Why older homes are different
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, which was banned for residential use that year. Many older homes also contain asbestos in building materials. Both are harmless while intact and undisturbed – the risk comes from renovation, when sanding, scraping, cutting and demolition release dust and fibers.
Lead paint: the EPA’s RRP rule
The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule applies to paid renovation work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Under the rule:
- Firms must be certified, and work must be done or directed by a certified renovator.
- Contractors must use lead-safe work practices: containing the work area, minimizing dust and cleaning up thoroughly.
- Owners and occupants must receive the EPA’s Renovate Right pamphlet before work starts.
Homeowners working on their own homes are not covered by the rule, but the same practices protect their families – especially children and pregnant women, who are most at risk from lead dust.
Lead paint debris
For residential renovation, lead-painted debris is generally handled as construction debris, once it has been contained and bagged as lead-safe practices require. Wrap large painted components, bag dust and chips in heavy plastic, and seal them before they go into the container. Some states and cities have additional rules – ask your provider and local environmental agency.
Where asbestos hides
According to the EPA, asbestos may be found in older homes in materials such as:
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive under them.
- Popcorn and textured ceilings, and some wall textures.
- Pipe and boiler insulation, duct wrap.
- Cement siding and roofing shingles.
- Vermiculite attic insulation.
You can’t tell by looking. Suspect materials should be tested by an accredited lab before they are disturbed.
Asbestos never goes in a regular dumpster
Asbestos-containing waste must be handled, packaged and disposed of according to federal, state and local rules, usually by licensed abatement contractors and at landfills that accept it. It must not go into a roll-off container for regular construction debris. If testing finds asbestos, the abatement happens first; the regular container comes after.
A safe order of work
- Plan the scope and list materials that will be disturbed.
- Test for lead paint and suspect asbestos materials.
- Abate asbestos where needed, using licensed professionals.
- Set up containment for lead-safe work.
- Demolish and bag debris as required.
- Load the container, keeping bags sealed and covering the container between loads.
- Clean up and verify cleaning before the family moves back in.
Other materials in older homes
- Plaster and lath: heavy. Size the container by weight. See drywall and plaster disposal.
- Old appliances and oil tanks: refrigerants and fuel need special handling. See appliance disposal.
- Treated wood: older decks and fences may be CCA-treated. See deck removal.
- Mercury: old thermostats and fluorescent tubes go to hazardous waste programs.
Choosing a container
Older homes produce dense debris. For plaster, brick and tile, a 10 to 20 yard container with a realistic weight allowance and swaps usually beats one large container. Tell the provider what materials you are removing and that lead-painted debris will be bagged. More in what size dumpster do I need.
Who does what
- Testing: licensed inspectors or risk assessors for lead; accredited labs for asbestos samples.
- Asbestos abatement: licensed abatement contractors, according to state rules.
- Lead-safe renovation: RRP-certified firms and renovators for paid work.
- Debris hauling: your dumpster provider for regular construction debris, once hazardous materials are handled.
Budget and schedule
Testing and abatement add time and cost, so build them into the plan instead of discovering them mid-demolition. Stopping work because a crew found suspect tile or pipe wrap can idle trades for days. Order the container for the day demolition starts – after testing and any abatement are complete – and ask the provider how quickly they can swap it once full.
How our service fits in
Local Dumpster Network is a free referral service. When you call, you are connected with an independent, local provider serving your ZIP code, who can tell you what they accept. We don’t perform testing or abatement.