When it comes to construction and landscaping, finding materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly can be a challenge. And there are a lot of products on the market. But there’s one material that checks all the boxes: crushed concrete.

As fall approaches, employees of Empire Group eagerly look forward to the Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic—and this year certainly delivered! Held on Saturday, October 12th, at the scenic farm of Todd and Karen O’Neill, the event was a tremendous success.

It was a special year for Northern Berk County National Night Out! The event was held at a new venue – the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport. Each vendor had plenty of space for their vehicles and tables, a welcome change from last year's crowded setup at Schuylkill Valley High School. A New Gathering It was exciting to see employees from DVC, Empire Group, and Berks Transfer all together at the event. DVC's Russ Oswalt and Jimmy Blatt, along with Empire Group’s Ellen Ganime and Berks Transfer’s Karen O'Neill, Lauren Bohning, and Mitzi Cote, distributed fun giveaways, including police SUV stress relievers, small toys, bracelets, sunglasses, and snacks. Despite the cloudy weather and a rescheduled date, everyone had a great time. National Night Out: A Nationwide Celebration National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday of August in most states, with some opting for an October date. Founded in 1984 by Matt Peskin, who also established the National Association of Town Watch, this event has grown significantly over the past 40 years. It fosters connections between police departments and communities through activities, music, and food. Last year, nearly 40 million people attended National Night Out events across nearly 20,000 communitie s from all 50 states. An Exciting Vendor Lineup The Berks County Fairgrounds showcased 80 vendors this year, and we anticipate even more participation next year. Empire Group was proud to be among a diverse group of vendors, including local businesses, first responders, and non-profit organizations. The variety was impressive, featuring everything from insurance companies to car dealerships, and healthcare providers to restaurants. New vendors like Spitler’s Towing, HNL Lab Medicine, and Blinds To Go added to the fun atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed delicious food options, from pizza to popcorn, while engaging in games and exploring a variety of vehicles, including a Tesla Cybertruck and two helicopters. A Spectacular Ending DVC showcased their tri-axle dump truck, while Berks Transfer displayed their roll-off truck with a dumpster. The evening concluded with brilliant fireworks, leaving everyone in high spirits. At Empire Group , we search for ways to enrich our community. Like National Night Out, we strive to connect with our neighbors. Our employees had a blast at the event and look forward to National Night Out 2025. We hope to see you next year!

Rust and Corrosion One of the most persistent weather-related issues for dumpsters is rust and corrosion. Made primarily of steel, dumpsters are vulnerable to oxidation when exposed to moisture and oxygen. Rain, snow, and high humidity can accelerate rust formation, compromising the dumpster's structural integrity and potentially leading to leaks or collapse. Heat and Moisture Dumpsters often contain organic waste that can produce unpleasant odors when exposed to heat and moisture. High temperatures and humidity, common during summer, can speed up the decomposition of organic matter, intensifying odors and fostering mold and bacteria growth, which poses health risks. Also, dumpsters sitting in hot temperatures can elevate the surface temperature and may cause burns. Snow and Ice In the northeast, snow and ice present specific challenges for dumpsters. Accumulated snow and ice can block access to dumpsters and strain their structure, potentially causing damage. When filled with snow and/or ice, the inside of a dumpster may need to cleared. Extreme Weather Conditions Heavy rain and severe storms can disrupt dumpster usage and waste management operations. Rainwater can fill dumpsters, making them heavier and more difficult to empty. Strong winds can knock over or move dumpsters, creating safety hazards and littering the surrounding area with waste. Hurricanes and Dumpsters Hurricanes, with their powerful winds and heavy rainfall, can cause significant damage to dumpsters. The impacts of hurricanes include: Severe Physical Damage: High winds can overturn, crush, or displace dumpsters, leading to potential structural damage and creating hazards. Flooding: Heavy rainfall can cause floodwaters to fill dumpsters, making them heavier and harder to manage. Safety Hazards: Displaced or damaged dumpsters can obstruct access and create debris risks. Weather, including hurricanes, plays a significant role in the condition and functionality of dumpsters. From rust and corrosion to operational disruptions and severe physical damage, understanding these impacts and implementing proactive measures is essential for maintaining dumpster effectiveness and safety. At Berks Transfer, we strive to make sure our dumpsters are in top shape for your project -- no matter the time of year!

Source: macktrucks.com

Credit: Collectorsweekly.com

As we observe National Safety Month , it's crucial to shine a light on safety measures in all aspects of our lives, including often overlooked areas like waste management. Dumpsters, ubiquitous in both residential and commercial settings, can present significant safety hazards if not approached with caution. During National Safety Month, let's take a look at some safety tips and precautions to ensure your interactions with dumpsters are accident-free. 1. Proper Loading Techniques: When loading items into a dumpster, it's essential to follow proper techniques to prevent injuries. Always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid strains or muscle injuries. Be mindful of the weight and size of objects you're lifting, and never overload the dumpster beyond its capacity. Distribute weight evenly to prevent the dumpster from tipping over. 2. Watch Your Step: Dumpster areas can be littered with debris, liquids, or other hazards, making slips, trips, and falls common occurrences. Always watch your step and be mindful of your surroundings when walking near dumpsters. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with slip-resistant soles to reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, ensure proper lighting around dumpster areas, especially during nighttime operations. 3. Keep Children and Pets Away: Dumpsters may seem like intriguing places for exploration to children and pets, but they pose significant dangers. Ensure that dumpster areas are securely fenced or gated to prevent unauthorized access. Educate children about the potential hazards of playing near dumpsters, including sharp objects, toxic substances, and heavy machinery. 4. Be Aware of Hazardous Materials: Dumpsters can contain various hazardous materials, including sharp objects, broken glass, and chemicals. Always use caution when handling or disposing of such materials to prevent injuries or exposure to harmful substances. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety goggles, when dealing with potentially hazardous waste. 5. Secure Dumpster Placement: Improperly placed or unsecured dumpsters can pose risks to both property and individuals. Ensure that dumpsters are placed on level ground and adequately supported to prevent tipping or rolling. Use wheel chocks or other stabilizing devices if necessary, especially on sloped surfaces. Additionally, secure dumpsters with locks or barriers to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. 6. Maintain Clear Access: Always maintain clear access to dumpsters to facilitate safe loading and unloading operations. Avoid parking vehicles or placing obstacles in front of dumpsters, as this can impede access for waste disposal trucks and personnel. Keep surrounding areas free of clutter to prevent tripping hazards and ensure easy maneuverability. While dumpsters play a vital role in waste management, they can also pose significant safety risks if not handled properly. By following these safety tips, you can minimize the chances of accidents and injuries associated with dumpsters. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or construction professional, prioritizing safety around dumpsters is essential for protecting yourself, your property, and the environment.

