What Can't You Put in a Dumpster?
Learn about prohibited, restricted and hazardous items to keep you and your roll-off dumpster safe — and avoid fees.
The Complete Guide to Prohibited Items
While you can toss most household junk and construction debris in a roll-off dumpster rental, a few restrictions apply. Usually, this is because some items must be handled separately from other debris for environmental or safety reasons.
It's important to learn what items are prohibited in order to avoid additional fees from the landfill and keep you and your dumpster safe.
Why Do Prohibited Items for Dumpsters Vary by Location?
Prohibited items may vary depending on your location because of local disposal laws, landfill capabilities or regional environmental concerns. Some materials can never go in a roll-off dumpster due to environmental safety, such as hazardous waste. Other items, like yard debris, may be accepted in some areas but not others.
Restricted Materials
Depending on your location, some items may not be allowed in your dumpster. If you're tossing the following materials, make sure to check with your local municipality to see if they're allowed ahead of time.
Mattresses & Box Springs
You can only toss mattresses and box springs in some locations. If they're allowed in your dumpster, there may be additional fees because these items require extra processing at the landfill.
Appliances
In some areas, you can throw away appliances in your roll-off dumpster, but there may be an extra fee. Keep in mind that refrigerators usually can't go in a dumpster and hot water tanks are never allowed in a bin.
Upholstered Furniture
You may be allowed to toss upholstered furniture like couches in your roll-off container. Reach out to our team to confirm which pieces of furniture you can toss in your area.
Electronics
It's best to avoid putting electronics in a dumpster because many of them contain hazardous materials. Check with your local municipality ahead of time to see if your area accepts any electronics at the landfill.
Tree Stumps
Tree stumps may be accepted in your area, but there could be size restrictions or extra processing fees per stump.
Dirt
Some areas allow you to toss dirt in a dumpster for disposal. However, if the dirt is contaminated, you cannot dispose of it in a dumpster because it will pollute the soil at the landfill.
Prohibited Items
The following materials are never allowed in a roll-off dumpster, no matter where you live. These prohibited items may cause fires, damage the landfill or dumpster, or need to be processed separately from your typical household and construction debris to ensure everyone's safety.
Car Batteries
Car batteries, as well as lithium batteries, cannot go in a dumpster because they can leak harmful chemicals. Take old car batteries to a local recycler or auto shop.
Tires
Most landfills don't accept tires because they can trap gases and take a long time to decompose. Tires can also float to the top of the landfill, harming the landfill's structure. Contact your local municipality, an auto parts store or tire dealership for disposal.
Railroad Ties
Materials like railroad ties and telephone poles are treated with harmful wood preservatives and aren't allowed in our dumpsters.
Hot Water Tanks
Hot water tanks are not accepted in any dumpster because they can contain harmful gases that increase the risk of explosion. Other hot water heater disposal options include selling, scrapping or donating.
Inks & Resins
Inks and resins used in pens and printers can damage equipment and stain the interior of dumpsters. These are best disposed of through recycling centers or retailers with drop-off services.
Paint and Lacquers
Full or partially full cans of wet paint cannot go in a dumpster, including paint thinners, lacquers or wood stains. However, in most areas, you can dispose of dry latex paint as long as you wrap the sealed can in a plastic bag.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous materials are never accepted in dumpsters or landfills due to environmental regulations. If disposed of improperly, these items can release toxic fumes or leak chemicals into the soil or groundwater. Get in touch with your local municipality or solid waste agency to find a hazardous waste disposal site near you.
Flammable or Ignitable Waste
Flammable or ignitable waste starts fires easily or can quickly intensify an existing fire, so they must be thrown away properly.
Corrosive Waste
Corrosive waste is any very acidic or basic material that can cause severe harm to human skin and even erode metal containers, like dumpsters and trash cans.
Biohazardous or Infectious Waste
Biohazardous waste consists of potentially infectious materials or substances, such as blood. Of special concern is sharp waste such as needles and blades.
Toxic Waste
Toxic materials can be dangerous or lethal if ingested or exposed to the skin. Some toxic waste may cause severe eye or skin irritation and respiratory troubles.
Reactive Waste
Reactive waste is unstable in normal environments and may explode under regular pressure, in normal temperatures or when exposed to water.
Chemical Waste
Chemical waste includes laboratory chemicals, pesticides, and cleaning solvents that can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of properly.
Need Help Tossing a Specific Material?
Our team is here to help you determine what can and can't go in your dumpster rental.
FAQs About Prohibited Items
How do I know what isn't allowed in my dumpster?
When you rent a dumpster from CityDumpster, we'll provide you with a comprehensive list of prohibited items specific to your location. You can also check with your local municipality for additional restrictions.
What happens if I dispose of a prohibited item?
If you dispose of prohibited items, you may face additional fees from the landfill or disposal facility. In some cases, the entire load may be rejected, resulting in extra transportation and disposal costs.
How do I get rid of hazardous waste?
Contact your local municipality or environmental agency to find a hazardous waste disposal facility near you. Many communities have special collection days for hazardous materials, and some retailers accept certain items for recycling.
What should I do if I'm unsure about a specific item?
When in doubt, call our customer service team at +1 (650) 271-6181. We're happy to help you determine whether an item can be disposed of in your dumpster or if you need to find an alternative disposal method.