The vaping industry has evolved rapidly, introducing new devices, sleeker designs, and wider accessibility than ever before. However, with this growth comes responsibility. One of the biggest challenges facing the industry today is what happens to a vape after it is used. Both disposable and rechargeable vapes contain batteries, plastics, and electronic components that should not end up in landfills. That’s where new vape collection programs come in—and they are quickly becoming a powerful tool for sustainability and regulatory compliance. In a previous blog , we highlighted a collection initiative launched by the Missouri Solid Waste Management District O in partnership with the Product Stewardship Institute. Since then, several similar programs have emerged across the country. The Growing Need for Vape Collection Programs Vapes are small, convenient, and widely used, but those same features make them easy to discard improperly. Many consumers are unaware that vapes are classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of nicotine in pods and lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose a serious fire risk at landfills. In addition, heavy metals and toxic chemicals found in vapes and e-cigarettes can leach into soil and waterways. As a result, governments, retailers, and environmentally conscious consumers are pushing for better solutions. Vape collection programs help address this gap by providing structured, safe, and responsible methods for collecting used devices and ensuring proper recycling or disposal. Regulations surrounding vaping and waste management are tightening worldwide. Brands that adopt collection programs early are better positioned to adapt quickly and avoid future compliance challenges. More importantly, these initiatives help keep harmful materials out of the environment while demonstrating that the industry is taking accountability seriously. Emerging Vape Collection Programs To address this growing issue, the Missouri Solid Waste Management District O partnered with the Product Stewardship Institute to launch a vape waste collection program focused on the responsible disposal of vape products. Similar initiatives are now appearing nationwide: New York has implemented an e-cigarette and vape collection pilot program to keep these devices out of the waste stream. The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (SUNY ESF) partnered with the Product Stewardship Institute and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management to educate the public. The program is operating in five communities and will run through August. R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company launched two take-back programs for vapor products and pods. One program partners with Call2Recycle® to collect and manage vapor products, power units, and e-cigarettes. The second partners with g2 revolution® to collect vapor pods, tanks, and cartridges. Together, these programs provide adults with convenient and responsible drop-off options. EACR, Inc. , based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, introduced a recycling program for vapes and e-cigarettes after recognizing the growing volume of vape waste encountered by organizations, including vape shops, schools, office buildings, and retail chains. Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior received a grant from the Community Foundation of Marquette County (Michigan) to establish a vape collection program with five drop-off locations throughout the county. Our Commitment to Responsible Waste Management While Berks Transfer does not accept vape waste (as it is classified as hazardous material), we remain committed to responsible waste management. From residential cleanouts to commercial waste solutions, our team provides safe, efficient, and compliant disposal services for a wide range of non-hazardous materials. Looking Ahead: Sustainability as the Standard Vape collection programs are quickly becoming an industry expectation rather than an exception. As environmental awareness continues to grow, brands that fail to address post-use waste risk falling behind. These programs benefit everyone by protecting the environment, improving public safety, and supporting regulatory compliance.

