What to Put or Not in a Dumpster: Know Before Accruing Additional Fees

Nov 22, 2021

Home cleanouts are one of the leading reasons why many households across the nation need an emergency dumpster rental. From downsizing, remodeling and moving into a new household to clearing out a family member’s home, there are a number of issues why you may be renting a temporary dumpster for any duration of time. Nevertheless it’s a good idea to know what you can and cannot put in the dumpster to avoid additional fees or far worse, get fined by your municipality for obstructing local zoning rules. In many cities, townships and states, it is prohibited to place hazardous waste materials, tires and even mattresses into a dumpster. It is best to keep in mind that the items placed in a dumpster will inevitably end up in a landfill. Therefore, you should take a few minutes to review the items you are allowed to put in a dumpster, as well as the ones that are prohibited, before you start to throw anything away.

What You Can Throw Away In A Dumpster…

You can currently throw away numerous household items, including furniture and clothing into a dumpster. Wood furniture, including wood tables, chairs, cabinets, shelves, and other items crafted in wood or wood products are safe to send to the landfill and therefore are safe to place in a dumpster. Lawn furniture is also allowed to be tossed as well. Upholstered furniture, including sofas and chairs are mostly allowed in dumpsters. However, mattresses in most states are prohibited from being placed in a dumpster.

Construction and home improvement debris are also allowed in dumpsters. Bathroom fixtures, cabinets, countertops, doors, flooring, sinks and tile are also allowed. Numerous construction materials, including asphalt, brick, carpet, concrete, drywall, lumber, siding, stone and wooden materials are allowed in dumpsters. Due to the weight of most construction items, you may need to get a larger, reinforced dumpster to properly hold the contents.

What You Can Not Put In A Dumpster…

Although the waste laws from one municipality and state to another greatly differ, universally you are not allowed to throw hazardous and medical waste into a dumpster, nor are you allowed to dispose of fuel, oil, tires, propane, chemicals, fluorescent bulbs and paint.

Asbestos and chemicals are also prohibited, as are mattresses. Household items and appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, water tanks, ovens and stoves are also not allowed in dumpsters.

Large screen TVs, computers, computer monitors are also prohibited. Numerous big box electronic retailers across the nation offer recycling services for TVs, computer equipment, refrigerators and other large appliances, usually for a nominal fee.

Aerosol cans, paint, glue, epoxy and other adhesives are also prohibited from being placed into a dumpster. Recyclable items including batteries, glass, plastics and metal are also prohibited from being placed in a dumpster.

Whether your home cleanout requires a 10-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster, Emergency Dumpsters For Less is your one-stop source for any emergency, temporary, construction, yard waste or roll-off dumpster you need. We’re here 7-days a week to assist you with construction dumpster rental, concrete removal, demolition, home clean-out and yard waste disposal needs. In addition, we offer commercial trash compactor cleaning, removal and replacement. We also provide luxury portable restrooms, fencing and other construction site rental needs. Emergency Dumpsters for Less proudly services the construction, roofing, retail and landscape industries, as well as individual households. Contact us today at (786) 460-2852.