When it comes to your rented dumpster, it’s important to discuss the type(s) of waste or debris you’re disposing of with your rental provider. This is because there are guidelines to follow regarding waste disposal. So, what can you throw away in a dumpster? These rules are in place for environmental reasons as well as jurisdictional regulations related to the disposal of waste.
What Can You Throw Away in a Dumpster?
In this article, we’ll discuss what you can throw away in a dumpster. Ultimately, this should help you understand what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Most nonhazardous waste, debris or junk is permitted. Some of the items allowed include trash, wood, furniture, flooring, yard wastes, appliances (some exceptions), construction & demolition debris, siding and roofing shingles.
Household Junk
Furniture
Chairs, tables, couches – you can dump almost all types of furniture in dumpsters. However, some locations don’t allow upholstered furniture and mattresses in landfills while others allow you to do so at an additional fee. It’s crucial to check with your dumpster provider about the types of furniture they allow in containers.
Appliances
Dryers, washers, AC units, refrigerators – most general household appliances are allowed to be thrown in a dumpster, but all hazardous components and fluids, like freon, must be removed first. If you wish to get rid of an appliance containing freon, for example, you’ll need to hire a professional, like a HVAC pro or specialist, to get rid of the refrigerant before disposing of it.
Electronics
You can dump printers, computers, TVs and other electronics in most dumpsters, but if they’re in large quantities such as in an office, chances are you’ll be required to recycle them as e-waste. In such cases, additional charges will be applied per item to cover recycling fees.
Be sure to check with your dumpster rental provider because some regulations don’t allow electronics to be tossed in dumpsters at all.
Yard Waste
Green waste such as trees, grass and branches is allowed in most dumpsters. However, that usually depends on your area’s regulations. For instance, some locations have a limit on the amount of green waste you can send to a landfill while others allow you to fill a dumpster to its limit.
Other
Non-organic trash such as cardboard, old documents, carpeting, curtains and toys can also be put in a dumpster.
Construction Debris
Brick, Asphalt, Concrete and Stone
You’re allowed to throw heavy debris, like brick, asphalt and concrete in most dumpsters, but some companies require that specific dumpsters are used for heavy materials.
Roofing Shingles
Asphalt shingles can usually go in a dumpster. However, some jurisdiction charges a fee for shingle disposal, so be sure to talk to your rental dumpster provider and establish whether or not they charge extra for disposing roofing shingle.
Renovation Debris
Wooden materials, siding, drywall and other construction and demolition debris can go in dumpsters.
Bottom Line
With the tips mentioned above, you can now answer the question: what can you throw away in a dumpster? To ensure you get the best deal, it helps to learn more about dumpster pricing and sizes from the pros such as our team at Junk Slayers LLC. The ideal dumpster will depend on the size of your project and the type of debris you have.
