Category: Prohibited Items

Mattresses are the single most surcharged item in dumpster rentals. Here’s why — and the free alternatives that exist in most cities. Why mattresses are special Mattresses cost more to dispose of than they look like they should. The reasons: Volume: a typical mattress takes up 20-30 cubic feet, more than a single piece of…

Wet paint in a dumpster is a hazardous waste violation. But the alternatives are surprisingly easy — and most are free. Why liquid paint is prohibited Wet paint, paint thinner, and most painting chemicals are classified as hazardous waste under EPA regulations. The reasons: Liquids in landfills leak through plastic liners and contaminate groundwater Oil-based…

All batteries are not equal. Some go in regular trash, some are illegal in landfills, and one type can start fires in your dumpster. Here’s the breakdown. Battery types and disposal rules Alkaline batteries (single-use AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) Generally acceptable in regular trash and dumpsters in most states. Major exception: California requires all…

Half of US states ban electronics from landfills. Here’s the full list — plus the free recycling options that exist in nearly every market. Why electronics are banned from landfills Electronic devices contain materials that cause environmental harm if landfilled: Lead in CRT television and monitor glass Mercury in flat-panel display backlights and circuit boards…

Whole tires are banned from nearly every landfill in the US. Here’s why — and the cheap, simple alternatives that exist in almost every city. Why tires can’t go in dumpsters or landfills Tires are banned from landfills for two specific reasons: 1. They float. Tires trap methane gas as garbage decomposes around them. The…

You can’t just toss an old fridge in a dumpster. Federal law requires Freon removal first — and skipping it is a federal violation. Here’s how to handle it correctly. Why refrigerators are special Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerant gases — most commonly Freon (R-22 or R-410a). When these gases leak into…

Yard waste is technically allowed in most dumpsters, but the rules around it cause more confusion than almost any other material category. Here’s what’s actually allowed. Why yard waste has special rules Yard waste — branches, leaves, grass, brush, dirt, sod, and stumps — is technically organic and biodegradable. In an ideal world, it goes…

Half the disputes between homeowners and dumpster companies start with one item that shouldn’t have gone in. Here’s the definitive list — plus where to dispose of the things that can’t. The general rule and the exceptions Most non-hazardous household and construction debris is allowed in a standard dumpster rental. Furniture, drywall, wood, flooring, packaging,…