What Does a General Contractor Do?

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Whether you are building a new business or remodeling your existing home, you need the help of a general contractor to bring your vision to life. GCs are responsible for day-to-day operations, quality control and deadlines on construction sites.

They also maintain a license to operate in their areas of expertise. Hiring managers look for quantified examples of these skills on resumes. Contact General Contractor Richmond VA now!

General Contracting 101: What is a General Contractor?

A general contractor takes on many different roles in a construction project. They function much like a manager role in other businesses, communicating with those who are paying for the work and the workers who are performing the hands-on labor. They may also manage vendors and arrange equipment rental within budget parameters set by their clients.

They are in charge of a project’s daily operations and overseeing quality control at the job site. They turn the renderings and blueprints provided by architects, engineers, and interior designers into tangible building structures. The GC may be an individual or a company with a team of experienced jacks of all trades who can do a lot of the hands-on work themselves, but they often subcontract out the specialized work to other contractors.

Managing a project from start to finish requires a lot of planning, including material procurement and scheduling. The GC must also calculate how long each task will take and provide their teams with specific deadlines to complete their tasks. This helps to ensure that the project stays on schedule and keeps costs down.

The GC is also responsible for creating a comprehensive project proposal that sets out the work’s scheduling, cost, and labor details. This involves completing quantity and material takeoffs from the project specifications to create a detailed cost estimate. The GC must factor in materials, labor, equipment rental, office space, and workers’ compensation to create a realistic scope of work that will meet the client’s expectations within the project’s budget.

A great GC will have a good eye for detail and be able to adjust plans when unexpected issues arise on the job quickly. They will also be able to effectively communicate problems with their clients, providing them with proposed solutions that keep the project on track.

It is important for the GC to have good communication skills because they are the liaison between the project owner and all of the other construction team members, including the subcontractors. If there is an issue with the work performed by a subcontractor, then it’s up to the GC to notify the client of this issue and describe what measures will be taken to rectify the problem.

A general contractor (GC) oversees construction projects to ensure they stay within the scope of the budget, timeline and vision of the client. The GC also manages the day-to-day operations of the job site, hiring subcontractors and coordinating deliveries of materials. Depending on the size of the project, a GC can be a single individual or an entire team.

To avoid costly mistakes, GCs are experts in construction and know what should be done when. They also have years of practical experience to draw on when problems arise.

For example, a GC might notice that a roof isn’t pitched correctly or that the cement has taken too long to dry. They are then able to troubleshoot, making adjustments so that the work is completed in line with the original schedule and meets the desired quality standards.

In addition to their extensive industry knowledge, a GC must be able to communicate clearly with everyone on the job site. They often organize daily job site huddles that provide a platform for discussing progress, addressing issues, and promoting collaboration. This is important because subcontractors play a critical role in executing specialized scopes of work, and their performance can have ripple effects across project outcomes.

To reduce the risk of selecting unqualified subcontractors, a GC will often curate a list of pre-qualified specialty contractors and evaluate them based on criteria like past performance, safety ratings, references and financial stability. They will then work with them to hammer out specific contract details and make sure that the subcontractors are aligned with project goals.

The GC will also be responsible for managing vendor management to handle the intricacies of procuring raw materials and building components from vendors. This involves negotiating pricing, establishing capacity, quality work and turnaround times, as well as invoicing and payment.

Ultimately, a GC’s goal is to deliver the final product to the client. This includes completing the work according to the project’s specifications, as well as complying with all government regulations and codes. In addition, the GC must take responsibility for the safety and welfare of all workers on the job site.

A GC will manage the overall budget for your construction project, working with you to ensure that all aspects of the project stay within budget. This includes a contingency allowance for unforeseen events. The best GCs keep their clients informed by providing regular budget reports that compare actual costs to forecasted expenses. They also assess risks to ensure that the final cost of a project meets or exceeds expectations.

GCs are skilled in value engineering, a process that seeks to optimize project costs without sacrificing quality or functionality. They can help you reduce expenses by recommending alternative materials, methods, or design changes to fit your needs and budget. They can also negotiate with subcontractors to get the most competitive prices for your construction services.

Many property owners choose a general contractor to work with before the project begins. They may even be on the design team alongside the architect, engineers and other specialists. Often, the GC will act as a project manager for their clients to provide support during the design phase and help them make decisions that meet their budgets, deadlines and building requirements.

