What Can I Throw Away? A Quick Guide on What’s Allowed in Roll-off Containers

There are guidelines for roll-off dumpster rental,  just as there are guidelines for what you can throw in your trash can at the curb.

The rules were put in place to protect the environment and comply with local and state regulations relating to waste disposal.

You will be able to understand what you can and cannot put in your dumpster.

What Can Be Thrown in a Dumpster?

Dumpsters can store most nonhazardous trash, debris, and junk.

Dumpsters are commonly used for the following items:

  • General trash
  • Wood
  • Furniture
  • Appliances (with some exceptions)
  • Electronics
  • Yard Waste
  • Construction & demolition debris

Furniture

Dumpsters accept couches, tables, and chairs of all kinds.

In some areas, however, mattresses and upholstered furniture are not permitted in landfills. You can, however, throw them in a dumpster if you wish, but there may be additional charges depending on the local regulations.

Check with your dumpster provider to see what types of furniture are allowed in the container.

Appliances

Most household appliances, including refrigerators, AC units, and washers and dryers, can be thrown away in a dumpster. However, all hazardous components and fluids, such as freon, must be removed.

You must hire an expert to remove freon from your appliance before you dispose of it. This professional would be an HVAC technician or appliance repair specialist.

Electronics

Most dumpsters accept TVs, computers, and printers. However, if there are large amounts of electronics in your office or they were part of a cleanout, you may be required to recycle the e-waste.

It’s not uncommon to see an extra charge per item for recycling. Some local laws do not permit electronics to be placed in dumpsters. Be sure to ask your dumpster provider about this.

You can donate or recycle electronic waste like cell phones, computers, tablets, and printers. Search for an e-waste recycler in your area. Donate your working TVs or appliances to a local charity.

Yard Waste

Most dumpsters allow you to dispose of green waste, such as grass, trees, branches, brush, and other green materials. The regulations in your area will determine whether or not the dumpster company accepts yard waste.

Some places limit the amount of green trash you can dispose of in a landfill. In others, a dumpster can be filled. Some dumpster companies offer “clean-loading” at a reduced price.

When you “clean-load a dumpster,” only one type of recyclable material can be loaded into the dumpster. Concrete, yard waste, and so on. You save both the environment and money by recycling the materials and diverting them from landfills.

Construction Debris

Brick, Stone, Concrete, and Asphalt

Most dumpsters can handle heavy debris like asphalt, concrete, and bricks. However, due to their weight, certain companies may require that you use a dumpster specifically designed for such materials.

Roof Shingles

Asphalt roofing shingles can also be disposed of in a dumpster.

There is sometimes an additional fee for the disposal of roofing shingles. Ask dumpster rental companies if they charge this extra.

Renovation Debris

Dumpsters can dispose of construction debris, such as siding, drywall, and wooden materials. Dumpster weight limits are important for heavy debris.

You will either have to pay an overage fee or remove excess weight if you exceed the weight limit in the quoted price.

Other Can Be Thrown in a Dumpster

You can also throw away toys, curtains, carpeting, and other non-organic waste, such as old documents, cardboard, or cardboard boxes, in a dumpster.

What Can’t Be Thrown in a Dumpster?

In general, you can’t put hazardous materials like wet paint, oil, asbestos, drums/tanks that are sealed, electronic waste, tires, and certain types of furniture in the dumpster.

Below you’ll find additional information.

Paints, Stains, and Lacquers

Paint, paint thinners, and wood stains are not allowed in dumpsters. Latex paints are the only exception. Pour leftover latex paint into a container with kitty litter, shredded paper, or other materials to allow it to solidify.

When it is hard and dried, throw it away in the trash. You can recycle empty paint cans with other metals in your curbside bin. Drop off leftover paint at a local drop-off location.

Tires

Because the majority of landfills in the United States do not take tires, they cannot be disposed of in a dumpster. There are several ways to dispose of old tires. You can take your old tires to a local auto parts dealer.

You can also find a local recycling company to convert your old tires into rubber or asphalt mulch.

Hazardous Waste

Never put anything in a trash can, including asbestos, pesticides, motor oil, household cleaners, and inks and resins. Most communities have regular community collection events, where residents can bring their hazardous waste to be properly disposed of.

You can arrange for a household hazardous-waste recycling kit to be sent to your house in some areas. You can easily pack your waste and send it to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Use used motor oil at a local oil-change facility to recycle it properly.

Batteries

Batteries such as dry-cell and car batteries should not be thrown away in the trash because they may leak harmful chemicals. You can recycle your car batteries at any retailer that sells batteries. Drop off your old batteries in the designated bins found in most stores.

The majority of auto parts stores and repair shops recycle car batteries. You can sometimes get a refund for returning the battery to where it was purchased.

The Best Dumpster Prices Available

Compare quotes from multiple dumpster rental companies to get the best price. Dumpster Rental Service of Madisonville Inc, offers the area’s most affordable and reliable dumpster rental services. You can choose from a wide range of dumpsters to get the right size for your project.

Depending on your project size and type of waste, you may need only a 20-yard or 10-yard dumpster. However, if you are working on a larger project or have heavier debris, a 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster will be the best option.

Explain your debris to every provider that you contact. They can help you choose the correct dumpster size for your job.

FAQs

What is the standard dumpster size?

20 yards. The most common sizes of roll-off dumpsters are 12 yards. 15 yards and even 20 yards. These three sizes allow you to choose the right size for your project.

What is the maximum size dumpster that you can rent?

40 yard. The 40-yard roll-off dumpster is available in many locations. It’s the biggest container and can be used for many larger jobs. A 40-yard roll-off dumpster is an ideal waste management solution, whether you are planning a home renovation or a building demolition.

What local laws apply to dumpster diving?

Dumpster diving is legal in all fifty states. State of California V. Greenwood, a 1988 Supreme Court ruling, ruled that it is legal to search trash as long as the act does not violate any local, state, or county ordinances.

What can I put into a clear trash bag?

The bags indicate whether the garbage contains recyclables, hazardous materials, electronic waste, or organic materials. Our collectors are also protected from injury by using clear bags.

Can I use paper bags for garbage?

Use a paper bag instead of a plastic one to dispose of your waste. They will break down at the landfill.

Can I put food waste into a bin without a bag?

It is not necessary to line the bin. However, the lining will keep it clean and free of odors. Lining your bin must be made from a compostable product. Plastic bags will not decompose during composting.

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