Certain items cannot be thrown away in a dumpster due to safety concerns or local laws. Not sure if you can put something in your roll off container? To find out what’s accepted in your area, consult the list below or call us at 952-679-7324.
What Can I Throw Away in a Dumpster?
In most cases, household junk and debris from construction or home improvement projects are permitted in a dumpster. This includes drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinetry, and siding from remodelling projects, as well as general household items from decluttering projects. Learn more about the items that can be thrown away in most areas.
For specific disposal guidelines in your area, call Minneapolis Dumpster Rental Corp at 952-679-7324.
Household Junk
Do you need a residential dumpster for a home cleanout? Most household junk, including old knick knacks, clothing, toys, pots and pans, and other items, can be disposed of in a dumpster. Certain appliances and electronics can frequently be thrown away in a dumpster, but not always; it’s best to call ahead before disposing of these items.
Throwing appliances and electronics into a dumpster may result in a per-item disposal fee, depending on local regulations.
Wooden Furniture
Tables, chairs, and bookcases made of wood are almost always accepted. However, you should inquire about upholstered furniture such as couches and recliners, as these items are not always accepted. (For more information, see the Upholstered Furniture section below.)
Because of local disposal regulations, throwing away furniture may incur an additional fee in some areas.
Concrete, Asphalt, and Brick
Heavy debris dumpsters can be used to dispose of materials such as brick, asphalt, broken concrete, and concrete block. Budget Dumpster provides heavy-duty dumpsters in areas where we accept them.
Construction & Home Improvement Debris
Building, demolition, and home improvement debris can almost always be disposed of in a construction dumpster. Drywall, flooring, wall tiles, broken bathroom fixtures, tiles, subfloor materials, old countertops, and other materials may be included.
Lumber
In most cases, you can put untreated lumber and other wood from construction projects, such as two-by-fours and studs, into a dumpster. Railroad ties and other treated lumber are almost never permitted in your roll off container.
Storm Debris
Our dumpsters can be used to remove storm debris as well as clean up non-hazardous and uncontaminated materials. We usually accept damaged building materials and yard waste as well, as long as they fall within the restrictions of the given service area.
Shingles
In almost all service areas, shingles can be disposed of in a roofing dumpster. Renting a dumpster is an excellent way to dispose of all types of roofing debris, including underlayment, tiles, plywood, and any other construction waste that may accumulate during the course of your project.
These materials can sometimes be thrown away in a dumpster.
In some areas, upholstered furniture, appliances, electronics, and mattresses are permitted inside dumpsters. This is not true everywhere because waste regulations differ from state to state, and even from city to city.
You should always call ahead to see if the following items are accepted in your area.
Upholstered Furniture
Do you want to know if you can throw your couch in a dumpster? Many areas allow the disposal of upholstered furniture, such as couches and recliners, but not all. If you need to get rid of upholstered furniture but don’t have access to a dumpster, look for a furniture disposal alternative that works for you.
Yard Waste
In most cases, yard waste can be disposed of in a dumpster. Some areas allow you to put tree limbs, shrubs, and other debris in a yard waste dumpster, while others may limit you to a few bags of grass or leaves. Some dumpsters allow tree stumps, but not all, so call ahead and double-check before throwing them away. Furthermore, some locations may charge an additional disposal fee per stump.
Appliances
Unless otherwise specified, most old appliances can be disposed of in a dumpster. Microwaves, stoves, and dishwashers are commonly accepted, but refrigerators cannot usually be discarded in a dumpster. Water heaters are also not permitted in dumpster rentals because they can collect gases and explode once they reach the landfill. Be aware that certain appliances may be subject to separate charges under local disposal regulations.
Electronics
Electronics can be thrown away in a dumpster in some areas. In most cases, this includes small quantities of TVs, computers, printers, and other personal electronics. There is an additional per-item charge in areas where e-waste recycling is mandated to cover recycling costs. We cannot accept any electronics in other areas due to local regulations.
Even if you have the option of throwing your TV in the trash, you should consider donating or recycling it first. Learn about the various ways to dispose of electronics and where to send your old technology.
Dirt
In some service areas, you can use a dumpster to dispose of dirt. If your area does not accept dirt, look for responsible dirt disposal options nearby. Contaminated soil, or dirt contaminated with chemicals or other unnatural waste, should never be thrown away. It must be taken to a certified soil treatment facility.
Box Springs and Mattresses
You may not dispose of a mattress in a dumpster unless it is permitted in your service area. In some cases, a fee for each mattress may be charged to cover the cost of breaking them down before they are recycled or landfilled.