Once the project starts, a GC will oversee the construction process to ensure that everything is done as per the design and blueprints. This includes ensuring that subcontractors follow building codes and specifications and meeting deadlines. They will also review and approve change orders. Change orders are revisions to the original plan that allow for adjustments due to unforeseen issues or client requests. For example, you may want to change your countertop material from granite to marble after it’s installed. A GC will handle these modifications by evaluating the impact on costs and schedules, communicating with all parties, and submitting the change order to the client for approval.

Lastly, the best GCs have an eye for detail and a firm understanding of their local building codes and permitting processes. This makes them a valuable asset for any construction project, especially when permits are involved. They can save you time, money, and potential frustration by handling the paperwork on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about compliance or delays.

A construction project requires a lot of coordination between many different people, companies and tradespeople. A general contractor is the one who manages all of these things and ensures that a construction project stays on schedule, meets city specifications and that everybody gets paid on time.

They may do the manual labor themselves, but usually, GCs rely on Subcontractors to supply them with the necessary workforce. Subcontractors are entities that specialize in a specific trade (like carpentry, plumbing, roofing, or painting) and submit bids for each project they can take on. GCs then award work to those subcontractors who are the best fit for each individual project.

As a result, a GC must have a very well-oiled communication system with all project stakeholders. This includes the GC team, architects, engineers and other project managers. But it also must include the property owner and other contractors who are involved in the project. This system must be capable of identifying and reacting to issues that might disrupt the project or push back deadlines.

For example, suppose a change order is submitted by the client that would affect the original timelines and milestones. In that case, a GC must be able to quickly determine if the request will have any impact on material deliveries or cash flow for the entire project. Then, they need to communicate that impact with all the appropriate parties and rework the schedule accordingly.

Large projects require a tremendous amount of raw materials and building components to be delivered. GCs oversee the procurement of these materials and components to ensure that delivery dates are met, costs are controlled, quality is maintained and that vendors are paid in a timely manner.

If you’re considering a home renovation, it’s very important to bring in a reputable general contractor from the beginning of the process. A good GC will be able to keep your project on track, on budget and ensure that the finished product matches the design plans and renderings of the architect and engineer. That way, you can be confident that your project will be a smashing success.

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The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

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Air Duct Cleaning Utah is the process of removing contaminates from a home’s ventilation system. It typically takes three to five hours.

Pet dander, dust mites, mildew, and mold spores can trap odors in your ventilation system. Then these odors are re-circulated throughout your home each time the heating and cooling system runs.

Air Duct Cleaning

Cleaner air can help to reduce sneezing, coughing, sinus and bronchial congestion. It can even improve the overall health of your family, including those with allergies and respiratory conditions. During the cleaning process, a technician will use specialized equipment to remove dirt and debris inside your home’s ductwork and vents.

The most effective method for cleaning ducts uses negative pressure to suck away all the dust and grime. Then the technician will use brushes and compressed air equipment to dislodge any remaining particles. Finally, the ducts and vents are vacuumed using a high-powered system. This type of specialized truck-powered vacuum can reach all corners of your ventilation pipes, no matter their size or shape.

A professional duct cleaner will inspect your ductwork to determine the extent of dirt accumulation and if any structural problems exist. They will also check for animal, insect or rodent infestations. These creatures can leave behind feces and other contaminants that should be removed. In addition, newer homes or large renovations often result in construction or demolition debris that can end up in the ventilation system. This should be removed to prevent the spread of spores and mold.

The technician will need to access the air handler and plenums, which are usually located next to your furnace in the basement, garage or utility closet. So be sure to clear a path to these areas before the appointment. Also, remember that the duct cleaning process will make some noise and may require opening and closing the doors to different rooms in your house. So don’t schedule it during baby’s naptime or your important Zoom meeting! It’s best to keep pets in their kennels during the cleaning process as well, as they can be easily startled by the sound of a truck engine or vacuum pump. A reputable duct cleaner will ensure that all the dust and debris is safely removed from your ductwork and vents before leaving your home. They will also use a variety of inspection tools, from mirrors and periscopes to CCTV camera systems with flexible cables that can go all the way into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Cleaning air ducts can significantly improve indoor air quality. Dirty ducts are often the source and pathway for dust and biological contaminants that can be released into your home, including mold. Cleaning can also help prevent a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic allergies.

