What can and can't go in a dumpster
Most household junk, furniture, construction debris, roofing and yard waste is fine. A short list of items is off-limits almost everywhere, because it is hazardous, a fire risk, or banned from landfills. Rules vary by area, and your quote notes anything specific to your address.
Not allowed (almost everywhere)
Paint, stains and solvents
Liquid oil-based paint, stains, thinners, varnish and solvents. Many areas accept latex paint once it is completely dried out (mix in kitty litter or a paint hardener). Paint stores in several states take leftover paint back through PaintCare drop-off programs.
Hazardous household chemicals
Pesticides, pool chemicals, cleaners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline and other fuels. Take them to your county or city household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off.
Tires
Most landfills will not take whole tires in a roll-off. Tire shops usually take old tires for a small fee, and some counties run tire collection days.
Batteries
Car batteries, lithium-ion batteries (tools, laptops, e-bikes) and other rechargeables are a fire risk in a load. Auto parts stores typically take car batteries; many hardware stores collect rechargeables.
Appliances with refrigerant
Refrigerators, freezers, window and central AC units, dehumidifiers and water coolers. The refrigerant has to be recovered first. Utilities and appliance retailers often run haul-away or recycling programs.
Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
Propane, helium, oxygen and other pressurized tanks can explode when compacted. Exchange or return them where you got them, or use an HHW drop-off.
Asbestos
Old pipe insulation, some floor tiles, popcorn ceilings and siding may contain asbestos. It needs licensed abatement and special disposal. If you suspect it, get it tested before demolition.
Medical and biological waste
Needles, sharps, medications and anything biohazardous. Pharmacies and many police stations take back medications; sharps go in a sharps container to an approved drop-off.
Electronics, in many states
TVs, monitors, computers and printers are banned from landfills in a number of states. Retailers and local e-waste events usually take them for free or a small fee.
Fluorescent bulbs and mercury items
Fluorescent tubes, CFL bulbs and mercury thermostats. Many hardware stores collect them.
Allowed with conditions
Mattresses and box springs
Often accepted with a per-item fee. A few states and cities require them to be recycled instead.
Appliances without refrigerant
Washers, dryers, ranges and water heaters are accepted by many haulers, sometimes with a fee.
Yard waste
Accepted in most places, but some areas require it in a separate load because it is composted.
Concrete, dirt, brick and rock
Accepted in a 10-yard heavy-debris dumpster filled to the marked line, not mixed with trash.
Railroad ties and treated wood
Treated lumber from decks is usually fine. Creosote-treated railroad ties are refused in many areas.
Carpet and upholstered furniture
Generally fine. Some areas charge a small fee for upholstered furniture.
Questions about what goes in
What happens if a banned item ends up in the dumpster?
The hauler may refuse to pick up the box until it is removed, or remove it and charge a fee. Some disposal sites fine haulers for banned items, and that cost gets passed on. It is cheaper to keep them out.
Why do the rules vary by area?
Each state, county and landfill sets its own rules. A mattress or a TV can be fine in one county and banned in the next. We check the rules for your address when we quote.
Can I put dried paint cans in?
In most areas, yes, if latex paint is completely dried solid or the can is empty. Liquid paint and oil-based paint are not accepted.
Get your exact delivered price
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