If a dumpster isn’t available in your area, look into the other options for disposing of a mattress.
Stumps and other large yard debris
Some service areas allow stumps, but not all. It’s also worth noting that in some areas, there may be an additional fee charged per stump. If your service area does not accept stumps or other types of landscaping debris, find a yard waste disposal alternative that works for your project.
Event Waste
If you’re cleaning up after a backyard wedding or a neighbourhood festival, there’s a good chance you’ll have some food waste to dispose of. Small amounts of food waste can be disposed of in dumpsters in some areas.
However, in some areas, food waste is completely prohibited. Throwing food into a dumpster in these areas may result in additional fees, so always call ahead to confirm before throwing food in your dumpster. If your services area does not accept event waste, you should find a local composting centre to properly dispose of your organic waste.
Cans of Aerosol
Empty aerosol cans can be thrown away in a dumpster. Full or partially full cans, on the other hand, have the potential to explode. Aerosol cans with liquid inside should never be thrown away.
Items You Cannot Put in a Dumpster
While the rules for some materials vary, there are some items that you should never throw away in a dumpster. Refrigerators, tyres, chemicals, car batteries, railroad ties, and any other toxic or hazardous materials that could damage the container are all prohibited. Continue reading to learn how to dispose of waste that is not permitted in your roll-off dumpster.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators cannot usually be thrown away because the refrigerant they contain is toxic. Refrigerators can usually be disposed of through your local sanitation department’s bulk debris pickup programme. If your refrigerator has been properly drained by an HVAC professional, you may be able to dispose of it in a dumpster in some areas.
However, if you are only disposing of one refrigerator, it may be simpler to contact an appliance retailer. Some companies will offer free disposal with the purchase of a new appliance.
Hot Water Tanks
Hot water tanks are generally not permitted in dumpster rentals because the void space inside landfills can collect harmful gases. Contact your local waste management department or recycling facility if you need to dispose of a hot water heater or tank.
Tires
Tires cannot be thrown in a dumpster because they can damage the landfill’s structures and equipment. As methane gas accumulates inside the tire’s inner wall, whole tires can “float” to the top of a landfill. Most auto parts stores and municipal waste departments will recycle old tyres into asphalt and other industrial applications. Find a tyre recycler in your area by using this tyre recycling database.
Lacquers and paint cans
Paints and lacquers are not permitted because they may contain lead or mercury, particularly if manufactured prior to the 1990s. Paint thinners, lacquers, and wood stains are all prohibited.
However, dry latex paint can be disposed of in most municipalities if it is wrapped in a plastic bag. Empty paint cans are frequently accepted.
Adhesives
Adhesives, such as glue or epoxy, should not be disposed of in a dumpster because they can bind other materials to the container’s interior. Instead, dispose of these items in your regular household trash or recycling.
Infectious Medical Waste
Materials that have been used in medicine or have come into contact with bodily fluids are examples of infectious waste. Used medical supplies, such as needles and bandages, should be handled by haulers who have a medical waste disposal licence.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials and liquids are not permitted in dumpsters. Asbestos, pesticides, contaminated soils or absorbents, motor oil, other automotive fluids, and medical waste are examples of hazardous waste. Always follow the proper procedures in your area and locate a hazardous waste collection centre near you to dispose of hazardous waste responsibly.
Soils & Absorbents Contaminated
Contaminated soils and absorbents containing hazardous substances cannot be disposed of using standard waste haulers. They must be treated or contained in accordance with federal Superfund guidelines.
Household Cleaners
Chemical cleaners or solvents should never be discarded in a dumpster. Empty containers, on the other hand, are usually accepted as long as they do not contain any residual chemicals.
Oils, Fuels & Propane Tanks
The disposal of propane tanks, fuels, oils, and other flammable materials in a dumpster poses a significant safety risk. These substances are highly combustible, and improper disposal is generally prohibited. For more information on disposal, contact a propane company, your local fire department, or a hazardous material collection centre.
Railroad Ties
Because many railroad ties have been treated with hazardous wood preservatives, they are not permitted in our dumpsters. Most landfills, on the other hand, will accept intact railroad ties. They can also be recycled and reused by organisations like Habitat for Humanity or local businesses in need of landscaping supplies or parking lot bumpers.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a flame retardant that is commonly found in older homes and industrial products. Most states in the United States consider it a carcinogen, which has resulted in landfill bans. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, you should contact a licensed contractor to ensure the safe removal and disposal of the material.
Industrial Drums
Industrial drums are used to store potentially hazardous byproducts of industrial processes. These should be disposed of by haulers who are licensed to handle hazardous waste.
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