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Recycling Louisville, Things You Can Recycle

What Can I Recycle in Louisville Kentucky?

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Disposing of waste in a clean and environmentally friendly manner is hard. From overrun landfills to bigger issues like this “garbage patch” in the Pacific Ocean, we clearly have some problems surrounding what to do with our garbage. Recycling is one solution and a great way to practice sustainability and conservation from home. Most cities, including Louisville, even have recycling pickup programs to make recycling as easy as possible. However, sometimes recycling can be confusing. Keeping track of everything you can and can’t recycle can leave you feeling lost, and may prevent some from recycling at all. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide of what you can and can’t recycle here in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Do Recycle 

Paper and cardboard are recycling no-brainers. Things like newspapers, broken down cardboard boxes, and paper/cardboard drink cartons are all items that you can recycle with no issues. Similarly, you can also recycle most plastics. Things like water bottles, milk jugs, and food packaging are also allowed to be recycled in Louisville. Glass is another material commonly accepted. So if you have some old bottles or jars around the house make sure not to throw them away! The last material on our list of recycling “do’s” is metal. This includes empty cans, foil, and small foil/tin pans.

Don’t Recycle

Although the categories above contain many recyclable items, there are some notable exceptions. For example, although most glass and plastic items are accepted by the city, plastic bags and lightbulbs are not. Luckily, many stores like Kroger have their own recycling programs if you’d like to recycle your used shopping bags. Louisville also provides special recycling programs for recycling out of the ordinary items such as light bulbs, cooking oil, electronics, and batteries. Also, unfortunately styrofoam is not accepted for recycling pickup in Louisville, meaning throwing it away is the best course of action currently.

No fluids or hazardous materials are ever accepted for recycling pickup in Louisville. However, if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, there are alternatives. Although potentially toxic materials like oil/lead based paint and old motor oil cannot be recycled normally, there are special facilities that accept them, like Louisville Metro’s hazardous materials disposal bin at 7501 Grade Lane. Always be extra careful when attempting to dispose of materials like these, since in the wrong places they could cause significant damage to the environment. 

What to do if you can’t recycle

Sometimes recycling just isn’t a reasonable waste management solution. Maybe you have too much waste to recycle, or maybe you are trying to dispose of materials that are not usually accepted for recycling like wood or old furniture. If this is the case, then Moon Mini Dumpsters might be what you need. Moon provides dumpsters of many sizes, from 6 to 40 cubic yards, to customers across Kentuckiana. Also, Moon Dumpsters is environmentally friendly, making every effort to recycle as much as possible, so you don’t need to feel guilty about throwing things away. If you live in Louisville or Lexington and are looking for waste management solutions, click here or call at (502) 772-2821  to learn more about Moon Companies!

Consider renting a Moon Mini Dumpster, no matter what size project you choose to undertake. Our driveway dumpsters come in 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yard capacities. Affordable and lightweight, a dumpster will be delivered directly to you and placed on boards for surface protection. We are environmentally-friendly, locally-owned, and willing to work with any time frame. Give us a call at 502-772-2821 to learn more!

Dumpster Rentals in Shively, Kentucky

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Shively is a third-class city in the southwest region of Jefferson County, Kentucky. Located adjacent to the Ohio River, Shively boasts a population of over 15,000 residents with a dense suburban atmosphere.

If you live or work in Shively, you are in the service area of Moon, a locally-owned, full-service leasing company that offers roll-off dumpster rentals, portable restroom rentals, trailer and container rentals, greasetrap cleaning, refrigerated container rentals, and other related services. We’ve proudly served Shively, Louisville, and the surrounding regions for decades.

Keep reading to learn about the history of Shively, popular venues, upcoming events, and how Moon Dumpsters can help your family or business this year.

