Why some items are not allowed
A roll-off dumpster ends up at a landfill, a transfer station or a recycling facility. Each of these has permits that say what it may accept. Items that can leak, catch fire, poison groundwater or harm workers are restricted by federal, state or local rules, and the dumpster provider has to follow the rules of the facility it delivers to. If a forbidden item shows up in your container, the provider may refuse to haul it, remove the item and charge you, or pass on a fine.
The exact list differs by provider and by state, so always ask when you book. The items below are restricted almost everywhere.
Household hazardous waste
The U.S. EPA calls leftover household products that can catch fire, react or explode, or that are corrosive or toxic, household hazardous waste. Typical examples are paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides. EPA’s advice is clear: do not put household hazardous waste in the trash, on the ground or down storm or sewer drains, and use a household hazardous waste collection program instead.
Items in this group that people often find during cleanouts:
- Liquid paint, stains, varnish and paint thinner
- Motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline and other fuels
- Pesticides, herbicides and pool chemicals
- Household cleaners, solvents and adhesives in larger amounts
- Car batteries and rechargeable batteries
- Propane tanks and other pressurized cylinders
- Fluorescent tubes and other bulbs that contain mercury
What to do instead: look for your city or county’s household hazardous waste drop-off or collection day. Many auto parts stores take used motor oil and car batteries. Some areas accept dried-out latex paint in regular trash; check your local rules before you rely on that.
Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners
Appliances that contain refrigerant need special handling. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the refrigerant has to be recovered before the appliance is disposed of, and other hazardous components such as PCBs, mercury and compressor oil must be removed as well, according to the EPA. The final disposer is responsible for making sure the refrigerant has been recovered.
What to do instead: many providers accept appliances only with a surcharge or with proof that the refrigerant has been removed; some do not accept them at all. Utilities, retailers delivering a new appliance, scrap metal recyclers and city bulk programs are other options. Washers, dryers and water heaters without refrigerant are often accepted, sometimes with a fee. Ask first.
Tires
Whole tires are restricted at many landfills because they trap gas and float to the surface, and many states run separate tire recycling programs. Some providers accept a few tires for a per-tire fee; others do not accept them at all. Tire shops usually take old tires for a small fee.
Electronics
TVs, monitors, computers and similar electronics contain metals and components that several states keep out of landfills, and many providers exclude them. Retailer take-back programs and local e-waste events are the usual alternatives.
Asbestos
Many homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos in materials such as old floor tiles, pipe insulation, some ceiling textures, siding and roofing. The EPA advises that asbestos-containing material in good condition is best left alone, and that material you suspect contains asbestos should be sampled and handled by trained, accredited professionals if it will be disturbed during a remodel. Asbestos waste has its own handling and disposal rules and must never go into a regular roll-off.
If you are tearing out old flooring, insulation or siding in an older home and are unsure, stop and have it tested before you demolish.
Lead-based paint debris
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires contractors working on pre-1978 homes to be certified and to follow lead-safe work practices, which include containing and cleaning up dust and debris. If a contractor is doing the work, ask how they handle paint debris; if you are doing it yourself, read the EPA’s guidance before you sand or demolish painted surfaces.
Items that are allowed but cost extra or need their own container
- Mattresses and box springs: often accepted with a per-item fee; some states have mattress recycling programs.
- Concrete, brick, asphalt, dirt and rock: accepted by most providers, but only in small containers because of weight, and often cheaper as a clean load of one material. See dumpsters for concrete and dirt.
- Yard waste, stumps and branches: some providers want them separate from other debris.
- Roofing shingles: accepted almost everywhere, but heavy; watch the weight allowance. See roofing dumpsters.
Where restricted items go instead
| Item | Usual alternative |
|---|---|
| Paint, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals | City or county household hazardous waste drop-off or collection day |
| Motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries | Auto parts stores and service stations that accept them, or HHW drop-off |
| Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units | Retailer haul-away with a new appliance, utility recycling programs, scrap recyclers that recover refrigerant |
| Tires | Tire shops, local tire recycling programs or collection events |
| TVs, computers, monitors | Retailer take-back programs, local e-waste events |
| Propane tanks | Tank exchange locations or propane suppliers |
| Suspected asbestos material | Testing first, then removal and disposal by trained professionals |
Rules and programs differ by city and state. Your city’s solid waste department website is usually the fastest place to find the local drop-off locations and their hours.
Donate before you dump
Not everything in a cleanout or remodel is trash. Usable furniture, cabinets, doors, windows, light fixtures and leftover building materials can often be donated to reuse stores, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores, or to local charities. Many of them pick up larger items. Donating first leaves more room in the container – and sometimes means you can book a smaller one.
What you can put in a dumpster
The good news: most of what a cleanout or remodel produces is fine. Furniture, household junk, carpet and pad, drywall, lumber, cabinets, flooring, doors, windows, fixtures, siding, fencing and most roofing and construction debris are standard dumpster loads. For help choosing a container, see What size dumpster do I need?
A simple checklist before you load
- Walk through the space and set aside anything liquid, pressurized, electronic or with refrigerant.
- Ask the provider for their list of banned and surcharged items.
- Find your local household hazardous waste drop-off for the leftovers.
- If the house is older and you are demolishing old materials, check for asbestos and lead paint first.
- Load heavy material evenly and never above the rim.
Local Dumpster Network is a free referral service. When you call, you are connected with an independent, local provider in your area, who can tell you exactly what they accept.