What Can Go in a Dumpster?

Review Our Guidelines for Materials Not Accepted in a Dumpster Rental

 

Prohibited Items

Electronics & Batteries

Dumpsters rented for waste disposal should not contain electronics and batteries. These items contain harmful elements, such as lead, mercury, and nickel, which pose a danger to people and the environment.

Microwaves

Dumpster containers cannot accept microwaves due to their electronic nature. Disposing of microwaves in a dumpster can result in the release of harmful toxins into the environment. These toxins can infiltrate the soil and groundwater, contaminating our rivers and streams. This contamination can lead to respiratory health problems and birth defects in children. Therefore, it is crucial to properly dispose of microwaves through appropriate channels to prevent environmental and health hazards.

Gasoline & Motor Oil

Placing motor oil in your roll off rental is not recommended due to its highly toxic nature. Even a small quantity of this substance can contaminate a large amount of drinking water. However, it is possible to recycle and reuse motor oil.

Wet Paint

Liquid paint poses a danger to the environment due to its potential to contaminate soil and groundwater. Additionally, it is flammable and can easily cause forest fires if ignited. Furthermore, our drivers may accidentally spill paint on the highway while transporting it. (Dry Paint Allowed)

Computers

It is not permissible to dispose of computers in your roll off dumpster due to the hazardous materials they contain, such as aluminum, copper, and gold. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of computers and tablets are appropriately recycled each year.

Tires

Tires are considered hazardous because of their rubber composition. Rubber does not decompose properly and can lead to degradation problems in landfills. Additionally, tires can accumulate methane gas as time passes and eventually release it into the atmosphere.

Medical Waste

Sanitation workers are at risk of being exposed to dangerous infections from medical waste that has the potential to spread diseases. It is important to dispose of any medical-related items that can infect personnel in a regulated manner to ensure safety.

Household Chemicals

Dumpster rentals are not appropriate for disposing of household chemical items such as cleaners, bleach, detergents, and sanitizers. These substances are considered hazardous and should not be placed in landfills. It is important to remember that if these items cannot be thrown away in regular trash, then they cannot be disposed of in a dumpster.

Tanks- Hot Water

Dumpsters have weight limitations that prohibit the disposal of bulky appliances like hot water tanks. These tanks have empty spaces that can trap harmful gases, making it unsafe to throw them in the dumpster.

Tanks- Propane

It is important to exercise caution when handling propane tanks in a landfill, as they are flammable and pose a safety risk. Even if the tank appears empty, there may still be residual propane inside, which can be ignited by even the smallest spark. Proper disposal of propane tanks is typically done at a hazardous waste facility, and it is recommended to contact the propane company or local fire department for guidance on collection.

Freon Appliances

Dumpster rentals do not permit the disposal of refrigerators and AC units due to their bulky size. These appliances are prohibited from being disposed of in dumpsters. Additionally, these appliances contain Freon, a hazardous chemical that can cause harm to the ozone layer. Even if you extract the Freon from these appliances, lesser amounts can still be present and leak out.

 

 

Allowed Materials

Household Junk

At some point, everyone undertakes a major decluttering project. In such situations, household debris is usually allowed. Our residential dumpsters are ideal for disposing of any extra junk from your home.

Yard Waste

Our residential and hybrid dumpsters can accept yard waste, except for specific regions with restrictions. It is important to specify the type of yard waste. You must ensure that the appropriate size dumpster is provided for your disposal needs.

Construction & Residential Waste

Our company provides dumpsters that cater to both residential and commercial needs. We also have versatile dumpsters that can be used for both types of projects. Your assigned dumpster expert will assist you in selecting the most suitable dumpster for your undertaking. Regardless of the size of your project, we have a dumpster that will meet your requirements.

Wood Scraps

It is acceptable to dispose of wood scraps in your rented dumpster. However, it is important to note that if the wood has been treated with any chemicals, it may not be allowed in certain areas. If this is the case, you will be notified of the restrictions in your service location.

Roofing Debris

If you are working on a roof, a dumpster rental can be incredibly helpful. We have dumpsters available for all kinds of roofing projects, big or small. Certain types of shingles, like asphalt, can be quite heavy and may require a specialized dumpster that has been made to manage heavy waste.

Disaster Debris

When natural disasters strike, it is a tragic occurrence that affects communities. In these times of need, dumpsters are one of the first responders in the recovery process. Our dumpsters have been dependable in assisting communities affected by disasters for many years, and they will continue to do so.

 

 

Potential Accepted Items for Dumpster Rentals

Mattresses & Box Springs

Some places may accept mattresses and box springs for disposal, while others may not. The rules regarding hauling and dumping vary by location, and additional fees may be required in certain areas. If you live in an area where these items are not allowed, we can assist you in finding proper disposal methods.

Furniture

Whether or not furniture can be disposed of in a dumpster rental depends on the area and the type of furniture. Upholstered furniture, for example, may not be accepted in some locations. Our team can assist you in determining whether your area permits furniture disposal.

Heavy Debris

Dumpsters for heavy materials such as concrete, rock, dirt, and brick are available, but their availability may vary depending on the service area. Some areas have specific rules that prohibit the disposal of heavy waste in a dumpster. Informing our staff about the type of heavy waste you intend to dispose of is important, as they can advise you on whether it is permissible or not.

Flooring Materials

Dumpsters commonly accept most flooring materials, but there are some exceptions in certain service areas. Vinyl and laminate flooring are two examples of materials that are usually not allowed. It is important to specify the type of flooring you are disposing of to ensure that it is acceptable for disposal in the dumpster.

 

 

Regional Prohibited Items

Different regions may have their own set of restricted materials that are not commonly mentioned. The banned items can differ, as they are determined by the regulations of your local authorities.

In contrast to other areas, Houston, TX, has a stringent regulation that prohibits the disposal of aluminum cans in dumpsters. While this item is typically acceptable in other localities, it is not allowed in Houston.

Dumpster regulations vary from city to city. For instance, in KC, putting buckets in a dumpster is not allowed. In San Francisco, CA, disposing of treated wood is prohibited. These are just a couple of examples of the diverse rules regarding dumpster usage.

It is advisable to inquire with your dumpster rental representative regarding any restricted items that may be applicable to your area. Being informed in advance can help you avoid any unnecessary complications in the future.