The Origins of Shively

The area currently known as Shively was first settled by farmers in the late 1700s. Certain individuals, such as the Shively family and Colonel William Pope, owned large portions of land. Christian William Shively owned over 1,000 acres, on which he built a mill and a tavern. The tavern became a popular rest-stop for travelers on the Louisville and Nashville Turnpike, which connected downtown Louisville to the Salt River. As it grew, this area became known as the “Shively Precinct.” In the mid 1800s, Shively attracted many German immigrants who constructed St. Helen’s Catholic Church. This caused the area to briefly be known as “St. Helens.” 

What To Do in Shively

Shively offers a variety of attractions. Parks include Shively Park and Leeds Park. There are three major distilleries in Shively: Brown Forman, Stitzel-Weller, and Michter’s. Altitude Trampoline Park offers plenty of family fun, as well as Danger Run, a haunted house. Popular restaurants include Rooster’s, Indi’s, and Texas Roadhouse. Shively is also located in close proximity to state landmarks like Churchill Downs, The Waverly Hills Sanatorium, and the Speed Art Museum. 

Upcoming Events in Shively

If you’re looking to get involved in Shively’s local community, there are plenty of ongoing projects and upcoming events to partake in. On April 16, the 4th Annual Shively Community Pancake Breakfast will be happening at the Heritage Center. Admission is free! Starting in June, the Shively Farmers & Artisans Market will be occurring weekly. See more upcoming events like city council meetings here. 

Dumpster Rentals in Shively, Kentucky

Moving to or from Shively? Undergoing renovations? Clearing out your yard? Moon Dumpsters is here to provide you small, affordable residential roll-off dumpsters. Our driveway dumpsters come in 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yard capacities. We also offer dumpsters for commercial jobs as well. We take pride in being an environmentally-friendly, locally-owned business. Get a fast, free quote from our website!

 

Dumpster Rentals in Prospect, Kentucky

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Prospect is a charming suburban community located 15 minutes northeast of downtown Louisville. Situated within the bounds of both Jefferson and Oldham counties, Prospect offers a slower pace of life with plenty of amenities. Residents can enjoy numerous shopping centers, fine dining, water sports, parks, country clubs, golf courses, and much more. 

Popular Restaurants, Activities, and Parks in Prospect

Some popular restaurants in Prospect include Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grill, Mercato Italiano Trattoria and Market, Tea Station, Gelato Gilberto, The Pine Room, and Mojito Tapas Restaurant. Shopping enthusiasts love the Paddock Shops, which offer stores such as Gap, West Elm, Barnes and Noble, Banana Republic, and more.

For fans of water sports, Prospect has it all. Besides being located alongside the Ohio River, Prospect is bisected by Harrod’s Creek, a major tributary of the river. Residents can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and boating between both interconnected bodies of water. 

Nature lovers can enjoy numerous parks in Prospect. Located on the edge of US-42, Putney’s Pond and Woodlands offers several walking trails and a fishing pond. In the attractive Hunting Creek subdivision, there is a large golf course, country club, and a popular park alongside Harrod’s Creek (called Harrod’s Creek Park). Located along the Ohio River, Hays Kennedy Park offers sports fields, courts, and trails. Walkers and bikers can enjoy the walking bridge path on the newly-constructed Lewis and Clark Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River.

The History of Prospect

For history buffs, Prospect has a lot to offer. Located along the scenic US-42, Prospect was settled as “Sand Hill” in the late 1700s. It became a way-station for many people travelling to Louisville, especially after the construction of the prosperous Westport Railway. In an effort to prevent Prospect from being overly-industrialized in the 1960s, the Hunting Creek and Fox Harbor subdivisions were built to provide desirable residences and preserve greenspace. In recent years, the affluent community of Norton Commons was constructed on the outskirts of Prospect. 

Dumpster Rentals in Prospect, Kentucky

If you’re moving to-or-from Prospect, undergoing a home remodeling project, landscaping your yard, or need a high-quality residential dumpster for any reason, contact Moon Dumpsters. We are a locally-owned company that has served Prospect and the surrounding areas for over two decades. We take pride in our environmentally-friendly practices, affordability, huge selection of sizes, and highly-skilled team.