When you run a business, waste management isn’t just a background task; it’s an essential part of keeping your operations safe, compliant, and efficient. Yet many organizations still aren’t entirely sure what commercial waste actually includes. Understanding this category is the first step toward managing it responsibly and choosing the right waste transfer station to support your goals. Below, we break down what commercial waste is, the most common types you’ll encounter, and how a non-hazardous waste transfer station can help you stay compliant while simplifying your workflow. What Is Commercial Waste? Commercial waste is any waste generated by businesses, organizations, and institutions during their regular operations. Unlike residential waste—which comes from households—commercial waste is produced by: Offices Retail stores Restaurants Warehouses Construction and renovation sites Schools and universities Medical offices Industrial and manufacturing facilities Commercial waste can range from everyday trash to bulky materials—but as long as it’s non-hazardous, it can be safely processed at a non-hazardous waste transfer station. Types of Commercial Waste (Non-Hazardous) Because every industry operates differently, commercial waste can take many forms. Common non-hazardous categories include: 1. General Solid Waste Everyday refuse like packaging, paper, plastics, and food waste. This is the most common type of commercial waste. 2. Construction & Demolition (C & D) Debris Materials from business construction or renovation projects, such as: Wood Drywall Concrete Bricks Non-hazardous debris 3. Recyclable Materials Businesses often produce large amounts of recyclables, including: Cardboard Metal Glass Certain plastics Proper separation helps maximize recycling opportunities and reduce disposal costs. 4. Bulky Items Furniture, palletized materials, fixtures, or equipment that is no longer needed but does not contain hazardous components or liquids. 5. Non-Hazardous Industrial Waste Many manufacturing and light-industrial facilities generate solid, non-hazardous byproducts that require proper handling and disposal. Why Proper Commercial Waste Management Matters Properly managing commercial waste does more than keep operations running smoothly—it helps businesses demonstrate environmental responsibility. A well-run non-hazardous transfer station provides businesses with clear guidance, transparent pricing, and a safer, more compliant way to dispose of everyday waste. When your waste is handled correctly from the start, you reduce the risk of contamination, avoid potential violations, and protect your team as well as the surrounding community. How a Non-Hazardous Waste Transfer Station Supports Your Business A transfer station that specializes in non-hazardous waste is designed to make disposal simple and stress-free. Businesses benefit from: Fast turnaround times for trucks, trailers, and fleet haulers Convenient access for a wide range of vehicle sizes Safe unloading areas built specifically for commercial loads Transparent pricing for predictable budgeting Efficient waste sorting to maximize recycling opportunities Dumpster rentals with convenient delivery and pick up Whether you’re dropping off debris from a renovation or hauling regular commercial refuse, partnering with a dedicated transfer station keeps everything running smoothly. At Berks Transfer, our state-of-the-art facility is designed to handle up to 1,500 tons of waste per day, making us a leader in waste management. We also offer do-it-yourself drop off service and dumpster rentals. Commercial waste includes a wide range of non-hazardous materials generated by businesses of all sizes. Understanding what falls into this category helps you stay compliant and protect your operations. If your company needs a dependable solution for non-hazardous commercial waste, a professional waste transfer station is your best partner for safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible disposal. Give Berks Transfer a call today to learn how we can make your commercial waste disposal easy and efficient!

Hazardous vs. Non-Hazardous Waste: What’s the Difference?

