Dumpster Art

Art With Dumpsters

Art with Dumpsters

 

Most of us are familiar with recycling, especially when it comes to re-purposing regular household items: but recycling can happen on a larger level than what we imagine. Have you ever thought of what happens to giant metal containers like dumpsters or storage containers after they have retired?  Sadly, most go to landfills or garbage dumps, or are just left behind to rot: but there are several companies and community groups that have started to give these retired vessels a second life. Some are using them to make functional tiny houses or office buildings, while some are making major contributions to the art community.

RAIR- Recycled Artist In Residency in Philadelphia, is an organization that gives artists an outlet for their work using trash. Since 2010, this group has become an opportunity for artists from all over to utilize recycled junk. In 2014, RAIR developed a project that included dumpsters. They were commissioned to paint 10 different dumpsters as part of their #DumpsterDoubleTake campaign. In 2015, RAIR brought their dumpster painting to nearby schools. They helped students paint their recycling dumpster for the First Lego League Competition. Check out their dumpsters and upcoming projects at: http://rairphilly.org/dumpster-painting.

Tiny homes have become more and more popular these past few years and making them out of dumpsters is becoming even more common! Jeff Wilson, a professor and dean from Huston-Tilloston University in Austin Texas made a great educational impact beyond his university. While teaching environmental studies, he took his interest of learning about the footprint’s humans leave on the planet to the next level. In 2013, he launched the dumpster project. Wilson and his class took a 6×6 foot dumpster and began making it into a functional home. In 2014, Wilson decided to move into his tiny home. Learn more about Wilsonn at: https://www.littlethings.com/professor-dumpster-home/1

Gregory Kloehn works to deconstruct what we think of as a home and reconstructs what it could be. He rebuilds a small street dumpster and adds all functioning attributes to what we consider is in a home. Running water, electric, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are compressed into this tiny home. Find a video on Kloehns work by Kim Aronson and photos by Hrag Vartanian here: http://tinyhouseswoon.com/tiny-dumpster-house/

The idea of a dumpster for a home may be a little difficult to image, but have you thought about having a roll-off dumpster as a business building? Artist Mac Premo used a 30-yard dumpster to create his own traveling art gallery. He travels with over 500 pieces of work with him to various well-known art festivals. Check out his dumpster: https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/blog/9-cool-ways-to-upcycle-roll-off-dumpster-containers.

 

 

January 30, 2019 Art With Dumpsters, Just For Fun 6 comments
No Flammables, No Dumpster Fires

How To Prevent a Dumpster Fire

How to Prevent a Dumpster Fire

As far as what can go in a dumpster, dumpsters can hold a lot of junk. But, lets be real. There are some items that are just plain silly to put in there. Hazardous items like explosives, electronics with harsh liquids, and flammables are not a good mixture to have inside of an open container. According to an article posted this past December by Lost Coast Outpost, there has been a trend of dumpster fires. Some purposely made by hooligans, and some made by putting a bad mixture of items in a dumpster. We have made a list of ways to prevent dangerous accidents from happening while renting a dumpster:

  • You can make temporary signs that say what you can or can’t put inside of the dumpster. This way, the public or your workers know that hazardous items are not accepted in the dumpster. This can prevent dangerous accidents, along with getting un-expected dumpster fees.
  • If you are placing the dumpster on a public work site, it would be a good idea to get a temporary gate that surrounds the dumpster. You can safely secure it with a chain and lock to make it harder for unwanted people using your dumpster. Having the public using a private dumpster or trash specific dumpster can lead to confusion. Most people do not realize that dumpsters have rules. They may not know that certain things may cause harm to the dumpster.
  • If you are using a long-term rental, you may want to consider putting surveillance cameras near your dumpster. Just having cameras in sight will make hooligans think twice about doing something harmful. It can also help track who is putting what in the dumpster.
  • Don’t allow for your dumpster to become overfull with trash, make sure to frequently check the level of trash. Having too much can cause unwanted results.
  • Having your dumpster placed in a proper location is important as well. Make sure that the dumpsters location is not close to any exhaust pipes or strong heat. If someone does happen to put something flammable in the dumpster, this can prevent a fire or explosion.
  • Many fires are caused by ashes and cigarettes that were not properly put out. Make sure to dampen items with plenty of water before placing them into the dumpster, or Do not place them into the dumpster.
  • Keep your dumpster areas as clean as possible. Do not leave large piles of debris next to the dumpster. If the dumpster catches on fire, it can easily extend to near objects.
  • When placing the dumpster, be sure to have it a couple feet away from any building. Give space for the dumpster pick up crew, or if dangerous accidents happen. This can protect your building and surrounding objects.

