How to Handle Bulk Trash After a Tenant Move-Out

Once tenants move out, landlords and property managers have many responsibilities. One of the most difficult is dealing with leftover belongings, including furniture, appliances, and other large items. Responsibly handling and disposing of bulk trash is easier said than done and can be surprisingly expensive without expert guidance. In addition to the process of protecting the building and maintaining compliance with local trash disposal codes, the time required to properly dispose of trash can cost homes valuable time on the market.

Professional bulk pickup services can solve these problems for property owners located in Chesapeake by offering a strategic approach to disposing of bulk waste after a tenant moves out. This article examines the definitions, strategies, and potential issues that landlords should know to make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.

Step #1: Conduct a Detailed Walkthrough with Trash Collection

Before disposing of bulk trash, landlords need to know how much trash there is, what type of belongings were left behind, and where they are located in the building. Many items can fit in a normal trash can. Therefore, the goal of the walkthrough is to identify anything that will need special disposal, including couches, mattresses, rods, shelves, lamps, tables, and more.

The walkthrough should be recorded on a physical or digital checklist to get started on a clear disposal strategy. Before starting the cleanup process, landlords need to know exactly how much trash they’re dealing with and how much of it can be thrown away for normal pickup.

Step #2: Learn Local Disposal Rules for Apartments and Homes

Before hauling out the bulk trash, landlords need to recognize the various authorities that decide how bulk trash should be handled. HOAs, Chesapeake city ordinances, and in some cases, state-wide legislation, can each determine the disposal procedure. For example, items requiring special handling, processing, or disposal cannot be stored in bulk piles with other garbage.

When disposing of these materials, including electronics, batteries, hazardous chemicals, and more, proper procedures must be followed. Failure to do so can result in fines, missed deadlines, and even legal consequences.

In Chesapeake, bulk trash removal must be requested by contacting the City of Chesapeake municipal authorities. Their site clarifies that bulk trash should be placed at the curb for the normal collection day, but should not include roofing, refuse wood, carpet, fencing, or tires. The property owner is responsible for knowing the rules and exceptions to guarantee that their trash will be picked up efficiently.

Step #3: Coordinate Disposal of Bulk Trash

After tenants have moved out and left heavy bulk trash behind, coordination with staff is a necessary part of the removal process. Depending on the items left behind, furniture may need to be disassembled, recyclables may need to be separated, or electronic items may need to be processed.

While property staff can sometimes help with the bulk trash disposal process, they likely lack the expertise to recognize types of bulk trash and the corresponding laws in Chesapeake that determine the disposal process. One advantage of hiring local waste management professionals is that they can handle the process from start to finish. This includes following local rules for compliance and helping staff focus on other duties like cleaning, repairs, and anything else needed to prepare the living space for its next tenants.

Step #4: Choose a Bulk Trash Disposal Service

Landlords can choose between three disposal methods, depending on the needs of their property and the volume of trash they need to deal with:

• The first is a scheduled bulk pick-up with a waste management team. They can handle everything during one pick-up time and dispose of different types of trash according to Chesapeake’s rules for bulk trash disposal.
• The second option is to leave the items at the curb of the property for normal city pickup. This assumes the bulk trash is eligible for pickup and can be properly disassembled on-site. 
• The last disposal method is to rent a dumpster from a waste management company, which is typically rentable for 3-7 days before being hauled away. 

Regardless of the method used, coordinating the timing, property access, and compliance process is essential to guarantee that a tenant’s trash can be safely disposed of in accordance with Chesapeake laws.

Partner with Experienced Waste Management Experts for Efficient Bulk Trash Removal

When tenants move out, they often leave furniture, appliances, and other bulk trash items that the property owner needs to deal with. Bulk trash pickup in Chesapeake can be difficult to coordinate since property owners need to adhere to applicable HOA rules, and local and state codes for disposal. 

At Full Strut Disposal, our experienced waste management team is familiar with the bulk trash disposal process in Chesapeake. We offer property owners dumpster rentals as well as a bulk trash service that includes every step of the process from identification to disposal. Contact our team today to learn how our process can help you efficiently dispose of a tenant’s leftover belongings and have your space ready for its next occupant as soon as possible.