Similar to how you can throw a specific set of junk in your trash can, there are also some guidelines to follow for materials that you can throw in a rented dumpster. Some of these regulations are in place due to state and local protocols for efficient waste disposal, while others are required for eco-friendly purposes—avoiding them can wreak havoc to an already deteriorating environment. As a rule of thumb, always make sure to discuss these details with a dumpster rental near your home.

What Are the List of Items That Can Be Tossed in a Rented Dumpster?

Usually, any type of non-hazardous debris or junk is allowed in a rented dumpster. Items such as roof shingles, trash, C&D debris, wood and flooring, can be easily loaded into a dumpster without any issues. With other items, such as furniture, electronics, or appliances, there are certain complications. Here is a complete rundown on the common items.

1. Household Junk

If you have recently decluttered your home, then you can toss away most of the household junk—pots and pans, toys, clothing, and old knickknacks in the dumpster.

For malfunctioned electronics, such as computers, laptops, or printers, you will find no restriction, unless there are too many hardware devices. Such a use case requires special recycling, known as e-waste, which comes at a higher cost. 

2. Wooden Furniture

Chairs, tables, and sofas are mostly allowed to be loaded into the dumpsters. But, not all landfills allow upholstered furniture, and some can even decline mattresses. You might be required to pay additional fees to put them in the dumpster. Therefore, it is advised to call a dumpster rental near your home and ask them about their policy on furniture removal.

3. Construction Debris

You can easily throw brick, asphalt, concrete, and other heavy debris in a rented dumpster. However, they tend to weigh a lot in a significant number of cases, so you might have to invest in a 20 cubic yard dumpster at a bare minimum. To accommodate more weight, you can always go for the 30 or 40 cubic yard dumpster.

Often, heavy debris that you unload in a dumpster turns out to be asphalt roofing shingles. When it comes to disposal, it is hard to manage shingles in terms of weight so you may have to pay more.

Lastly, renovation debris always goes into rented dumpsters. You can always make space for siding, wooden materials, drywall, and C&D debris in your dumpsters.

4. Batteries

With the exception of California, each U.S. state allows you to place regular batteries in a rented dumpster.  A few decades ago, the recycling of single-use batteries was in full swing. At the time, alkaline batteries were made of mercury, which is dangerous for the environment. Nowadays, state and federal standards have been relaxed—allowing you to put alkaline batteries in a dumpster.

5. Drained Appliances

AC units, dryers, and washers can be placed in a dumpster, but there is an important condition: you have to hire a professional technician to drain hazardous fluids and components out of them. Similarly, if you intend to load your refrigerator in the dumpster, then it has to be fully drained off freon. 

6. Event Waste

If you are currently involved in a cleanup job after a late night party or any festival, it is likely that you have to deal with food waste. Usually, little amounts of food waste are accepted by dumpster rental companies.

However, some places prohibit food waste entirely. This means that you have two options:

  • Pay extra fees for food waste
  • Locate a composting center that can dispose of your organic waste

7. Dirt

Each state has a different take on dirt disposal. Some allow you to dispose them on rented dumpsters, whereas others don’t.

8. Yard Waste

Grass, brush, branches, and trees are not always accepted by dumpster companies. The regulatory authorities of your local area can make this decision, whereas in other cases, it is not simply not possible to get rid of a large amount of dispose waste in a landfill.

Environmental Tips to Follow for the Disallowed Items

If any of your items is not allowed in the dumpster, then you can consider the following.

  • If your appliances or TVs are not accepted by a dumpster rental company, then you can give them to a local charity.
  • Look for an e-waste recycler to recycle or donate e-waste, such as tablets, phones, and computers.
  • If you used motor oil, send it away to an oil change facility.
  • In most cases, auto repair shops can perform the recycling of car batteries. You might even receive a deposit—if you return it to the place from where you bought it.
  • Go to a tire changing facility and present your used tires for salvaging.

Note: Non-stick cooking spray, hairspray or similar aerosol can only be thrown in a rented dumpster if they are fully empty. However, explosion risks are always there for filled cans, even if the aerosol can is partially full.

Final Thoughts

Although this mini-guide went over the allowed items in a dumpster with a detailed rundown, but each municipality has its own rules and regulations. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your local authorities to get an idea of what can be dropped in a dumpster. 

Get in touch with Century Waste Management if you are looking for a dumpster rental near your home in MI. We offer all kinds of residential and commercial dumpster services across different towns and cities in Michigan. Moreover, we will also help you to reap the rewards of concrete recycling.

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