If you notice sparks or weird sounds coming from your dumpster, call Dynamite Dumpsters immediately. If there is a fire, call the nearest fire department, 9-1-1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited:

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2018/dec/10/it-has-come-humboldt-bay-fire-offers-tips-how-help/

January 30, 2019 Dumpster Safety 1 comment
Trash of Pigs, Fun Facts About Dumpster

Fun Facts About Trash

Fun Facts About Trash

 

Just like everything in life, the trash industry has history as well. All over the world, the trash industry has continuously made advancements towards making a better way to dispose of chemical waste. Just for fun, we researched some fun facts about why dumpsters and portable toilets are the way they are today.

Humans have always been known to be the most destructive creatures towards the environment. Especially within the past couple hundred years, the trash we produce does not quickly dissolve back into the earth. Most of it is made of harsh plastics, metals, or gases that have been tampered with. But what was the trash industry like before modern waste removal or sanitation’s? Was it worse, or better? Often, we hear that only recent human destruction of the planet has been a problem. But that does not seem to be true. The destruction has been going on for more than just the past couple of hundred years. Although the chemicals are getting increasingly worse, getting rid of everyday trash has always been a huge problem even during B.C. time period.

In about 500 B.C. in Athens Greece, the government announced laws to keep trash buried at least a mile away from the city because of how smelly and dirty it was.

In the 1400’s in Paris France, the piles of trash were piled in the city’s so high that it caused problems with the cities defense system.

Only until 1842 in England was it announced that diseases and health issues were linked to the garbage in the cities. This is the first time recorded, that studies to enhance more sanitary solutions to waste had started.

At the turn of the 1900 century, “piggeries” were a huge business. They opened pig farms to feed the pigs garbage to eliminate waste. The pigs became sick because the industries allowed the pigs to eat un-cooked trash. Soon, a law passed stating that the garbage had to be cooked to sanitize germs. Pretty gross considering these are the same pigs that were served to people to eat!

The idea of the dumpster that we know today has only been around since the 1930’s. It was invented and patented by the Dumpster Brothers. Before the roll off dumpster design, and proper dumpster tucks, people would use random buckets to hold their trash. Prior to the turn of the century, cities hired horse and buggies to come pick up the trash and bury it on the outside of city limits.

Most of us refer dumpsters as, “a Dumpster.” But most of us don’t know that that’s not the correct term! The word dumpster is a brand name, the correct term is “front loader container.”

 

There are several types of garbage trucks, some commonly used, others used for special trash:

  • Rear Loaders are the most common and mostly used for residential waste removal.
  • Front Loaders are mostly used for removing and emptying dumpsters for larger companies.
  • Side Loaders are used for most recycling trucks and can offer different compartments in the truck.
  • Suction Trucks are used to suck waste out of specific waste containers.

 

 

Portable Toilets

Portable toilets have always been around. Even in ancient times, toilets have always been around. In 6th century B.C., toilets were called chamber pots. They were made of ceramic pottery, metal, or stone. Today, some countries still have chamber pots such as; the Philippines, China, and Korea.

When discovering the tomb of the Egyptian King Kha, archaeologists discovered Kha’s toilet. It was carved out of wood and lead to a hole in the ground for his un-unmentionables.

The first modern portable toilets were designed in the 1940’s for WWII in ship yards and bases.  These were heavy duty made of fiberglass, plastic, and polyurethane.