Duct cleaning is typically done by professional technicians, who follow a specific set of procedures recommended by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Before cleaning begins, a technician will inspect all access points to your ductwork and assess their condition. They will then decide which duct cleaning method is best for your home. Most of these methods involve using brushes and agitating devices to loosen up debris, followed by a negative pressure system that vacuums up the dislodged dirt and contaminants.

A number of service providers will recommend that chemical biocides be applied to the inside surfaces of your ductwork and equipment housings to kill germs and inhibit future growth. They may also propose the use of sealants to encapsulate or otherwise cover the interior surfaces of your ductwork, equipment and vents in an effort to prevent the release of dust particles into your living space. Research has not yet proven that these practices are effective or safe, and they should only be used if permitted by your state health department.

During the cleaning process, you will hear your duct cleaners working, and you may even see them sweeping, agitating and vacuuming. If you have sensitive areas in your home, like a baby’s bed or a piece of furniture directly under a vent, be sure to move it before the technician arrives. You will also want to tidy up and make sure that all your vents are accessible, as they will need to be able to get to them in order to clean them properly.

After the cleaning is complete, a blower door test will be performed to check for airflow and leaks. A post-cleaning inspection will also include testing the performance of your HVAC system to verify that it is functioning as designed, and that any pollutants have been eliminated from the supply and return vents.

Air ducts are designed to hold and transport air, but they can also trap dust, pet dander, bacteria, allergens, mold, chemicals and tobacco smoke. These contaminants are then recirculated through your home five to seven times per day. This recirculation can cause significant build-up over time. Air duct cleaning removes these contaminants and keeps them from being recirculated throughout your house, improving indoor air quality and preventing harmful particles from being released into the environment.

The process of duct cleaning involves the use of specialized equipment to clean both the inside and outside of your home’s vents and ductwork. These professional-grade tools include brushes, air whips and powerful vacuums to dislodge and remove the debris in your ductwork. This process is typically done segment by segment to ensure a thorough clean. In addition, a post-inspection is often performed to verify that all of the contaminants have been removed from your vents and ductwork. Once the cleaning is complete, a sanitizing agent may be applied to kill any remaining bacteria or mold in your air ducts.

It’s important to find a qualified and reliable contractor to perform the duct cleaning work. A professional should be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). This certification helps homeowners identify contractors that follow industry standards and provide superior service.

Once the duct cleaning process is completed, the resulting cleaner air can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Dirty ducts can force HVAC systems to work overtime to pump air through them, causing them to consume more power in the process. Duct cleaning can prevent the accumulation of toxins and blockages, allowing your system to operate more efficiently.

Air duct cleaning is usually a fast and easy process, and it’s not uncommon for vetted professionals to perform other HVAC-related services during the same visit. They might inspect your ventilation and heating system, recommend repairs or replacements, or install new filters to improve efficiency. These services can save you money in the long run and keep your home running like-new. It’s also a good idea to seal any leaky ducts as soon as possible after the cleaning to avoid further waste and contaminant leakage.

As you can imagine, a clean and well-maintained air duct system will contribute to a higher resale value for your home. In the current real estate market, potential buyers are concerned about indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and unpleasant odors.

A dirty ductwork will only give the wrong impression to the buyers and can deter them from making an offer. However, with a professional duct cleaning company, this can be avoided and your home will have an appeal that will make it stand out from the rest of the homes on the market.

Dust isn’t the only thing that collects in your ductwork; it also contains other contaminants like pet dander, mold, mildew, chemicals, and even rodent droppings and urine. These can get into your HVAC system and circulate throughout the house with each cycle of cooling or heating. When these contaminant particles are circulated, they will create unpleasant odors that can be difficult to get rid of.

When you have your ducts cleaned, these odors will be eliminated and the air in your home will be fresher and healthier. If you want to sell your home, this will be a huge plus to prospective buyers and may even help you close the deal sooner.

Duct cleaning is an affordable and highly-effective home improvement project that has a high ROI when you are ready to sell your home. Unlike expensive landscaping projects or kitchen remodeling that don’t add much resale value, duct cleaning will increase your home’s value by an average of 5 percent.

