What Items Are Allowed in a Dumpster?
Our dumpsters can handle a wide variety of debris, including most common household junk. Keep in mind that roll off dumpsters might accept different items than commercial dumpsters, which are typically found behind businesses. Also, accepted items may differ depending on your location. Don't worry — we'll cover that too.
If you have questions about accepted items in your area, select the container type below or give our team a call at 855-378-9829.
What Can Go in a Roll Off Dumpster?
You can throw most household junk, construction and remodeling debris in a roll off dumpster. However, in some areas, not all items are allowed in the same container because they are sent to separate landfills, transfer stations or recycling facilities. Our table shows you what materials are generally accepted and what type of roll off you should rent to toss them.
Accepted Debris | Dumpster Type | Common Materials |
|---|---|---|
Household Junk | Boxes of junk, tables, chairs, bookshelves, desks, flooring materials, pots and pans and toys. | |
Remodeling Debris | Lumber, drywall, plaster, siding, scrap metal, countertops, cabinets, vanities. | |
Shingles | Asphalt, slate and metal shingles, flashing, underlayment, gutters. |
Commonly Accepted Items
While the table above shows debris that is widely accepted, some materials may be prohibited in certain locations. Cities and states often have their own environmental regulations. For example, California doesn’t allow electronics in landfills. As a result, there are some materials that can be thrown away in our roll off dumpsters in specific locations only. To find out if we accept these materials near you, give our team a call.
Yard waste is generally accepted. However, some areas do not allow organic materials in landfills. Additionally, stumps must often be a maximum of a 3-foot diameter, and tree branches should be cut no longer than a foot long. See if we offer a yard waste dumpster in your city to get rid of your organic materials.
Landfills and transfer stations often require dirt to be placed in its own dumpster because it can be repurposed. Also, due to its weight, you may need a special container to avoid overloading the bin for road safety. We'll let you know if a dirt dumpster is the right choice for your project when you call.
Most appliances are allowed in a roll off dumpster, but landfills may have restrictions on the number you can toss or may charge small additional fees. Additionally, any appliance that contains Freon, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner, will require a technician to remove the Freon and dispose of it before the appliance can be safely accepted.
Some states have banned e-waste from landfills. Even if you’re in an area where electronics are accepted, there may be some restrictions to the number or type of devices accepted. For example, you may be able to toss two electronic devices, but tube TVs are completely banned.
Furniture and mattresses are accepted widely throughout the country. However, some areas ask that you wrap upholstered furniture in plastic to protect workers from bed bugs and other health hazards.
The disposal rules for heavy debris, such as concrete, brick, block and asphalt, vary the most by location. Some markets will accept only certain types of heavy debris in separate containers, while some will accept it all in a mixed heavy debris dumpster. Our team will review these rules with you so you know what to expect in your area.
What Can Be Thrown in a Commercial Dumpster?
You can toss common trash like food waste, office supplies and shipping materials in your commercial dumpster. Additionally, we offer single-stream and cardboard-only recycling containers to toss your everyday recyclables. This table below shows what’s allowed in your bin and any notes you should keep in mind.
Accepted Item | Notes |
|---|---|
General Trash | All types of everyday waste are accepted in our front load dumpsters. |
Recyclable Materials | Get a single-stream recycling dumpster to toss plastic, glass, paper, cardboard and aluminum or ask about a cardboard-only container to manage large shipments. |
Food Waste | Make sure food waste is bagged to discourage wild animals from coming near your container. Depending on your location, we also offer lock bars to secure your bin and drain plugs to accommodate wet waste. |
Packaging Materials | Break all the packaging down prior to tossing to save space in your bin. |
Electronics | Local restrictions may limit or prevent e-waste from landfills. When you work with us, you'll have an account manager who will help determine which electronics are accepted in your area. |
Broken Dishware | Bag broken glass or ceramic materials with sharp edges before tossing to help protect anyone handling your trash. |
FAQs About Accepted Items
What items can be placed in a dumpster?
Most household items, remodeling debris and yard waste can be tossed in our dumpsters. Keep in mind that accepted items may vary by location and dumpster type. If you have questions about which materials can be thrown in our roll off or commercial dumpsters, reach out to our team.
How do I know if an item is accepted in my dumpster?
When you set up service, our team will confirm all of the accepted and prohibited items in your area. You'll also receive this information via email so you can share with your team to help avoid unexpected charges on your invoice.
Why are some debris types allowed in roll off dumpsters, but not commercial containers?
Commercial dumpsters have lower weight limits, so items like construction debris and appliances aren't permitted. If you need to toss heavy waste, consider renting a roll off dumpster instead. Our drivers will also route debris in your roll off dumpster to the appropriate facility for responsible disposal.
Why do accepted items change by roll off dumpster type?
Certain waste types need special disposal, requiring them to go to different landfills, recycling centers or transfer stations. As a result, they cannot be mixed with other types of debris and need their own dumpster for proper disposal.
If I need to toss more than one debris type, should I rent multiple containers?
Sometimes. If the debris needs to be taken to different locations for disposal, multiple containers are required. When you reach out to our team, we’ll talk through your cleanup with you and let you know the best solution for your disposal needs.
Will I be charged for throwing out a restricted item?
Yes. If the driver notices restricted items in your dumpster when we arrive for pickup, we may not take the container until the materials are removed, resulting in a trip fee. Even if we do pick up the dumpster, the landfill will likely find any prohibited items tossed and charge additional disposal fees that you'll receive in a second invoice.
More Dumpster Resources
Check out our additional dumpster rental resources, from tips for roll off and commercial containers to helpful disposal options for bulk waste.
Roll Off Dumpster Tips:
Commercial Resources:
Disposal Guides: