What Items Cannot Be Placed Into a Dumpster?

Renting a dumpster can be a game changer during a large renovation or home cleanout. Knowing what items cannot be placed in a dumpster, however, is just as important as knowing what can go in. Avoid local fines, additional dumpster fees, and even potentially dangerous situations by keeping these no-go items on your list before starting your project.

What Items Cannot Be Placed Into a Dumpster?

With such a large range of items in and around our home, tossing everything in a dumpster is not always possible. Local environmental and safety regulations set rules for items and chemicals that could pose a hazard to the landfill, groundwater, or the surrounding area. 

In general, these items include chemicals, oils, combustibles, food waste, cleaners, and many appliances. In other cases, landscape waste and tires also don't make the cut. All liquids, organic materials such as food, and recyclables may have special instructions as well.

Every company and city sets its own rules about what cannot be placed in a dumpster. Regulations also depend on the type and size of the dumpster you need. After you find the best dumpster company near you, it's critical to check their unique list of prohibited items.

Batteries

Nearly all batteries require specialized waste disposal for hazardous materials. Not only do they include harmful chemicals that can leach into groundwater, but they can be combustible as well. Batteries that should stay out of dumpsters include:

• Alkaline batteries

• Rechargeable batteries

• Car batteries

• Appliances with batteries

• Electronics with batteries

Cleaning Products

You may be tempted to toss your bottle of all-purpose cleaner in the dumpster at the end of your deep clean. However, household and commercial cleaners require special disposal to avoid environmental harm. And while you can put the empty, rinsed-out bottles in some dumpsters, most companies prefer you avoid mixing recyclables. Here are some examples.

• Bleach

• Window cleaners

• All-purpose cleaners

• Floor wax

• Laundry detergent

Paint and Lead Paint Debris

Paint cans, old and new, will need a different home than your dumpster. It is also important to check construction debris for lead paint before tossing it in the mix. Dried paint without lead, however, is often acceptable. Painted-related items that cannot go in a dumpster include:

• Paint cans with liquid paint

• Paint thinner

• Lacquers

• Lead-based paid debris

• Wood stain

Landscape Chemicals

Perhaps unsurprisingly at this point, landscape products that contain hazardous chemicals should also stay out of dumpsters. Whether they are in liquid or granular form, avoid these to be safe.

• Pesticides

• Herbicides

• Fungicides

• Rodenticides

• Fertilizer

Other Hazardous Chemicals

Chemicals can sneak into a range of household items, particularly appliances, office equipment, and old car parts. Even tires make the list because they require specialized recycling. Here are liquids and materials with harmful products to look out for.

• Inks and Resins (in printers or cartridges)

• Fluorescent light bulbs

• Adhesives

• Epoxies

• Oils

• Fuels

• Tires

• Freon (and other refrigerant)

• Flammable liquids

• Medical waste

• Antifreeze

• Asbestos

• Barrels that contained chemicals

Appliances and Electronics

Since nearly all appliances and electronics include one of the items above on our list, they often require specialized disposal. In some cases, the company supplying your new appliance will pick up the old one. In others, it's best to dispose of appliances with help from your municipality. 

Your town may also offer e-waste drop-off days, though what is considered e-waste may vary from town to town.

Here are some examples of both categories that shouldn't go in a dumpster.

• Refrigerators

• Dishwashers

• Air conditioners

• Washers/Dryers

• Garbage disposals

• Hot water heaters

• Furnaces

• Printers

• Computers

• Phones

• Televisions

• DVD players

Food and Organic Waste

It is best to keep food out of your dumpster for practical reasons, particularly because decomposing food can attract insects and rodents. When applying for a dumpster permit, you may need to verify that you will not put anything in your dumpster that could attract pests and endanger you or your neighbors.

Keep in mind that, in some cases, a dumpster company will not allow you to place yard waste in your dumpster, but this often depends on your contract and local laws on composting. Items in this category include:

• Soil

• Mulch

• Grass

• Leaves

• Compost

• Branches

• Food

• Beverages

• Dirty food containers

Refer to this table if you’re unsure whether something should go into a dumpster.

What to Do With Items That Can't Be Thrown in a Dumpster

So, what do you do with all the stuff that you can’t throw into a dumpster? Well, you have a few options. Call a junk removal company near you to see if they’ll haul away your items—these companies often have special services to dispose of materials that can’t go into their dumpsters.

If you’ve got hazardous materials, you’ll need to find a company that offers specialty hazardous waste removal services. You should always leave hazardous waste disposal to the pros, as it can be dangerous and often requires special disposal methods. If your dumpster rental company doesn’t allow tires, you can often bring them to a local auto shop or tire recycler.