As the home inspection and closing processes begin, buyers will appreciate your efforts to keep your HVAC system and ductwork clean and in good condition. This will give them confidence that the home is in good shape and will function properly once they move in. Furthermore, if you have a record of your duct cleaning and maintenance services, this will be another selling point during the process and can even help you secure a better price. Keep in mind that some scams exist for air duct cleaning, so beware of ads offering “$99 whole house specials.” These are not genuine and will likely be detrimental to your sale.

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The Importance of Choosing the Right Roofing Materials

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Whether you’re building a new home or reroofing an existing one, the materials you choose for your roof will have a significant impact on construction and energy costs. They also affect resale value and maintenance costs.

The most visible part of a home’s structure is its roof. It protects a house from sunlight, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Visit https://www.springvalleyroofing.com/ to learn more.

roofing materials

There is a wide selection of roofing materials that protect the tops of homes and buildings. Many are expressly designed to complement the architectural style, while others serve critical functions such as insulating, fireproofing, and energy efficiency. These materials can be found in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit the needs of any climate and architectural style.

The most common and popular residential roofing material is shingles. These are available in an assortment of color and texture variations and can be made from a variety of base ingredients such as wood, tar, coal tar and asphalt. There are also shingles that are designed to mimic the look of other roofing materials such as cedar shakes or slate.

Slate is a natural roofing material that is very durable and can last for up to 200 years. This is one of the most expensive roofing materials, but it is also extremely fireproof and resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures.

Clay tiles are a popular roofing material that is often used in warm climates because it is fire-resistant and energy efficient. This material can be quite heavy though, which requires additional support structures and can increase installation costs.

Concrete is another roofing material that is gaining popularity. It is a bit more expensive than clay tile, but it is also very durable and can last for up to 50 years.

There are even roofing materials that are designed to provide superior insulating capabilities, especially in cold climates. These include reflective shingles that can help to keep the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, as well as solar shingles that can generate electricity.

The roof is one of the most important parts of any structure, and it serves a vital role in protecting a building from rain, snow, sunlight and extreme temperatures. Throughout history, roofs have been constructed of a wide variety of materials for a multitude of reasons, from economic and aesthetic considerations to practical issues like durability and weather resistance.

Regardless of what kind of roof you have, it is important to maintain it properly in order to avoid any major problems. If you are having difficulty with your roof, it may be time to hire a professional roofing contractor.

Homeowners often overlook the significance of roof color when choosing shingles, but the choice can have big effects on resale value. Many homeowners choose to select colors that match the siding and trim of their homes. This helps the home blend in with the neighborhood and gives the overall impression of a cohesive whole.

It’s also important to consider the design of your neighborhood and the aesthetic of your local area when choosing a roofing material and color. Some neighborhoods and community housing associations have strict CC&Rs about the types of materials (and colors) that can be used on homes in the neighborhood. While painting your roof gold may fit your aesthetic, it might not go over well with neighbors who want to sell their homes down the road.

Other considerations include the climate where you live, the style of your home, and your personal preferences. For example, lighter colored shingles help reflect UV rays, which can keep the house cooler in summer months. And in some mountainous areas, earthy colors like greens or browns blend into the surroundings better than dark shingles.

Roofing is the process of installing the protective covering over the top of a building. It involves selecting materials that are durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. It also involves constructing and repairing the roof to protect against snow, rain, sunlight, and other environmental elements. Roofing is difficult work that requires a strong back, good balance, and the ability to climb a ladder. It is best left to professionals who are not afraid of heights.

The contractor will begin with the first row of shingles and nail them in a pattern that is close along the edge and spreads out towards the middle.

It’s important to make time on a regular basis to check your roof for damage and debris. This is especially important after heavy storms or each season. Look for shingles that are loose or missing, make sure gutters are clear of debris and that the flashing around skylights, vents, chimneys and dormers is in good condition. Adding caulking to these areas can help prevent leaks and other problems. Trimming any tree branches that hang over your roof can also help to protect it from damage during a storm. Lastly, cleaning the soffit and fascia can help to prevent moisture problems in the attic. This is an area often overlooked by homeowners.

A roof may look simple from the outside, but it has many internal and external structures that serve its purposes. Learn the terms and definitions for each part of a roof to understand how it works.

A shingle is a small piece of building material used to cover a roof. Shingles are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and profiles.

Homeowners have a multitude of options when it comes to roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, clay or concrete tiles, slate and metal roofs are among the popular choices. Each type of material is suitable for different climates and styles of construction. It’s important to consult with a professional when selecting a roofing material to ensure it’s appropriate for your home.