In the bustling world of waste management, where efficiency is a must and logistics is a key concern, there's a silent force that often goes unnoticed: the weather. Yes, you read that right. Weather doesn't just influence our outdoor plans; it also impacts waste transfer stations. Spring is the start of severe storm weather, especially in Pennsylvania . From flash flooding to thunderstorms, every weather event leaves its mark on these crucial hubs of waste disposal. Let's take a look at how weather affects waste transfer stations and understand why weather matters in the world of waste management. Operational Efficiency: What happens when trucks carrying tons of waste are queued up at the transfer station in the pouring rain? The operations slow down. Rain makes it difficult to maneuver heavy machinery, increases the risk of accidents, and poses safety hazards for workers. Moreover, wet waste becomes heavier, making it more challenging to handle and transport. It directly impacts the efficiency of waste transfer stations, leading to delays and increased operational costs. Waste Composition: Weather doesn't just affect the operations; it also alters the composition of the waste itself. During hot and humid weather, organic waste decomposes faster, leading to foul odors and increased methane emissions. Conversely, cold weather slows down decomposition rates and prolongs waste storage time. Additionally, extreme weather events such as thunderstorms or tornadoes can result in an influx of debris and hazardous materials, further complicating the waste management process. Wind gusts not only blow trash out of the facility but can also damage trees and roofs. Environmental Impact: Let's not forget the environmental implications of weather-related challenges faced by waste transfer stations. Heavy rains can cause runoff contaminated with pollutants from the waste, leading to water pollution and soil degradation. Moreover, extreme heat can exacerbate the release of greenhouse gases from decomposing organic waste, contributing to climate change. Waste management facilities can play a vital role in environmental stewardship by identifying and mitigating these impacts. Infrastructure Resilience: Building resilient infrastructure is key to mitigating the impact of weather events on waste transfer stations. From designing drainage systems to withstand heavy rainfall to implementing odor control measures for hot weather conditions, there are various strategies that facilities can adopt to weatherproof their operations. By investing in robust infrastructure, you not only maximize operational efficiency but also minimize environmental risks. A waste transfer station's operational efficiency and environmental sustainability are influenced by weather events. In recognizing and addressing these weather-related challenges, more resilient waste management systems will be able to withstand nature's unpredictable changes. So, let's weather the storm together and pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.

In the dynamic world of construction, managing waste is a critical aspect that can significantly impact project efficiency and environmental sustainability. Construction dumpsters play a pivotal role in waste disposal, making it essential to adhere to established standards. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of adhering to construction dumpster standards and discuss key guidelines for their proper use. Importance of Construction Dumpster Standards Safety Compliance: Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments. Adhering to dumpster standards ensures the safety of workers and the public. Properly maintained dumpsters reduce the risk of accidents, such as overloading or spills, which can lead to injuries or property damage. Environmental Responsibility: Construction activities generate a significant amount of waste. Following established standards for dumpsters helps minimize the environmental impact by promoting responsible waste disposal practices. This includes recycling materials when possible and preventing hazardous substances from entering landfills. Regulatory Compliance: There are local, state and federal regulations in place to govern the use of dumpsters on construction sites. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Understanding and adhering to these standards also contributes to a positive relationship with regulatory bodies. Key Standards for Construction Dumpsters Size and Capacity: Construction dumpsters come in various sizes, ranging from 10 to 40 cubic yards. Selecting the appropriate size for a project is crucial to prevent overloading, which not only poses safety risks but also violates regulations. Knowing the capacity of the dumpster ensures efficient waste management without exceeding weight limits. Placement and Accessibility: Proper placement of dumpsters is essential for easy access and efficient waste disposal. Dumpsters should be located strategically to minimize disruption to construction activities while allowing convenient access for waste removal vehicles. Accessibility standards ensure that collection trucks can safely navigate around the site. Waste Segregation: To enhance recycling efforts and reduce the environmental impact, construction dumpsters should facilitate waste segregation. Establish clear guidelines for separating recyclable materials from general waste. This not only supports sustainability goals but may also lead to cost savings through recycling programs. If hazardous materials are being disposed, there must be guidelines for the proper disposal of these materials. In the world of construction, adherence to standards is key to promoting safety, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance. Construction dumpster standards play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. By carefully selecting, placing, and maintaining dumpsters while following guidelines for waste and waste segregation disposal, construction sites can contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and well-regulated industry. At Berks Transfer, we know dumpsters and have the dumpster for your next construction project!