Sort debris by material before loading when it is safe and practical. A clear inventory helps identify restricted materials, reduces surprises, and makes the haul-away scope easier to describe.
Use four working groups
Clean lumberFraming, boards, and sheathing without mixed household contents
MetalPanels, rails, hinges, brackets, screws, and other hardware
RoofingShingles, underlayment, flashing, and roof panels
Separate itemsPaint, fuel, chemicals, batteries, pressurized cylinders, and unknown containers
Protect people from sharp debris
Keep nails, broken fasteners, and panel edges away from walkways. Do not leave loose metal where wind can move it. If the pile is unstable or contains unknown materials, stop and describe it before moving more.
Photo checklist for a debris estimate
- One wide photo of the full pile
- Close photos showing the main materials
- An object for size reference
- The route from the pile to the loading point
- Anything heavy, wet, sharp, bagged, or unidentified
Do not assume every material can travel together
Local disposal facilities and haulers may separate materials or restrict certain items. Confirm acceptance before combining the load.