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What Can't You Put in a Dumpster?

Man Throwing Debris Into a Roll Off Dumpster

Prohibited Items: What Not to Toss in a Dumpster

While our dumpsters accept most everyday waste, it's important to learn what items are prohibited in order to avoid additional fees from the landfill.

Keep in mind that prohibited items may vary depending on your location and container type. There are different restrictions for roll off dumpsters than commercial containers, which are designed for regular trash collection at a business. Reach out to learn more about what items are prohibited in your area.

For questions about a specific item, call our team at 877-814-9748.

Roll Off Dumpster in Front of Historic Brick Building With Trash on Curb

What Is Not Allowed in a Roll Off Dumpster?

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. The list below shows items typically not allowed in a dumpster and explains why they’re prohibited.

Restricted Items

Adhesives
Car Batteries
Fluorescent Lightbulbs
Food Waste
Freon
Hot Water Tanks
Household Cleaners
Inks & Resins
Oils, Fuels & Propane Tanks
Paint and Lacquers
Railroad Ties & Telephone Poles
Tires

Hazardous Waste

Flammable or Ignitable Wastes
Corrosive Wastes
Reactive Wastes
Toxic Wastes
Biohazardous or Infectious Wastes

Need Help Tossing a Specific Material?

Items You Can’t Put in a Commercial Dumpster

While a commercial dumpster can handle most business waste, some restrictions do apply. Hazardous items aren’t allowed in dumpsters for safety reasons. Plus, certain bulky items are too big for regular garbage truck collection or need to be transported to a different landfill. This table shows the debris types that typically can’t go in a commercial dumpster and alternative ways to get rid of them.

Prohibited Item

Disposal Recommendation

Fuels, Oils & Batteries

Contact a hazardous waste disposal service.

Industrial Drums & Liquid Chemicals

Contact a drum disposal or chemical collection service.

Medical Waste

Contact a medical waste collection service.

Tires

Find a local tire recycler or auto shop.

Appliances

Rent a temporary roll off dumpster.

Construction, Remodeling & Roofing Materials

Rent a construction dumpster.

Concrete, Brick, Dirt & Asphalt

Rent a demolition dumpster.

FAQs About Prohibited Items

What things can you not put in a dumpster?

How do I know what isn’t allowed in my container?

What happens if I toss a prohibited item?

Are there restricted items specific to my city or state?

Can I toss hazardous waste in a dumpster?

More Disposal Resources

Use our helpful resources to guide your dumpster rental process, from selecting a dumpster to specific material disposal guides.