When we think about pollution, most of us picture overflowing landfills. But there’s another, often invisible threat lingering in communities across the country: legacy pollution. These are contaminants left behind from past industrial practices—long before environmental regulations were in place. And while we can’t undo history, we can take action to prevent new risks and protect our environment moving forward. At Berks Transfer, we’re committed to doing our part. As a trusted waste transfer station serving Reading and the surrounding region, our mission is to help residents and businesses manage materials responsibly—without accepting hazardous waste, which should always be handled by certified specialists. Let’s take a look at what legacy pollution means and how proper waste disposal makes a real difference. What Is Legacy Pollution? Legacy pollution stems from contaminants left behind by past industrial, agricultural, or commercial activities. These pollutants seeped into soil, groundwater, and local ecosystems long before environmental protections existed. Common sources include: Former manufacturing sites Old waste dumps or burn pits Abandoned factories Mines and quarries Fuel or chemical storage areas Because these pollutants can remain in the environment for decades (or longer), they continue to pose risks to public health, natural habitats, and nearby communities. Why Legacy Pollution Still Matters Today Even though much of this contamination happened years ago, its effects are still felt today. Environmental Risks Toxins embedded in soil or groundwater can disrupt ecosystems, harm wildlife , and alter the natural environment. Community Health Concerns Some legacy pollutants (e.g., PFAS ) can become airborne or migrate into water sources. Economic Impacts Cleanup efforts often require extensive resources, and contaminated land can’t be used safely until remediation is complete. This is why modern waste-handling practices are critical. Preventing today’s waste from becoming tomorrow’s legacy pollution is a responsibility shared by every community. How Berks Transfer Helps Prevent New Pollution Although we do not accept hazardous waste, Berks Transfer plays a key role in keeping the region safe and clean by ensuring proper handling, sorting, and transport of non-hazardous waste. Here’s how: ✅ Responsible Waste Management Every load we receive is processed with care to prevent materials from entering the environment where they don’t belong. ✅ Keeping Hazardous Waste Out of the System By clearly prohibiting hazardous materials, we help protect workers, equipment, and the environment. This also ensures that dangerous items are routed to specialized facilities designed to handle them safely. ✅ Supporting a Cleaner, More Sustainable Community Proper waste handling today means fewer risks tomorrow. We help residents and contractors reduce the chances of future contamination by providing a safe, accessible place to dispose of everyday non-hazardous materials. What You Can Do to Prevent Future Pollution Reducing tomorrow’s environmental risks starts with smart choices today. Here’s how individuals, contractors, and businesses can contribute: Know the difference between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. When in doubt, ask before you load. Dispose of materials properly. Bring acceptable, non-hazardous waste to Berks Transfer. For hazardous materials, contact a licensed hazardous waste facility or your local municipality. Avoid illegal dumping. Waste abandoned in wooded areas, fields, or waterways creates new sources of pollution. Stay informed. Environmental regulations and disposal guidelines evolve—keeping up matters. A Cleaner Future Starts with Responsible Waste Handling Legacy pollution reminds us that past actions can have long-lasting effects. But it also highlights an important opportunity: we can prevent the same mistakes from happening again. Berks Transfer is proud to support our community with safe, reliable disposal services for non-hazardous waste. Together, we can build a cleaner, healthier future—one load at a time.

When we throw things out, we never really take the time to look at what exactly it is we are throwing away. Many people may not know this, but improper disposal of vapes can cause major risks. Some of the risks of improper disposal of vapes are fires at waste facilities, toxic chemical leaks in soil and water, and plastic pollution.

From smartphones and laptops to toys and even greeting cards, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. But when these batteries are disposed of incorrectly, they can turn waste and recycling facilities into dangerous fire zones. According to the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), over 5,000 fires occur at waste and recycling facilities across the U.S. every year — and lithium-ion batteries are a leading cause.

When most of us think of hazardous waste, we imagine the classic yellow 55-gallon drum with the black toxic symbol from TV or movies. But hazardous waste isn’t just something we see on the big screen—it’s much closer to home. In fact, many everyday products found in our houses, garages, offices, and businesses are considered hazardous. So, what exactly is hazardous waste? It’s any product labeled as toxic, flammable, explosive , corrosive, or volatile—sometimes even marked with a skull and crossbones or other warning labels. Common examples include cleaning supplies, lithium batteries, pesticides, solvents, car fluids, and furniture stains. While these products serve important purposes, they must be disposed of properly. Hazardous waste can’t just be left out at the curb with your weekly trash pickup. That’s where the Berks County Solid Waste Authority steps in. Protecting Berks County Formed in 1992 by the Berks County Commissioners, the Berks County Solid Waste Authority is dedicated to protecting residents’ health and the environment. Part of their mission includes providing safe and convenient ways to manage hazardous waste. One of the most important programs is the Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup Event —a chance for residents to safely clear out toxic products from their homes and businesses. This event will take place on October 18, 2025, at the Berks County Agricultural Center from 8 AM to noon . This is a safe and easy way to get rid of the hazardous waste products in your home or business. The event is for Berks County residents ONLY and you must pre-register for it. What Hazardous Waste Can You Bring? The event accepts a wide range of materials, including: Floor & Furniture Polish Antifreeze Pool chemicals Lithium & NiCad batteries Fluorescent bulbs Accepted Paint Products: Oil-based paints Turpentine Wood preservatives Paint thinners & solvents Varnishes & stains Please Note: Latex, water-based, and acrylic paints are not accepted. How to Safely Prepare Paint for Disposal If you’re getting rid of paint, here’s how to ensure its properly prepared: Less than 1 inch of paint in the can: Remove the lid and air dry. More than 1 inch of paint: Mix with cat litter until solidified. Once dried, remove the lid and place the can in your regular trash. Do not remove the dried paint from the can. The Easy & Safe Clean Out Please bring your hazardous waste products in their original labeled containers (tightly sealed) and put them in the trunk of your vehicle. If not in the original labeled containers, please label the containers used. Those working at the event will unload your car for you. We hope you take part in this event! It’s a great way to clean out your home or business and to properly dispose of these products. When it comes to non-hazardous, large items such as furniture, rugs, and mattresses, Berks Transfer has you covered with our Do-It-Yourself Drop Off Service . Don’t let hazardous waste pile up in your garage or basement. Take advantage of the Berks County Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup Event and do your part to keep our community safe and clean.