Why Moon?

Moon offers the largest selection of affordable residential and commercial dumpster sizes on the market! We can provide 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yard open-top, roll-off dumpsters for your home remodeling or junk disposal needs. Our bright green dumpsters are professionally-maintained and attractive. We often can deliver same-day, or within 2-3 business days. We take pride in our recycling and environmentally-friendly policies.

When it comes to dumpster rentals, we offer unbeatable prices, size options, and customer service. Give us a call or contact us online today, and we can help you find the best dumpster to fit your needs. We look forward to meeting you!

 

Rent Dumpster For Remodeling, Moving, Landscaping Projects in Kentucky and Indiana

7 Ways To Use A Dumpster This Summer

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During the many months of pandemic restrictions and remote work orders, millions of people have had more time to delve into homebound activities, whether it be baking bread, planting a garden, or undergoing extensive remodeling. In fact, according to Bank of America’s 2021 Homebuyers report, over 65% of millennials intend to begin a renovation project sometime this year!

Whether you’re remodeling your entire house, finally cleaning out your garage, or just trying to repair a leaking roof, renting a mini dumpster may be the best choice you ever make! Keep reading to find out 7 common activities that call for a dumpster.

7 Ways To Use A Dumpster This Summer

1. Remodeling

Remodeling creates a lot of waste, from unwanted furniture to broken pieces of plaster, brick, wood, and other disassembled building materials. Instead of letting dust-ridden, useless trash fill up your space until you lug it to the curb, why not work as you go with a rental dumpster? Throw whatever has to go into the dumpster, and we’ll handle the rest.

2. Moving

Whether you’re moving into a new house, out of an old one, or doing both at once, you’ll likely need a dumpster rental! You’ve got junk. Whether it’s yours or the previous owner of your new house, you likely want it gone, fast, and a dumpster is the quickest, easiest way of providing space for congregating everything you don’t need.

3. Garage Cleanout

Many of us use our garages as secondary storage, allowing them to fill up with old furniture, toys, tools, and other unneeded items. If you’re thinking about taking a deep-dive into your garage this summer, or maybe hosting a garage sale, consider renting a Moon dumpster first! With a dumpster, you can quickly sort through what really matters, bringing the peace of mind of a renewed and organized space.

4. Landscaping

You may not think it, but landscaping your yard produces a lot of waste! More particularly: topsoil, loose concrete, plant scraps, old bricks, dead tree limbs and brush, a rotting deck, etc. A mini dumpster is not only convenient, but under-the-radar, allowing a months-long or days-long project to be kept tidy. Nobody wants their trash to hinder their progress, right?

5. Community Projects

If you’re involved in your local neighborhood organization, you may take part in endeavors such as a community garden, a neighborhood block party, a park clean-up, or a multi-home yard sale. Split the costs of a dumpster with your community to make the process as smooth sailing as possible!

6. Home Repairs

From natural disasters to regular wear-and-tear, all houses need repairs in time. If you’re planning any repairs this month, consider renting a dumpster. Whether you’re dealing with a flooded basement, replacing the roof, or tearing down a broken fence, a dumpster is integral to streamlining the process.

7. Hosting An Event

Are you managing a big event, like a wedding? Maybe you own your own event venue? You may be surprised with the amount of trash produced by a large-scale celebration. Investing in a dumpster can be a surefire way to get a handle on all that waste, from plates, food, cups, garbage bags and other disposable materials.

Consider renting a Moon Mini Dumpster, no matter what size project you choose to undertake. Our driveway dumpsters come in 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yard capacities. Affordable and lightweight, a dumpster will be delivered directly to you and placed on boards for surface protection. We are environmentally-friendly, locally-owned, and willing to work with any time frame. Give us a call at 502-772-2821 to learn more!

