the container, it can be placed outside for regular pick-up. You may want to place a note that there’s “Broken Glass,” to inform the workers. You should contact your local waste disposal organization for additional information and directions.

But did you know that you can actually recycle broken glass? Not only does it help the environment, but you can make a tidy little sum! There are guidelines you’ll have to follow. But basically, the cleaner the glass, the more valuable. Contact DumpsterSouce for answers to all of your recycling concerns.

There has long been a nationwide effort to reduce air, water, and other pollution. Unfortunately, it seems like there is much work to do, if recent research is any indication. According to a June 29^th report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 44 communities across the country are at risk for pollution from coal ash storage ponds.

But what exactly are these ponds, and why are they dangerous? Well, when coal is burned, ash is produced, and is placed in liquid. Known as “slurry,” this mixture is placed in containment ponds or dams. Besides the coal ash, these ponds or dams also hold fly and bottom ash, coal slag and flue gas. The problem is that these materials are filled with low concentrations of toxic metals, such as arsenic, selenium, cadmium, lead and mercury. And while the EPA’s recent list spotlights those 44 locations that are near populated areas, there are actually over 400 nationwide.

On December 23, 2008, near Kingston, Tenn., a coal ash pond broke. As a result, five million cubic yards of ash and sludge spread out over more than 300 acres, destroying or damaging 40 homes. This incident led to the coal ash storage pond safety review.

The EPA will be inspecting all 44 coal ash sites, to determine whether or not these facilities are structurally sound. However, the agency cautions that no defects have been found; these sites are being checked due to their locations. “The high hazard potential means there will be probable loss of human life if there is a significant dam failure,” stated Matt Hale, the EPA’s director of the office of research, conservation and recovery. “It is a measure of what would happen if the dam would fail. It is not a measure of the stability of the dam.”

As of now, the agency had inspected half of the 44 sites. They expressed that the results would soon be released to the public. Previously, the results had not been revealed publicly, as it was claimed that this could threaten national security. But now, the EPA stated that these issues have been resolved.  Here are the results for the list, including: the states; the number of sites; and the targeted communities:

• North Carolina (12) — Belmont, Walnut Cove, Spencer, Eden, Mount Holy, Terrell and Arden
• Arizona (9) — Cochise, Joseph City
• Kentucky (7) — Louisa, Harrodsburg, Ghent and Louisville
• Ohio (6) — Waterford, Brilliant and Cheshire
• West Virginia (4) — Willow Island, St. Albans, Moundsville, New Haven
• Illinois (2) — Havana, Alton
• Indiana (1) — Lawrenceburg
• Pennsylvania (1) — Shippingport
• Georgia (1) — Milledgeville
• Montana (1) — Colstrip

It should be mentioned that half of the sites above are operated by two electric utilities. These are: Columbus, Ohio-based America Electric Power (AEP) and Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Corp. But company spokesmen from both stressed these sites’ safety.

AEP spokesman Pat Hemlepp stated that both the corporation and individual power plant officials annually inspect their sites. “We are absolutely confident from our monitoring, maintenance and inspections that the dams have the structural integrity to protect the public and the environment,” said Jason Wells, spokesman for Duke Energy.

SOURCE: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090630/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_coal_ash_disclosure_3

Those dropping off empty tanks must also be aware of the rules regarding propane disposal. Federal laws require propane tanks to be recycled as household hazardous waste. That means that they can’t be tossed out with “regular” trash. In addition, these empty tanks can’t be placed in recycling bins or Dumpsters.

Leftover Propane = Major Safety Threats

Unfortunately, many people ignore these requirements. For example, over the past two months alone, employees at Rhode Island’s state landfill in Johnston removed two propane tanks from the facility’s paper-recycling area. If not discovered, this could have led to major damage.

“The two tanks that we have removed from the sorting area had already passed over a drum feeder’s rotor, which is a machine that would most likely puncture a tank of this type,” said Mike OConnell, the facility’s executive director. “Because trace amounts of gas linger in an ‘empty’ tank, there is a tremendous risk for explosion and injury to workers.”

Typically, those drivers and other employees responsible for picking up recyclables know to leave prohibited items on the curb. However, many communities use large covered containers that are lifted mechanically into recycling trucks. As a result, truck drivers may not see if tanks are found inside. In addition, small tanks (like those for camping) may be placed inside larger containers.

If customers are unsure about proper tank disposal, you should contact local propane companies, as well as fire departments for information. Once the tanks are completely empty, the cylinder will be depressurized. Then, all of the valves and fittings will be removed, and the tank will be discarded.

Rhode Island residents will find out all they need about the Johnston landfill at www.rirrc.org. Or, you can contact the representatives from DumpsterSource at (888) 423-8677, Monday through Friday, from 7a.m.-8p.m. EST. Or, you can find additional waste disposal and/or recycling information online, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

You’ve decided to finally tackle that remodeling or renovating project. Unfortunately, the calendar shows that it’s smack dab in the middle of the hottest time of the year. Lugging that drywall, concrete and wood is NOT going to be a picnic. But besides the typical aches and pains, ask yourself this: are you staying safe outside?

No matter how you plan, the summer heat and humidity take their toll. The hot sun can cause painful burns, and prematurely age your skin. And, it can drain you of precious fluids. That’s why you need to follow certain safety guidelines when outdoors. After all, is saving a few bucks and time worth the price of your health?  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the symptoms of heat stress-related dangers include:

• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
• Paleness
• Heavy sweating
• Cool and moist skin
• Fast and weak pulse rates
• Fast and shallow breathing

If these symptoms last longer than one hour, medical attention is advised. If left untreated, you could be at risk for heat stroke, a very serious condition. This occurs when the body can’t control its temperature, and is unable to sufficiently cool down. If treatment is not received in time, you could face permanent disability and even death. Once heat stroke is suspected, the victim MUST be cooled, as fast as possible. Call for medical help, as well. The symptoms of heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature, which is anything above 103°F
• Red, hot, and dry skin, although sweating is not common
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Shock
• Unconsciousness

Follow These Steps to Stay Safe This Summer!

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize heat-related health risks this June, July, and August (and beyond, in many areas). If you experience any of the above symptoms, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises resting in a cool spot (preferably one with air conditioning). You’ll also need to wear loose-fitting, light-colored and lightweight clothing. It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses, floppy hats, and sunscreen, if possible. And be sure to take occasional work breaks.

You should also consume sufficient fluids. How much? The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking about 16 ounces of water two to three hours before-hand. And, they advise drinking six to 12 ounces every 15-20 minutes during work or exercise. Plus, you should drink adequate fluids afterward to replace fluids lost to sweating. While there’s no substitute for good, old-fashioned water, sports drinks are OK, as well. But avoid anything with alcohol or caffeine!

For tackling that remodeling project, DumpsterSource is ready to handle all your dumpster rental needs.