Choosing the right roof can help you protect your home for years to come. There are a few things to consider when making this decision, such as lifespan, durability and cost. In addition, it’s important to understand the maintenance requirements of each type of roof.

A wood roof comprises shingles or shakes, and is often crafted from cedar, redwood, pine or cypress. Shingles are milled to a uniform size and thickness, while shakes are hand split into wedges. While these types of roofs are durable, they require regular maintenance to avoid rot and mold. They are also more expensive than other roofing materials.

Slate is a durable option that can last up to 150 years, and it’s highly resistant to temperature changes, fire, wind and hail. Known for their elegance and durability, slate roofs are commonly found on luxury homes.

Concrete tiles can be designed to resemble other types of roofing materials, including clay. They’re durable and provide excellent insulation, helping homeowners save on energy costs. However, they can be prone to cracking and are heavy, requiring additional structural support.

Clay tiles are durable and aesthetically pleasing, and they’re available in a variety of colors and profiles. They can be left unglazed, displaying their natural earthen clay color, or they can be glazed for added protection and style.

Rolled roofing is a lightweight and affordable option that can be used on low-sloped roofs. It’s typically made from one layer of organic or fiberglass felts coated with bitumen, coal tar pitch or another hot asphalt product. The layers are laminated together and covered with a mineral granule surface or a reflective coating to protect the roof from UV light degradation.

When a contractor installs roofing, they will start with a sheet of underlayment. They will overlap the first row by six inches and nail it down close to the edge with cap nails. The next row will be nailed down with the nails spread out further away from the edge. This pattern will continue through several rows until the contractor reaches the roof’s ridge. They will then run the underlayment over the ridge. The contractor will also flash any metal at the chimney, vents, valleys and around eaves. They will almost always trash the old flashing. Often it is made of galvanized steel, which is not safe to use for roofing.

Keeping the roof of your home in good condition prevents more expensive damage to rafters, walls and other components of the building structure. It also protects your family by acting as a barrier between the elements and inside of the house. Routine maintenance tasks include trimming tree limbs that hang over the roof, inspecting chimneys for cracks and missing mortar, and regularly removing snow from the roof to avoid ice damming.

During stormy weather, tree limbs can fall onto the roof and cause serious damage. If you are not comfortable climbing up a ladder to trim tree branches, you should hire a professional to do this for you. Even when there is no storm, branches that hang over the roof can scrape shingles and cause damage. You should also check the caulking around vent pipes and chimneys on a regular basis to ensure it is in good shape.

Regularly removing snow from the roof prevents ice damming and water infiltration. If you live in an area that receives heavy snowfall, it is a good idea to use a roof rake to drag the snow instead of using a shovel because it can be more difficult to reach the ground with the latter.

If you have an attic, it is a good idea to periodically walk up there and look for soft spots on the ceiling caused by roof leaks. You can often find these spots by observing light shining through the attic and the ceiling below it. It is best to do this during a sunny day so you can see the areas that need attention.

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What Is Rubbish Collection?

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Rubbish Collection Armadale is the process of removing waste from households. This waste is then transported to a disposal site. It may be recycled or sent to a landfill.

Some communities charge a fixed fee for rubbish collection, while others impose a pay-as-you-throw scheme. The latter creates financial incentives to produce less waste.

rubbish collection

Refuse sacks are a type of plastic bag that is used to line rubbish containers or bins. They are often colored black and are used for general waste, including contaminated food packaging, tissues, and polystyrene. They are also useful for lining trash cans and minimizing the odor generated by waste materials. Refuse bags can be purchased from a wide range of stores and online.

One kind of plastic bag that’s used to line trash cans or containers is called a refuse sack. They are used for general garbage, such as tainted food packaging, tissues, and polystyrene, and are frequently colored black. They are also helpful for decreasing waste material odor and lining trash cans. Refuse bags are available online and at many different retailers.

Refuse bags are available in different sizes, so choosing the right size for your needs is important. Larger bags are ideal for bulky waste, while smaller bags are perfect for paper and cupboard waste. They can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common are low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This type of material has excellent tensile strength and is puncture-resistant. It is also environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

Various sizes of refuse bags are available, so it’s crucial to select the one that best suits your needs. For bulky debris, larger bags work best; smaller bags work best for paper and cabinet waste. Although they can be composed of many materials, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is the most widely used. This kind of material is resistant to punctures and has good tensile strength. In addition, it saves money and the environment.

