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Junk Removal and the Environment

Jim Skelton | September 29, 2009

These days, people on a whole are becoming more and more environmentally-conscious. Jim Skelton, the owner of the Maryland-based junk removal company Able Demolition, is no exception. The truth is that junk removal companies have a certain responsibility when it comes to respecting the planet. While some companies might be more lax in their standards, a good junk removal company will do its part to minimize the impact of discarded belongings on the environment.

It is important for customers to understand their junk removal company’s methods of recycling so that they can rest assured that by having it removed, they are not harming the environment in any way. Many junk removal companies have earned bad reputations because they tend to simply dump junk into a landfill instead of making the effort to properly recycle it. On the other hand, customers ought to realize that plenty of junk removal companies will make the extra effort to enforce their earth-friendly policies. For example, Able Demolition has a policy of recycling as much as possible from each junk removal job. After a pickup, the workers will sort through the various items that have been collected and separate them into two groups: regular recyclables and recyclables via donation.

Anything that has the potential to be given to charity is taken to a local donation center. Skelton’s line of thinking is that just because something is unwanted doesn’t mean that it is non-working. In many cases, his workers are able to sift through the bags and piles to isolate old yet working children’s toys, electronics, and even appliances. Furniture is another item that tends to get turned over to donation centers; as long as the item in question is functional, it pays to see if someone in need can make good use of it.

Any items that are not suited for donation are either taken to a recycling area, or to a dump that has its own recycling area. The items are then separated into the appropriate recycling categories such as metals, plastics, and glass. While a small percentage of materials collected from each job usually ends up being unsuitable for recycling, the majority of the items collected are properly recycled. Of course, this process takes a fair amount of time, but Skelton sees it as his opportunity to do something good for the environment.

It is important to remember that you, the customer, have the right to know what will happen to your stuff once it’s hauled away. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand answers. If the company that you happen to initially choose doesn’t have an environmentally-friendly policy, then switch to one that does do its part for the environment.

About Jim Skelton

Author Name

Jim Skelton has been in the home services and remodeling business for 32 years. His experience runs the gamut from basic carpentry and tile work to gut jobs and total renovations. After spending many years fixing things up, he decided to switch his focus to tearing them down by starting Able Demolition, a company that specializes in demolition and junk removal services. Skelton’s goal is to provide his customers with service that is friendly, affordable, and reliable – a true formula for success.

Able Demolition

10805 Vista Rd.
Columbia,MD 21044
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