The Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Junk Removal Company

Just because you hire a ‘junk removal company,’ doesn’t meant they’re going to dispose of your items properly — leaving YOU responsible.  Take caution and protect yourself by becoming informed and making wise choices.  In this blog post, we will explore why it is important to choose a junk removal company that disposes of junk legally and responsibly, and what can happen to YOU or your business if they don’t.

Illegally dumping junk is a serious problem that can have significant negative impacts on the environment and public health. When garbage is not disposed of properly, it can end up in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, contaminating the water supply and potentially posing a threat to human health.

In addition to polluting waterways, illegally dumped junk can also attract pests like rats and other animals. These pests can spread diseases and cause other health and safety hazards. Accumulation of garbage in certain areas can lead to unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions, which can be a nuisance to local residents and impact the quality of life in the surrounding community.

The environmental impact of illegally dumped junk can also be long-lasting and far-reaching. For example, toxic chemicals in the garbage can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating these resources and potentially impacting the health of plants and animals in the area.  That’s why we’ve created the landfill last approach.

Illegal dumping can lead to the following ecosystems being damaged:

• Lakes
• Communities
• Parks
• Rivers
• Private Property

If a junk removal company that you have hired illegally disposes of your junk and they get caught, both the company and you the customer, could be held responsible. Depending on the laws and regulations in your area, you could be fined or face legal consequences for not properly disposing of your junk.

In some cases, if the company has acted illegally and you had no knowledge of it, you may not be held responsible, but it’s still important to choose a reputable and responsible company to ensure that your junk is properly disposed of.

In addition to legal consequences, illegally disposing of junk can also harm the environment and have a negative impact on the community. To avoid these risks and consequences, it’s important to choose a junk removal company that follows all local, state, and federal regulations for proper waste disposal, and to educate yourself on the proper way to dispose of your junk.

Here are some ways to tell if a junk removal company will illegally dump your junk:

1. Research the company: Look for reviews and ratings online to see if the company has a good reputation. If there are any red flags, such as a high number of negative reviews or complaints about illegal dumping, it’s best to look for a different company.
2. Ask questions: When you contact the company, ask about their disposal practices and procedures. A reputable company should be transparent about how they dispose of junk and be willing to answer any questions you have.
3. Check for certifications / licenses / insurance: A junk removal company that is certified by a professional organization, such as the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), is more likely to have proper disposal procedures in place.
4. Look for eco-friendly practices: A company that is committed to eco-friendly practices, such as recycling and composting, is more likely to properly dispose of your junk.
5. Get it in writing: Before hiring a junk removal company, make sure you have a written contract that outlines their disposal procedures and any guarantees they provide. This can protect you in the event that they illegally dump your junk.

If you suspect that a junk removal company is illegally dumping, you should report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the local waste management department or the Environmental Protection Agency.

A low price for junk removal services could be an indicator of a company that is cutting corners and may not be properly disposing of the junk they collect. In order to keep costs low, they may be tempted to dump the junk in an illegal manner rather than properly disposing of it at a landfill or recycling facility. Additionally, if a company is offering prices that seem too good to be true, it may be an indication that they are not following all of the necessary regulations and standards for waste disposal.

It’s important to keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best choice. When choosing a junk removal company, it’s important to consider their reputation, the services they offer, and their commitment to environmental responsibility. If a company has a strong reputation for reliable and responsible junk removal, it’s more likely that they will properly dispose of your junk. If you have concerns about a company’s practices, you can always ask for references or research them online to see if they have any history of illegal dumping.

As the consumer, you 100% have the right to ask for documentation that the company you want to work with has what they claim they say they have.  Don’t feel like you’re being too cautious or dramatic by asking for these documents.  If the company doesn’t want to show them to you, scoffs at the request, or doesn’t comply freely, then there may be a red flag that your junk removal company in question has their paperwork in question.

Before you hire a junk removal company, make sure you check your local city / county to make sure that they have proper licensing.  While they may not appear under a simple search as business names can be DBAs and are registered under another name, we recommend asking.

In conclusion, the consequences and risks of hiring a junk removal company that illegally disposes of junk can be severe and far-reaching. From harm to the environment to legal penalties and fines, it’s important to choose a reputable and responsible junk removal company. Make sure to do your research and ask the right questions to avoid these risks. If a company’s price seems too good to be true, it might be a sign that they are cutting corners and illegally dumping your junk. Invest in a company that operates within the law, has a good reputation, and is committed to responsible and sustainable waste management practices. Your peace of mind and the health of the environment will thank you for it.