What Can’t You Throw In A Dumpster?

What Can I NOT Put In A Dumpster?

While, of course, disposal regulations differ in every city or municipality, there are some items that cannot be thrown in a dumpster. This is usually because the following items may be considered hazardous or could possibly damage the dumpster.

The following items should not be thrown in a dumpster:

• Batteries
• Food waste
• Tires
• Hot water tanks
• Adhesives
• Paint
• Household cleaners
• Mattresses

Batteries

Any car batteries, as well as lithium batteries, cannot go into a rental dumpster. This is because they can leak harmful chemicals. Old car batteries should go to an auto shop or local recycler. Lithium batteries used to power laptops should be recycled at most electronic retailers.

Food Waste

Food is often prohibited from rental dumpsters since it can attract rodents or simply make a mess. Consider using municipal trash services if you have to dispose of large amounts of foods.

Tires

The majority of landfills reject tires because they can trap gases and take quite some time to decompose. Contact your local municipality or tire dealership if you wish to get rid of your tires.

Hot Water Tanks

These tanks are typically not accepted in any dumpster as they can contain harmful gases. They also have a high risk of explosion.

Adhesives

Adhesives, such as glue or epoxy, need to be disposed of with regular household trash. Loose adhesives can damage the dumpster and/or cause debris to stick together.

Paint

Full or partially full cans of wet paint are typically not allowed in dumpster rentals. There are some municipalities, however, where you can dispose of dry latex paint as long as it is wrapped and sealed in a plastic bag.

Household Cleaners

Always keep chemical cleaners or solvents out of the dumpster. However, you can throw empty containers into the dumpster as long as they are completely rinsed out and free of any chemicals.

Mattresses

You should never dispose of a mattress in a dumpster. In some cases, you may have to haul your old mattress to the nearest landfill or recycling center to dispose of it properly.

*Other items that should not be placed in dumpsters include air conditioners, printer cartridges, electronics, light bulbs, hazardous materials, and propane tanks.

What Can I Put In A Dumpster?

Everyday items like clothes and linens are generally allowed in a roll-off dumpster. The same goes for waste like wood, bricks, concrete, metal and drywall.

The following items are acceptable for disposal in a dumpster:

• Yard waste
• Household trash
• Wooden furniture
• Appliances
• Electronics
• Storm debris
• Empty aerosol cans
• Alkaline batteries

Yard Waste

Yard waste, such as sticks, leaves, and branches, are usually safe to dispose of in a rental dumpster. Anything that is organic and non-hazardous is safe to dispose of, even if there is a lot of it.

Household Trash

Common household trash items are acceptable to throw in dumpsters. This trash is composed of non-hazardous items like furniture and some appliances. Outdoor garbage like siding and shingles is considered safe trash.

Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture is okay to throw away in the dumpster. Common pieces include tables, chairs, stools, shelves, and bed frames. Anything made purely out of untreated wood will be accepted at the majority of landfills.

Appliances

Microwaves, coffee brewers, toasters, and blenders are examples of appliances that are suitable for dumpster disposal. Of course, the rules can change depending on the type of appliance you need to toss out, such as refrigerators and washing machines. Smaller appliances are generally safe to dispose of in a dumpster.

Electronics

Computers and most other electronic devices are okay to throw out if they are no longer able to be recycled. However, e-waste should only be thrown out in small amounts. Large amounts of e-waste call for a different disposal method. Check all local regulations before throwing electronics out.

Storm Debris

Any debris, just like yard waste, is mostly safe to dispose of. Even demolition debris like concrete, stone, and drywall can be thrown into a dumpster. Just be mindful of set weight restrictions, at this time.

Empty Aerosol Cans

As long as aerosol cans are completely empty, they can be thrown away. Even the smallest leftover amount of aerosol can cause an explosion.

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline is indeed safe for dumpsters and landfills. Recent manufacturing rules mean mercury is no longer used in batteries, making them safe to throw away with other waste.