What Can I Throw in a Dumpster?

Learn What Is and Is Not Allowed in a Dumpster

If your junk removal project or debris cleanup involves common nonhazardous waste, chances are you can put it in a dumpster. But if you’re not sure about a certain item, check out our handy lists below.

Each list offers guidelines for both temporary dumpsters and permanent dumpsters. Temporary roll off dumpsters are rented for one-time waste removal projects, such as cleaning up after a remodel or a roofing project. Permanent front-load dumpsters are rented by businesses and organizations for ongoing trash collection. There are different rules on what can go in each dumpster type, so be sure to check out the right list for your container.

Still have questions? Call 844-444-DUMP and one of our experts will be happy to tell you if your items can be thrown in a dumpster.

Items Commonly Allowed in a Dumpster

What Can I Throw in My Temporary Dumpster?

Aerosol Cans: Empty cans are okay to throw away in a dumpster.
Appliances: Dishwashers, microwaves and stoves are generally accepted in roll of dumpsters. Refrigerators are not accepted unless they’ve been drained of refrigerant.
Heavy Debris: Asphalt, brick, concrete, dirt and other heavy debris are accepted in temporary dumpsters.
Electronics: Things like computers, printers and TVs are generally allowed. They may not be acceptable in some areas due to local regulations.
Furniture: Beds, chairs, desks, dressers and tables are also usually accepted. They may not be acceptable in some areas due to local regulations.
Yard Waste: Grass, dirt, leaves, logs, shrubs, small branches and stumps are generally accepted, but note that stumps may not be accepted in all locations.

What Can I Throw In My Permanent Dumpster?

General Trash: All common refuse is accepted in our commercial dumpsters.
Aerosol Cans: Empty cans can be thrown away in a dumpster.
Food Waste: All food waste is accepted in a front-load dumpster.
Boxes and Packaging Materials: Break down large boxes to avoid taking up extra space in your container.
Office Supplies and Electronics: Electronics may not be accepted in all areas due to local regulations.

Items Commonly Not Allowed in a Dumpster

While there are many items we can accept, some require separate disposal through a municipal or specialty service. These include any flammable, toxic or hazardous materials. Check out our lists for specific examples.

What Is Not Allowed in a Temporary Dumpster?

Adhesives: Epoxy, glue and other loose adhesives can damage the dumpster.
Asbestos: Considered to be a carcinogen and banned from most landfills.
Batteries: Batteries can contain high levels of lead and can’t be mixed with other waste.
Contaminated Absorbents and Soils: Must be treated or disposed by hazardous waste processors.
Food Waste: Can attract vermin and spoil.
Fuel: No type of fuel can be put in a dumpster.
Industrial Drums: Substances inside are considered hazardous.
Infectious Waste: Consists of materials used in medicine, such as used bandages or discarded surgical gloves.
Ink and Resins: Any ink used in pens and printers, as well as resins, can stain the interior of the dumpster.
Oils: Any oil used in automobiles or as general industrial lubricants.
Paints and Lacquers: Can contain harmful elements such as mercury and lead and can damage or stain the interior of the dumpster.
Railroad Ties: Generally not accepted by landfills due to their toxic creosote coating.
Refrigerators and Air Conditioners: Only those that are properly drained of refrigerant can be thrown in a dumpster.
Tires: All tires are prohibited from dumpsters due to the damage they can cause to landfills.
Hot Water Tanks: The void space in water tanks can collect harmful gases in landfills.

What Is Not Allowed In a Permanent Dumpster?

Oil: Motor oil, industrial lubricants and cooking oil cannot go in a dumpster.
Fuels: All fuel types are prohibited in dumpsters due to their flammability.
Tires: Not allowed in dumpsters due to the damage they can cause to landfills.
Car Batteries: The toxic chemicals they contain cannot be mixed with other waste.
Air Conditioners: They contain refrigerants that require specialized handling.
Liquid Chemicals: Require specialized handling to be disposed of safely.
Asbestos: Banned from most landfills because it is considered a carcinogen.
Industrial Drums: Substances they contain may be hazardous.
Medical and Hazardous Waste: Require specialized handling to be disposed of safely.
Roofing Materials: Must be disposed of in a temporary dumpster.
Concrete, Brick and Asphalt: Heavy debris like these must be disposed of in a temporary dumpster.
Construction Materials: Materials such as drywall, lumber and flooring must be disposed of in a temporary dumpster.

If you have any further questions about what is or is not allowed in a dumpster, give us a call at 844-444-DUMP and a team member will help you determine the right way to dispose of them.

What Can Go in a Dumpster?