 

 

 

Works Cited:

https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating-history-of-the-garbage-truck-and-the-kn-5955401

https://itstillruns.com/parts-garbage-truck-5201817.htm

https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/blog/early-20th-century-history-of-the-garbage-truck

January 30, 2019 Just For Fun 5 comments
Fill Line of Dumpster, Do Not Pass

What a First Time Residential Client Needs to Know About Renting a Dumpster

What a First Time Residential Client Needs to Know About Renting a Dumpster

 

As a first-time renter of a roll-off dumpster, there are several important things to keep in mind. Some may be a little obvious, but are essential knowledge to renting a dumpster.

Time

In order to get the most out of your dumpster, it is important to know your timeline. Ask yourself the questions; how big is my project? Do I need it for a day, or is it a long-term project? Think about w hat time of day you would like the dumpster dropped off and when you will be available to be at the location to sign the paperwork. You should call to schedule the dumpster as soon as possible to ensure that you will get it when and where you need it, especially during the high demand times of the year.

 

Renting the Appropriate Size

Choosing the wrong size dumpster for your project can result in extra costs. Getting a huge dumpster may not be as beneficial to you as getting a medium or small, just as getting a small or medium dumpster may not be beneficial as getting a large one.   One way to prevent the wrong size is to look at your project. Is it your whole house, or is it a room or two? It depends mostly on your junk pile.

Be sure when you are filling your dumpster, be aware of the fill line. Do not let your trash go over the brim of the dumpster. This could be a big hazard in a couple of ways. The biggest reason is for the dumpster truck driver. When picking up your trash, the truck driver needs to be able to transport the garbage without it flying into the streets. The majority of the time, the drivers need to be able to cover the dumpster. Another reason is for your safety. Having the dumpsters over filled, could cause an avalanche of trash, and could fall on who ever is near it.

Dumpster Safety

There is no need to be uneducated on how to use a dumpster properly. There are a few important things to think about like: What is allowed in the dumpster? Is the dumpster in a safe place? Are there other objects blocking the dumpster? Is the dumpster being used solely for your project, or are other people sneaking trash into your dumpster?

It is a good idea to make sure that the dumpster is in good standards once it is in your hands. It is up to the client to make sure specifics are taken care of once it is on your property and the rental papers and rules have been signed. A great way to prevent any dangerous situations is to have your dumpster locked and watched so unwanted visitors can’t put anything hazardous or anything that could cause you extra fees into the dumpster. Some clients like to hang a temporary sign on or near the dumpster stating, “private use” or “do not use.” If you are allowing others to use the dumpster, place a sign with a list of what can or cannot go in the dumpster.

Make sure that the dumpster is in a good location for your workspace. Make sure that the dumpster is not to close to any building or wall. It is important that the dumpster trucks have enough space to remove and drop off the dumpster without causing damage to any property. Keeping the dumpster away from extreme heat or exhaust is super important! Sometimes mistakes are made when putting items into a dumpster. Having the dumpster close to something hot and having items in the dumpster that are flammable can cause a huge disaster and may cause an explosion or dumpster fire. Items around a dumpster could be hazardous as well. It could be just as hazardous as if it were in the dumpster. Make sure items are not flammable or cause a blockage to the path and from the dumpster.

Keeping Away the Unwanted

If you are using the dumpster for a small business or using it in a difficult neighborhood, you may want to consider keeping the area lit up. This can prevent animals and un-wanted people from using the area from other than its purpose.  Keep the area visible and lit up. Having no trespassing signs or warning signs can help keep unwanted people away. Watch out for dumpster divers! Although most don’t mean any harm, if they get hurt in the dumpster, it is a liability and could cause trouble. Most dumpsters have locks, locks are a great way to make it difficult for easy access. When the dumpster is not in use, you can use a tarp to cover the top to prevent unwanted fly-a-way trash.

Weight Distribution Throughout the Dumpster

When loading the dumpster, keep the weight of the objects as even as possible. This will help the truck driver tremendously when picking up the dumpster. It helps them drive safer on the road and they will not have to worry about swaying side to side on the road to keep the weight even. Having heavy objects can make the driver have to overcompensate for the weight on the road. Try to keep lighter objects underneath the heavier objects. Having the lighter objects like paper or cardboard on top will fly away in the streets when it is time for the driver to pick up the dumpster.

 

January 30, 2019 Blogs for First Time Renters 7 comments