Some refuse bags are reusable, while others are designed for one-time use. Some are even compostable, so they can be used again after the contents have been collected. These types of bags are usually made from recycled plastics, so they are better for the environment than traditional plastic bags. They can also help you avoid landfill and save money by reducing the number of disposable bags you purchase each month.

It is important to make sure your rubbish bags are properly tied and sealed before putting them out for collection. If they are not sealed properly, they can leak, which will deface the street by leaving unsanitary patches of staining rubbish all over the road. Additionally, rubbish bags that leak can cause water and waste to spill over the edge of your container.

Refuse sacks are available in a variety of colours and thicknesses. Some are thicker than others, so they can hold more waste without bursting or overflowing. Some are made of recycled polythene, while others are made from virgin polythene. If you’re choosing a plastic rubbish bag, be sure to check the label for recycling logos.

Rubbish can be collected from homes and businesses in a black wheeled bin for rubbish, a blue lidded bin for recycling and a green bin for garden waste. The bins are emptied by licensed waste carriers, who visit the properties to collect and transport the rubbish and recycling to a waste management facility.

Blue bins are used to collect dry solid waste that can be recycled. The waste collected from these containers is taken to a recycling plant, where it is separated into different materials. The resulting material is then reused to make new items. The recycling process helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which are harmful to the environment. The blue bins are also a good way to prevent plastics from ending up in the ocean, where they can cause damage to marine life.

The blue bins are provided by municipalities and are only available to households that receive garbage collection. They are usually placed outside homes and townhouses that are serviced by the municipality’s recycling program. The containers are used to collect paper, glass, and other items that can be recycled. The waste is then taken to a recycling plant, where it is processed and used to make new items. This practice is beneficial to the environment as it minimizes the number of landfills and decreases the use of oil and other fossil fuels.

In order to ensure that your waste is properly disposed of, it is important to know which items belong in which bin. Putting recyclables in the wrong bin can increase the cost of waste disposal, so it’s important to keep this in mind when putting out your blue bins.

Many people are lulled into believing that almost everything can be recycled, which is why it’s so important to check which items go in which bin. Incorrectly putting items in the blue bin can result in expensive processing costs for recyclers, and it can even send a large portion of your waste to landfill.

The best way to avoid this is by making sure that your items are clean, dry, and flattened. This will allow them to be easily recycled, and it will also help them to retain their shape. You can also put food scraps and compostable items in the green bin, as long as they’re not plastic. However, it’s important to note that these items will not be recycled if they’re contaminated by other waste.

After a rocky rollout that was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, brown bins will become a familiar sight again on the curbside. DSNY has been testing the bins for several years as a way to encourage residents in pilot areas of the city to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by sending organic waste like egg shells, coffee grounds, apple cores, grass clippings, and chicken bones to composting facilities rather than landfills, which produce ozone-depleting methane. The 13-gallon bins that homeowners and apartment buildings with three to nine units receive include a kitchen container that residents can use for food scraps. The program’s goal is to divert 30 percent of the city’s organic waste from landfills. So far, the pilot has shown promising results. The organic waste from the bins has a low contamination rate by weight, though plastic bags remain a problem for composting companies.

Residents who subscribe to the service can put garden waste in their brown bins. The contents are sent to a local composting facility and turned into a rich, natural fertilizer for farmers and horticulturalists. In the past, much of this organic material was sent to landfills or burned as a fuel source.

The service is available to all households who request it from their bin collection company. Subscription costs PS43 per year and a reminder to renew is sent annually. Interested households can find out more from their waste collection company, which will also advise whether their property is eligible for the service.

Each household in gets a grey bin for the collection of non-recyclable waste. This is emptied every two weeks, and the contents are taken to an energy source from where they’re converted into electricity. Items that can go in the grey bin include all household rubbish and food waste. You can also take these waste items to a local recycling centre.

Please make sure your bin is out for collection by 6.30am on your collection day and be back in your usual storage place by the end of the collection. Leaving it out longer may cause it to obstruct the road or look untidy. If your bin is too full and can’t be fully emptied, it will not be collected.

When you put your waste into the grey bin, try to squeeze out any air that might be trapped in it. This will help the material to break down so that your bin can be properly emptied on collection day.