Completing any kind of large-scale construction project takes a coordinated effort. Builders, plumbers, electricians and countless other experts must work together to get the job done right. While contractors may provide leadership and direction, they can’t do everything on their own. Getting the project completed with both quality and efficiency requires all hands on deck.
One of the most effective ways contractors can keep projects on track—while managing costs, meeting deadlines and protecting their reputation—is by building a strong network of reliable partners. Among the most essential of these is a dependable waste management provider. With the right partner, contractors can ensure jobsites stay clean, organized and free of unnecessary debris that can slow progress.
WASTE MANAGEMENT IS MISSION-CRITICAL
Construction projects inevitably generate a significant amount of waste, from general trash to discarded building materials. Renovation jobs often add even more complexity with old wood, drywall, furniture and sometimes large volumes of ripped-up concrete needing removal.
When waste starts to accumulate, it can create a jobsite that is unsafe, or simply too cluttered and cramped. Productivity slows and project timelines quickly fall off track. To solve this problem, construction crews need more than a few trash cans; they need a dependable waste management partner. That means someone who can provide the right dumpsters in the right sizes and quantities, and who can be counted on for timely pickups to prevent overflow. With the right support, crews can maintain a clean, safe and efficient jobsite.
Choosing the right waste management partner can benefit construction projects in countless ways:
- By scheduling waste pickups at strategic times, waste management partners can prevent traffic issues and needless congestion on the jobsite—further promoting efficiency.
- An experienced waste management partner will also help control costs by minimizing unnecessary pickups and preventing any fees that could come from improper disposal.
- A knowledgeable waste management partner will help contractors avoid friction with the municipal government—potentially safeguarding their reputation.
FINDING THE RIGHT WASTE MANAGEMENT PARTNER
Not all dumpster companies are created equal. To ensure the best outcomes, construction teams will want to do their due diligence to find a partner who can truly meet their needs.
When evaluating waste management companies, there are several factors to consider:
- A range of dumpster options—One of the most important things to look for is a variety of dumpster sizes. Many companies offer smaller units (10 yards), which are ideal for cleanouts with a modest footprint. However, larger construction projects typically require 20-, 30- or even 40-yard dumpsters. Size isn’t the only factor; also ensure the waste management company can provide heavy-duty options for hauling off weightier materials, like concrete and demolition debris.
- Flexible scheduling for pickups—Waste can accumulate quickly at a construction site, and regular well-timed pickups help keep sites safe and projects moving forward. Contractors need to be strategic, scheduling pickups on days immediately preceding or immediately following major demolition—ensuring the area is uncongested on major workdays. The best waste management partners will make it easy to set a flexible pickup schedule, sticking to optimal timelines that facilitate quick pickups and drop offs to keep the project moving.
- Environmental responsibility—Whether to meet regulatory compliance or simply to achieve project-specific environmental goals, contractors should also ask potential waste management providers about eco-assistance—whether that means different dumpsters for different types of materials, LEED-compliant services for green building projects or simply a robust working knowledge of pertinent environmental standards.
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY PARTNERSHIP
While finding the right waste management partner is an essential first step, maintaining and nurturing that partnership is just as important. Doing so may help establish a working relationship that extends past one project, helping to keep all future work as efficient as possible.
One key to building that partnership is setting clear expectations early on. Contractors should communicate not only about their intended timeline, but also about any compliance requirements. Similarly, noting the scope of the project can help the waste management provider ensure the right range of services and recommendations.
Clear ongoing communication throughout the project is essential, especially as needs evolve. Early conversations with your waste management partner can help identify the correct container sizes and services before work begins, ensuring the best-fit solution from the start. If project needs shift midstream, promptly communicating those changes can lead to quick, effective adjustments without disruption to the project.
INVESTING IN PARTNERSHIPS TO KEEP PROJECTS PRODUCTIVE
Juggling deadlines, regulations and client needs can put serious pressure on any construction team—which is why investing in the right partner is so important. Establishing a partnership with a proven vendor can be a critical step toward greater efficiency and, ultimately, toward smoother and more successful projects.
SEE ALSO: IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN JOBSITE WASTE MANAGEMENT
