Safe Trash For Dumpster Rentals

Knowing what can be thrown in a Dumpster Rental is an important first step to take before confirming a rental. While most waste materials are typically allowed to be thrown in a dumpster, some items are not. The allowance of some materials may also depend on state regulations, which is also important to be aware of before loading up a dumpster. Review the lists below to see what waste materials are allowed, are not allowed, and are sometimes allowed.

What You Can Throw Away

Nearly everything that doesn't pose a risk to the dumpster you're renting or the environment is safe to throw away, like the following items:

1. Household Trash

Common household garbage is acceptable to toss in dumpsters. Household trash is composed of any non-hazardous household materials, like furniture, regular trash, and some appliances. Outdoor trash like shingles and siding are also considered to be safe household garbage.

2. Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture is safe to throw away in a dumpster. Common wooden furniture pieces include chairs, tables, coffee tables and end tables, stools, bed frames, and shelves. Anything that is made purely out of untreated wood is acceptable at most landfills.

3. Household Appliances

Appliances like microwaves, blenders, coffee brewers, and toasters are suitable for dumpster disposal. The rules and regulations do change depending on which appliance you need to throw away, like refrigerators and washing machines. Smaller appliances are almost always safe to be thrown in a dumpster rental.

4. Yard Waste

Yard wastes like leaves, branches, and sticks are typically safe to throw away in a dumpster rental. Anything organic and non-hazardous should be safe to throw in, even if you have a lot of it.

5. Electronics

Computers and other electronic devices are all acceptable waste items. This does, however, only apply to e-waste thrown away in small amounts. Larger amounts of e-waste generally require a different method of disposal, like recycling. Specific e-waste rules and regulations will depend on state laws.

6. Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline is safe for landfills and dumpsters alike. Thanks to recent manufacturing rules, mercury is no longer used in batteries, making them safe to dispose of with other waste items.

7. Empty Aerosol Cans

Aerosol cans can be thrown away as long as they are completely empty. Even the smallest leftover amount could cause an explosion, which is why landfills and trash companies don't allow any filled aerosol products.

8. Demolition Debris

Waste like drywall, plywood, brick, concrete, stone, and tiles can all be thrown in a dumpster. Keep weight limitations in mind, as these heavier waste products add up quickly.

What You Can't Throw Away

There are some limitations regarding what waste is safe to throw in a dumpster rental, for both the environment and the dumpsters themselves.

1. Refrigerators And Air Conditioners

Fridges use a toxic refrigerant called Freon. Freon must be completely drained before fridges are safe to dispose of, which often requires the help of a professional. The refrigerant Freon is also used in most air conditioners, making them unsafe to throw away without draining. Even newer refrigerants like Puron are also harmful to release.

2. Tires

Tires are not legally allowed in landfills, making them unacceptable additions to dumpster waste. The hole in their center is known to fill with methane gas and cause chaos in landfills. Instead, take tires to an automobile store or somewhere similar for recycling.

3. Paint And Laquers

Wet paint and laquers are not safe for disposal. Empty paint cans with dry remnants are acceptable, but only once all the product has dried. If need be, you can pour latex paints into an absorbant material and wait for it to dry, which then makes disposal acceptable.

4. Adhesives

Adhesives are prohibited from dumpsters. Adding them to a full bin could cause a rupture, leaking glue into the dumpster. Waste could then stick to the walls of the dumpster, a problem we'd like to avoid.

5. Non-Alkaline Batteries

Batteries that use lithium, or anything but alkaline, are not safe to throw in a dumpster. The list of unsafe batteries includes: car batteries, large battery packs for boats and RVs, and any battery-powered generators. These types of batteries can easily emit toxic fumes and chemicals when in a compressed environment like a landfill.

6. Hazardous Materials

Check all waste items for hazard symbols. If you find any, don't add them to your dumpster. Instead, see the product's packaging for how to dispose of the hazardous material. Recyling may be an option, too.

7. Medical Infectious Waste

Items like syringes and contaminated materials are not suitable for dumpster disposal. Anything contaminated with blood or other fluids is also not allowed. Check with state resources for medical waste disposal.

8. Hot Water Tanks

Hot water tanks, like aerosol cans, have a tendency to explode in landfills. Their tank often fills with gases, which makes them difficult to safely dispose of. For that reason, they are not allowed to be thrown in a dumpster rental.

9. Inks And Resins

The reason why inks and resins cannot be thrown away is similar to glue. Ink cartridges can easily break and rupture, spilling their contents and contaminating products.

10. Oils And Fuels

Oils and fuels cannot be thrown away in a dumpster rental. For safe disposal, see what options your state or community has in place.

11. Asbestos

Household waste and construction debris are only safe to throw away if they are not contaminated by asbestos. Adding contaminated waste to your dumpster will contaminate more waste, creating a large problem. Asbestos must be professionally removed for the safety of you and others.

12. Household Cleaning Fluids

Most cleaning products should not be thrown in a dumpster rental. Check the product packaging for guidance on safe disposal. For example, most detergents can be diluted and poured down the drain.

What You Can Sometimes Throw Away

The following list requires some knowledge on state regulations in order to determine if you can or can't throw them away, which a quick Internet search will tell you.

1. Stumps

Stumps are an unweildy and heavy piece of waste that is sometimes banned from landfills. The amount of stumps may be the limiting factor, meaning one would be okay, or they may not be allowed at all.

2. Mattresses

Mattresses are typically not supposed to be thrown in a dumpster rental because of their mixed-material makeup. They often contain wires and springs, which are recyclable and not meant for landfills.

3. Upholstered Furniture

Padded and upholstered furniture items may be banned from landfills in your state. Some do allow it, but it's important to check beforehand.

4. Dirt

Dirt disposal may be accepted in your state. Any kind of contaminated soil cannot be thrown away, even if your state allows it. See what options you may have within your community for soil disposal if need be.

5. Event/Food Waste

Large amount of food waste may not be accepted. Small amounts may be okay, but some states ban food waste altogether. Make sure to check the rules for your state to ensure proper disposal.