Facilities/Construction Management recently undertook the task of replacing all campus
dumpsters. DeAnthony Thomas, assistant director of Campus Services, answered some
questions about the Solid Waste unit’s ambitious project. The conversation ranged
from the project details to what items these dumpsters can accept. Plus, how to keep
the University of Houston’s trash trucks safe from fires and other dangers.
What prompted the initiative to replace all the dumpsters?
DT: The dumpsters on campus are deteriorating. The bottoms are starting to rust, and
it was time to replace them.
How many replacements will this require?
DT: There are 46 dumpsters on campus, and we are replacing all of them.
Do you have any friendly reminders for readers about using them well? Such as, what
they’re for vs. what they’re not?
DT: These units are for general trash (household waste). We do not accept the following:
- Building materials (lumber, pallets, dirt, concrete, bricks, paint cans, etc.)
- Pressurized containers (flammable canisters, helium tanks, freon tanks, etc.)
- Furniture (desks, file cabinets, etc.)
- Batteries, refrigerators, tires, hazardous waste or chemicals that should be addressed by our Environmental Health & Safety team.
What are some hazards that can occur when dumpsters are not used correctly?
DT: The above items can severely damage our trucks. They can break the packer and even
cause fires inside the truck. I can personally attest to the truck fire as I drove
a truck that caught on fire in 2021.
What has this project been like for you and your team?
DT: My team is excited. The team takes pride in keeping this campus clean. They’ve spent
countless days trying to manage the units on campus as they posed issues with them
being weathered and rusting from the bottom. These dumpsters will help fine-tune the
look and increase the efficiency of our Solid Waste team.
Honoring the Facilities/Construction Management Mission
Thanks to the new dumpster initiative, UH will stay clean and beautiful for our community,
now and in the future.