Your trash bin might seem indestructible, but it takes more abuse than you may realize. Over time, certain items can warp, crack, or even permanently damage your bins, leading to costly replacements or missed pickups. Understanding what causes the most wear and tear can help homeowners and businesses avoid avoidable damage and keep their waste disposal system running smoothly. We at Mickey’s Carting would like to discuss the most common items that cause trash bin damage.
What Items are Commonly Found to Damage Trash Cans?
1) Hot Ashes and Coals. One of the most common culprits behind trash bin damage is the improper disposal of hot ashes or coals from fire pits, grills, or fireplaces. Even if they appear to be cool, embers can remain hot for hours, or even days. When tossed into a plastic bin, the intense heat can melt through the lining, warp the walls, or even cause a fire. Always let ashes cool completely in a metal container before disposal.
2) Heavy Construction Debris. Bins are designed for general household or commercial waste, not bricks, concrete chunks, drywall, or other heavy remodeling materials. The excessive weight from construction debris can cause the bin’s wheels or axles to break and may crack the bottom of the container. For these types of materials, a dedicated construction dumpster is the better option.
3) Sharp or Jagged Objects. Broken glass, metal scraps, tree branches with thorns, and other sharp materials can tear into the inner lining of your bin or damage its hinges and lid. Over time, repeated exposure to jagged items can weaken structural integrity and lead to dangerous handling situations for both you and your garbage service provider. Wrapping sharp objects in protective material or using a designated disposal method is a smart solution.
4) Chemical Waste and Cleaners. Certain household cleaners, solvents, or automotive fluids can degrade the plastic used in garbage bins. These substances may weaken the plastic over time, causing cracks, leaks, and dangerous exposure. Most garbage services do not accept hazardous waste in regular trash bins. Check with your local disposal company for drop-off days or special instructions for handling chemical waste.
5) Overloading and Compacting Trash. Trying to fit just one more bag into an already full bin can put stress on the hinges, lid, and body of the container. Forcing the lid closed or compacting trash manually can cause cracking or warping, especially in high temperatures. It also increases the likelihood of the bin tipping over or being too heavy to lift safely.
6) Improper Handling. Finally, how a bin is handled, by residents or sanitation workers, can contribute to its wear and tear. Dragging it roughly, slamming the lid, or setting it too close to hot surfaces (like grills or car exhausts) may not seem significant, but repeated abuse adds up.
Waste Management & More in Amagansett, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Cutchogue, East Hampton, East Hampton North, Greenport, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Montauk, Nassau Point, Northville, Northwest Harbor & Riverhead in East End of Long Island, New York
Your garbage bin is an essential tool, and replacing it frequently can be a hassle and an unnecessary expense. By being mindful of what you put inside and how you treat it, you can extend its lifespan and avoid costly issues. When in doubt, contact Mickey’s Carting to ask about best practices for disposing of tricky or potentially damaging items.