As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change, many homeowners and contractors are gearing up for seasonal cleanups, home improvement projects, and last-minute outdoor renovations. But here’s something many don’t realize — fall is actually the perfect time to rent a dumpster. 1. Fall Cleanup Season Is in Full Swing Autumn brings a natural wave of debris — from falling leaves and dead branches to garden waste and storm cleanup. Instead of bagging endless piles of yard waste or cramming everything into your weekly trash pickup, a dumpster rental can help you manage everything in one go. Common fall debris includes: Leaves, twigs, and branches Old garden materials Outdoor furniture you no longer need Landscaping waste 2. The Perfect Time for Home Decluttering With the holidays around the corner, fall is a great time to declutter your home and make space before friends and family come to visit. Whether you're cleaning out closets, organizing your basement, or tackling the garage, a dumpster rental makes it easy to toss unwanted items without multiple trips to the dump. Great items to toss in a fall dumpster: Old furniture or broken appliances Toys, boxes, and outdated electronics Holiday decorations you no longer use General junk or storage clutter 3. Fall Is Ideal for Outdoor Projects and Renovations Before winter weather sets in, many homeowners and contractors are wrapping up: Roofing jobs Siding replacements Deck or fence removals Kitchen and bathroom remodels All of these projects generate waste — a dumpster rental keeps your site clean, safe, and organized. Don’t wait until the first sign of snowflakes. Get your project done efficiently with a dumpster ready for debris removal. 4. Fire Hazard Prevention Dry leaves and debris can become serious fire hazards — especially if you’re using fire pits or wood-burning stoves in the fall. Renting a dumpster helps you quickly clear out dry yard waste and reduce the risk of accidental fires. 5. Dumpster Availability and Flexible Scheduling Summer is the busiest season for dumpster rentals, but fall offers more availability, better scheduling flexibility, and potentially even lower wait times. When you rent in the fall: You get your ideal dumpster size, when you need it You avoid the spring and summer rental rush You have time to prep your property before winter weather Berks Transfer offers quick delivery, easy pickup, and no hidden fees — making fall dumpster rental even more convenient. 6. Fall is the Season of Letting Go There’s something symbolic (and practical) about using fall to let go of the old and prepare for the new. Whether it’s unwanted clutter, home improvement waste, or old landscaping materials, now is the time to get rid of what you don’t need — and start fresh before winter. Ready to Book Your Fall Dumpster? At Berks Transfer, we’ve helped thousands of customers in Berks County and surrounding areas simplify their cleanup efforts with reliable, affordable dumpster rentals. We’re not just another dumpster company — we’re your neighbors, and we care about keeping our communities clean, safe, and beautiful. Whether you’re cleaning up your yard or remodeling your kitchen before winter, we’re here to make fall projects easier than ever. Contact us today to schedule your dumpster!

Organic waste is one of the most common — and often misunderstood — types of waste generated by households, businesses, and agricultural operations. But managing it properly is critical for the health of our environment and the efficiency of waste disposal systems.