Eco-Friendly Remodeling

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Remodeling your home can involve a lot of materials and waste. Fortunately, there are many ways you can ensure you are reducing the impact your remodel has on the environment. Here are some simple ways to do eco-friendly remodeling!

Green Materials: Paint, Roofing, Flooring, and More

The materials you use are one area where you can go a long way in reducing your impact. These days, since so many people are eco-conscious, it’s not difficult to find green solutions. Take paint, for example. Did you know that you can buy VOC-free paint? VOC (volatile organic compounds) are toxic and found in many traditional paints, and can leak into the environment. You can buy VOC-free paint to avoid this issue.

Paint isn’t the only material you use that probably has a green alternative. Everything from roofing and flooring to stains and caulks have green options on the market today. If you are willing to put in the work to find them, you can significantly improve how eco-friendly your remodel will be.

Water-Efficiency

If you’re re-doing a bathroom or kitchen, water is something else you should think about. Some faucets are more efficient than others. There are kinds of faucets that are low-flow, meaning they reduce the rate at which water flows. This is a helpful technique to lower how much water you use when doing everything from washing your hands, taking a shower, or doing the dishes. Consider low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce how much water your household uses.

Energy-Efficiency for Eco-Friendly Remodeling

There are a couple of ways you can increase the energy efficiency of your home too. For starters, consider how you’re lighting the house. Any way you can utilize natural lighting through windows or glass doors will dramatically lower your electric usage. Additionally, if you do need light bulbs, go for LEDs as they are the most efficient type.

In the kitchen, you’ll want to think about the efficiency of your appliances. Your refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster, and dishwasher can all benefit from an efficiency analysis. Plus, your stove itself might need a second look. Today, there are many electric stoves that are extremely efficient, and better for the environment than gas stoves.
Look for Used Furniture

If you are looking to replace or add in some furniture, consider buying used or refurbished to cut down on your impact. There are a number of refurbished furniture stores and non-profits that can offer a great selection. You can even peruse a local yard sale and stumble across a hidden gem that you could reuse for your home. Avoiding a new piece of furniture will let you lower your carbon footprint even more.

Moon Dumpsters makes sure that waste disposal is as environmentally-friendly as possible, with efficient trucks and green disposal practices. To learn more about Moon’s full-service dumpster rentals and get the dumpsters you need, visit our website or call us at 502-772-2821 today!

20 Cubic Yards Dumpster, Dumpsters for small jobs, Best Dumpsters to Rent

Dumpster Rentals with Moon Dumpsters

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Renting a dumpster is a great way to handle personal, commercial, and other types of projects. There are a lot of sizes and types of dumpsters that you can select from in the process. Here’s an overview of the dumpster rentals we offer and recommend for different projects.

Residential Dumpster Rentals

Moon Dumpsters offers a variety of dumpsters for rent that can take care of any size residential job. Our residential dumpsters are ideal for kitchen and bathroom demolitions, remodeling projects, and more. These dumpsters start as small as 6 cubic yards and go all the way up to 20 cubic yards.

A 6 yard dumpster is a great option for smaller remodeling projects like a small kitchen demolition, a basement overhaul, or redoing a garage. Many of our customers also choose this size for a lawn or yard cleanup. It offers enough space for those smaller projects at a great price.

A 9 yard dumpster offers a bit more space then the 6 yarder. As such, it’s a perfect fit for a normal sized kitchen remodeling job, or even a small kitchen plus bathroom remodel. It is also great for a deck demolition up to dimensions of 10’x18’. This dumpster will serve more medium-sized basement or garage renovations well too.

12 and 16 yard dumpsters offer extra space that you may need for some of those larger remodeling or demolition projects around the house. A large kitchen, basement, or garage that you are working on would benefit from this size. Our customers who are working on multiple smaller or average-sized projects tend to select this size too, given the extra space it provides. In particular, the 16 yard dumpster is a good option for multi-project needs given the large amount of debris and items it can hold.

