What Happens to Metal and Appliances After We Pick Up Your Dumpster?
You load it. We haul it. But where does it all go? Here’s exactly how Neighborly Hauling handles metal and appliances across Grand Rapids and Kent County—so you get responsible disposal, transparent costs, and zero guesswork.
Book Now to schedule a bin built for tight spaces and heavy loads.
Metal Disposal: When It’s Recycled vs. Routed for Sorting
Metal-only loads go directly to a certified recycling center—fast lane to reuse with the highest recovery rate.
- If your bin contains only metal (no trash, wood, or mixed debris), we haul it straight to metal recycling so it’s put back to work in new products.
- If your bin is mixed (metal + other materials), we take it to a Kent County transfer station where the load is mechanically separated and the metal portion is still recycled—just via the county’s process.
Pro tip: Keeping metal separated can lower contamination risk and speed up processing. If you expect a lot of metal (e.g., deck demo with joist hangers, fencing, siding, or gutters), ask us how to stage your loading so more of it goes straight to recycling.
Appliance Handling: Always Through the Transfer Station
Whether your bin is appliances-only or mixed, we route appliances through the Kent County transfer station for special handling (safe refrigerant removal, electronics processing, and compliance).
- County surcharge applies: Kent County charges an additional fee for appliances. We pass that fee through with your actual scale weight—no markup.
- Refrigerators & freezers must be completely empty of food prior to pickup.
- Declare appliances in advance so we can tag the load for proper routing and avoid delays or add-on charges.
Weight Adds Up—Plan Your Bin Size Wisely
Appliances and metals are denser than most household debris. A quick guide:
- Chain link fence: ~50 lbs per 50 ft (4′ tall)
- Refrigerator: ~250–300 lbs
- Oven: ~200–250 lbs
- Washing machine: ~150–250 lbs
- Dryer: ~150–200 lbs
If your project skews heavy, consider a bin sized for weight (not just volume). Our 17-yard is a great “muscle” bin for mixed metal/appliance jobs while fitting in tight driveways.
How This Fits Our Transparent Pricing
You only pay for what you actually use. County-imposed surcharges (like appliances) are passed directly—no hidden padding. Learn how our model works here: Transparent Dumpster Pricing: Pay for What You Use.
What Not to Mix (and Why It Matters)
Some items can’t ride along with metal or appliances and must be handled separately for safety and compliance (think batteries, chemicals, or hazardous waste). Get the full list and disposal tips in: What Not to Put in Your Dumpster.
The Neighborly Difference
- Responsible Routing: Certified metal recyclers for clean loads; Kent County transfer stations for mixed and all appliances.
- Local & Eco-Focused: We support waste-to-energy and landfill reduction by using county facilities appropriately.
- Driveway Protection: Every bin sits on HDPE pads to protect concrete/asphalt.
- Built for Tight Spaces: Single-axle trucks and straight-wall bins fit older GR driveways and narrow job sites.
- Fair & Transparent: County fees passed through at cost, weight shown on your invoice.
- Contractor-Ready: On-time delivery, reliable swaps, and weekend service keep projects moving.
Quick Tips to Save Time & Money
- Separate clean metal when feasible to maximize recycling efficiency.
- Declare appliances (and special items) before delivery to avoid re-routes.
- Load heavier items first to keep weight distributed and within limits.
- Stage items near the bin to speed up loading and reduce extra days.
Wrap Up
Metal gets recycled. Appliances get special handling. You get clear routing, transparent pass-through fees, and a bin that fits your space and project. That’s how we keep your cleanup simple—and Kent County compliant.
Book Now to reserve your dumpster today.
