Part of doing business is figuring out how to take care of the trash you generate. When you run a business, you must determine what you need to haul off and what you should do with waste. Fortunately, there are plenty of companies in the business of taking out the trash. Still, before you hire one, take the time to ask the right questions and investigate how they conduct business. Here are four things to know when hiring a waste disposal company.
Their Reputation
Some people go for the lowest bidder without figuring out why they’re able to charge so little for their services. Explore the company’s background. Check the Better Business Bureau to learn more about their reputation. Ask other merchants for recommendations, and look for online reviews that vouch for them. See how long they’ve been in business, and request their certifications and accreditations based on the type of waste they handle.
The Kind of Waste They Work With
What sort of waste does your business generate? If it’s standard office waste (paper, food, plastics, etc.), you can probably make do with a dumpster and a weekly pickup from a waste collection truck. If you generate hazardous waste, you need to know the company you use can safely pick it up and has a place to safely store it. In this case, you’d go with the company whose workers wear proper safety gear, carefully contain the waste in special containers, and take it to a licensed storage or disposal site. Just any two guys with a truck won’t work.
Pricing and Contract Terms
Ask around to see what sort of arrangements your fellow merchants have with their waste disposal companies and what they’re paying. Contact potential disposal companies, establish what you want them to do, see if they can do it, and ask about any other services they offer. Making a handshake deal is a bad idea. Get all the details down in a contract and have your lawyer review it so that there aren’t surprises down the line. Also, ask for a certificate of destruction for your records, especially for document destruction or hazardous waste disposal.
Their Recycling Capabilities
Here’s the last thing to know when hiring a waste disposal company. Look into local and state rules and regulations on waste disposal and recycling. Recycling may be a requirement. It also saves money and helps the environment. A responsible waste disposal company may even have tips on how to cut down on your waste output and help you run a cleaner and more efficient business.