Our 20 yard dumpster is the largest residential dumpster we offer. It has the capacity to handle all of the projects our smaller dumpsters can, at a larger scale. It’s also a good fit for a significant home addition project, a large fencing job, or a multi-deck demolition. This is the dumpster to rent if you know you’ll have a lot of material to content with.

30 and 40 Yard Dumpsters

Moon’s 30 and 40 yard dumpsters are an excellent choice for commercial jobs that need space for waste at a large scale. Our customers typically include contractors, construction sites, large building demolitions, and even commercial recycling jobs. The massive space these dumpsters offer make them very useful for large scale professional jobs.

Pricing and Quotes

We offer details about our dumpster rentals on our website including pricing, sizes, and FAQs. We have a customized quote form you can fill out, after which you will receive pricing and more information about our rentals.

If you order soon, you can take advantage of our current Seasonal Special! We are offering $10 off all dumpster rentals in both the Louisville and Lexington areas. Book now to lock in this great deal while you can! We work with our customers to make the process simple and straightforward. We can even help you with the dumpster permitting process- read our previous blog post here to learn more.

Moon Dumpsters makes sure that waste disposal is as environmentally-friendly as possible, with efficient trucks and green disposal practices. To learn more about Moon’s full-service dumpster rentals and get the dumpsters you need, visit our website or call us at 502-772-2821 today!

Dumpster Rentals, Best Dumpsters for Rent, Renting a Dumpster

Do You Need a Dumpster Permit?

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Dumpsters provide an excellent way for you to clear waste as you tackle a project. Depending on how and where you’re using one, you may need a dumpster permit. It can be a bit confusing, so today on the blog we’ll walk you through dumpster permits!

General Rules

In most cases, you will only need a dumpster permit if you will be placing the dumpster on public property. This includes public streets and sidewalks. This may be the case for you if there’s limited room in your situation. If, however, you have the space to put a dumpster on your driveway or any other private property, you won’t have to worry! There’s no need to get a permit in that case.

Dumpster Permit Process

If you do need to place a dumpster on public property, there are a few things you need to consider. In many cases, you can put a dumpster on a public road or sidewalk- you’ll just need a permit to do so. However, there may be places where you can’t so you should always check with your locality first. This includes specific neighborhoods- if you have a neighborhood association, they may have rules about if/how dumpsters are permitted on streets.

If there is a permit process, here’s how it normally works. Many localities have ‘right-of-way’ permits that give you the ability to place a dumpster on a public street. You must apply for and receive this permit before you can place your dumpster.

You need to know a few things to fill out this permit most of the time. First, how long will you need your dumpster on public space? You will have to give a specific date range on the paperwork. Second, where exactly will the dumpster be? You will also need to give the exact address and location of the dumpster. Third, who are you renting your dumpster from? You’ll be asked to provide contact information for the rental company on the permit.

Other Things to Know

Here are some other insider tips. Always contact both your local public works department and any relevant neighborhood association. This is the way you will be able to learn about any specific rules and processes (for our Louisville readers, check out Metro Public Works’ web page). Additionally, permit processes can take time, so you should try to submit your permit application at least a week in advance of when you need to use your dumpster. One last thing- you can work with your dumpster rental company to help things go smoothly! At Moon Dumpsters, we can help make sure you time your dumpster delivery perfectly so you have the proper permit when you need it. We also ensure deliveries and pickups go off without a hitch.

Moon Dumpsters makes sure that waste disposal is as environmentally-friendly as possible, with efficient trucks and green disposal practices. To learn more about Moon’s full-service dumpster rentals and get the dumpsters you need, visit our website or call us at 502-772-2821 today!

Is dumpster diving illegal in Louisville, KY?

What is Dumpster Diving?

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Dumpster diving involves salvaging goods from dumpsters, often those from businesses. The legality of dumpster diving and people’s opinions on it are complex. Let’s examine some of the key points about dumpster diving.

Legality of Dumpster Diving

The legality of dumpster diving varies country to country. Dumpster diving is actually legal at the federal level in the United States. It is also legal at the state level in all 50 states. It’s the county and city/town levels in which it can be illegal in some or all scenarios. Additionally, where dumpsters are located can affect the legality of dumpster diving. If a dumpster is on private property or if it’s locked, you would likely be breaking laws to dumpster dive. For example, walking onto someone’s private property to dumpster dive without permission would be illegal.

Perspectives from Business Owners

Businesses often have dumpsters that people may want to salvage in. However, every business owner has a unique perspective on this activity. Some may support recycling or reusing discarded products, while others may discourage it. Some may also worry about liability if someone were to get hurt while diving on their property. Others are more concerned about the mess people can leave from dumpster diving. On the other hand, there are some businesses where owners are willing to discuss the option and give permission.

Perspectives from Dumpster Divers

People who dumpster dive may do so for various reasons and have different outlooks on the practice. For some people, it is simply a means of survival if they do not have access to food or other necessary goods. For others, dumpster diving can be informed by a belief in recycling and reusing consumer goods to reduce environmental impacts.

Many people may donate items or food they find to people in need. Some people dumpster even dive to turn a profit, selling items they find. In addition, some people just enjoy it as a hobby.

Benefits and Downsides

Dumpster diving can be positive in many cases. Reducing waste and reusing items is certainly positive for the environment. It can also lead to a redistribution of goods and food to people who need them. If done legally and with permission, issues with business owners or the legal system are avoidable as well.

However, there are also a few potential downsides. From a diver’s perspective, it can be downright dangerous. Broken glass, needles, and other dangers can lurk in dumpsters. They can cause cuts, punctures, and other injuries that may be prone to infection or disease. There can even be biohazardous material present. Plus, some businesses may go out of their way to destroy food by adding bleach, glass, or chemicals to it before disposal. If ingested, this can be deadly. Expired food can be an issue sometimes too. Additionally, if divers are not courteous or law-abiding, they can cause trouble for business owners and communities.

Moon Dumpsters makes sure that waste disposal is as environmentally-friendly as possible, with efficient trucks and green disposal practices. To learn more about Moon’s full-service dumpster rentals and get the dumpsters you need, visit our website or call us at 502-772-2821 today!

What does not in my backyard mean?

Waste Disposal: Where Does Waste Go?

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When you throw your garbage or yard waste into a dumpster, it can be easy to never think about it again. All of that has to go somewhere, though. But where? There are a few main places your waste is most likely to go, depending on what it is and the waste disposal practices and regulations where you live. Let’s take a look at the main places that waste goes.

Landfills: The Main Form of Waste Disposal in the United States

Landfills are simply disposal sites for waste. Landfill workers carefully contain and monitor waste and waste byproducts in landfills to avoid contaminating groundwater, soil, and the air. Eventually, when landfills are completely full, they shut down. You can think of them as a way to isolate waste from the surrounding environment. In the United States, landfills are where most waste goes.

Recycling Centers

Recycling centers help repurpose items like plastics, glass, paper products, and metals. These centers sort through recyclable items and then compact them into ‘bales’ that can be sent to mills where they are processed into new materials. What is recyclable for you depends on the infrastructure and policies in your area, so always check your local and state practices.

Recycling, while still much less common than landfilling, has become more widely adopted in the past several decades. In 2015, for instance, 67.77 million tons of waste were recycled in the United States, with to 137.7 million tons of waste going to landfills. Compare this to 25 years prior- in 1990, only 29.04 million tons were recycled, with 145.27 million tons being landfilled. Recycling is a preferable alternative to landfilling today, since it means reusing materials as opposed to trying to contain them in a landfill.

Composting

Composting is another of the main ways to deal with waste. Compost facilities use controlled aerobic decomposition to help turn organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Many food scraps and bits of yard waste are compostable. The end product of composting can help grow plants and food. Many people create their own compost, and some communities have composting centers or facilities where community members can drop off organic matter waste. Composting has the benefits of lowering carbon footprints, enriching soil, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Waste Combustion: A Declining Method of Waste Disposal

Combustion is another approach for disposing of waste. Municipal solid waste incinerator facilities burn waste at an extremely high temperature. They then use steam produced from incineration to create energy. However, this process has significant negative impacts on the environment and local communities. They increase pollution in their communities, most of which are lower-income communities of color in the United States. Support for this form of disposal in the US seems to be diminishing, particularly because the remaining facilities in the United States are aging and have old, inefficient technology. But in other parts of the world like Europe, combustion waste management is quickly becoming more accepted. These facilities also have better technology that is potentially safer for the environment and communities.

Moon Dumpsters  makes sure that waste disposal is as environmentally-friendly as possible, with efficient trucks and green disposal practices. To learn more about Moon’s full-service dumpster rentals and get the dumpsters you need, visit our website or call us at 502-772-2821 today!

Where can I get the best dumpster rental in Kentucky?

The Origin of the Dumpster

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The dumpster is a common utility container all around the world. Dumpsters are so commonplace in everyday life that you may have never stopped to think about where they came from. Prior to their invention, waste disposal was a significant hindrance to public health in areas of high population. The dumpster helped solve sanitation issues that many cities faced in the early 20th century by making waste disposal more efficient and less labor-intensive. 

Here’s a look at the origin of the dumpster. 

George Dempster

The story of the dumpster starts with George Dempster in the 1930’s. Dempster owned a construction business with his brothers in Knoxville, Tennessee. His experience with the logistics of transporting waste in the construction business sparked the idea for the dumpster, which he eventually created and patented in 1935.  

Dempster’s design initially involved a pulley system that was mounted to a motorized truck. Containers were raised by pins welded to their sides, and then transported and emptied through a hinged door. Dempster first used this system for his construction business to handle waste. However, as sanitation issues became more and more significant in cities, the Dempster dumpster became a widespread solution. 

The Dumpster as a Sanitation Solution

Prior to the dumpster, waste collection and removal was extremely inefficient. Garbage and debris (particularly in cities) regularly piled up along streets and on sidewalks. Cities required a lot of labor to mitigate this public health hazard. While waste could be hauled away by carriage, and later by the Model T Ford, this still involved a lot of manual labor. Workers had to load and unload garbage by hand. 

The Dempster dumpster allowed sanitary, enclosed storage for waste near places of business and residence, and made it easy to remove waste and return the container quickly. Crucially, the technology reduced the amount of hands-on labor required for sanitation. A single person could now pick up and handle waste collection with a dumpster. In 1937, Nashville, Tennessee became the first city to purchase the dumpster, becoming an early adopter of a technology that is now everywhere. 

Later models of the dumpster evolved for greater efficiency. Dempster improved the initial model by adding hydraulic lifting with chains and pivot arms, outstripping the lifting power of the old model’s cables and pulleys. Post-World War II, Dempster went on to design a single-axle end-dumping container with ten cubic yards of volume. This design, called the Dempster Kolector, allowed trucks to haul the containers behind them for quick collection, emptying, and delivery.  

Dempster created technology related to dumpsters as well. In the 1950’s, Dempster’s company created the Dempster-Dumpmaster, an early model for what we now know as the garbage truck. The front-loading design allowed truck drivers to empty multiple dumpsters in one trip without ever leaving their seats. 

Modern Dumpster Technology

It’s safe to say that Dempster’s inventions have played a huge role in shaping waste collection and sanitation as we know them today. Dumpster designs have changed over the years and there are numerous options on the market. 

Companies like Moon Dumpsters now offer dumpsters ranging from 6 to 40 cubic yards, and roll-off dumpsters and other designs are now common. Moon also makes sure that waste disposal is as environmentally-friendly as possible, with efficient trucks and green disposal practices. To learn more about Moon’s full-service dumpster rentals and get the dumpsters you need, visit our website or call us at 502-772-2821 today!