What Can You Throw in a Dumpster?

What you put into a dumpster impacts the price you pay as well as the environment.

Most household and construction debris can be thrown into a roll-off container. Modern landfills are well-equipped to keep contaminants contained and prevent leaching.

However, some materials are regulated or banned by various local and federal regulations in order to protect people and the environment. Breaking these regulations can result in unwanted additional fees and other penalties.

This guide will answer the question of what you can and can't throw into a dumpster. We did our best to make the list below as comprehensive as possible, but if you still need help determining what is accepted in your area, contact Sourgum Waste, and we'll be happy to help. 

If you are ready to rent an affordable dumpster in your area, place your order today!

The short answer to “what can you throw in a dumpster” is: almost any non-hazardous material from your home, yard, or construction site. Below is a list of the most universally accepted materials, along with some exceptions.

Household junk

A good rule of thumb is, if you can throw it out in your trash can, you can throw it in the dumpster. Things like old blankets, toys, curtains, rugs, and similar non-organic trash can all be put in a dumpster. 

While you can throw in things like cardboard or old books, we urge you to sort and recycle those materials instead to help out the environment. Check out our full list of recyclable materials to learn more.

Furniture

Typically, all furniture — including couches, dressers, and tables — is allowed in a dumpster. There are, however, some counties where mattresses and upholstery furniture are not allowed in landfills, or disposing of them comes with additional fees.

If you are unsure if you can dispose of mattresses or upholstery furniture in your local area, be sure to contact us for help.

Appliances

Most appliances can be thrown into a dumpster; ovens, washers, dryers, etc., are all acceptable. However, any components containing hazardous fluids must be removed first.

For example, older refrigerators contain freon, a chemical that erodes the ozone layer, which must be safely removed and disposed of separately and properly. For more information on how to properly dispose of hazardous components, check out the EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal program.

If you have an appliance that still has some life in it, you can also try using an app like OfferUp to divert waste from the landfill entirely.

Renovation debris

Material from your home renovation project — drywall, siding, and studs, etc. — can be disposed of in your dumpster. Just be sure not to include anything from the “What Can't I Put in a Dumpster” section.

Renovation waste tends to be heavier. Make sure that you have a dumpster with an adequate ton limit or know the overage fee pricing for your area. Learn more about dumpster pricing and weight limits to avoid surprises on your bill.

Yard waste

Brush, branches, logs, and other wood can be placed in a dumpster. There are some counties, though, that will limit how much organic waste can go in. Be sure to contact us to find out the limits for your town.

Pro Tip: In most counties, you will receive a discounted rate for dumpsters that are all one material. If you are disposing of just yard waste, make sure to select the appropriate material at our checkout page.

All hazardous materials are prohibited from going into the dumpster. This includes materials that can be toxic or pose a safety hazard, such as wet paint, asbestos, sealed tanks, or flammables. This helps protect hard-working men and women, as well as our environment.

Always remember to ask when in doubt. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Don't risk the chance of getting extra fees or harming others.

Asbestos

Asbestos can be found in older homes and is considered a carcinogen. A majority of U.S. landfills have banned it, and many states have strict regulations around disposing of it.

If you have asbestos, you should contact a licensed contractor to ensure safe removal. 

We can provide you with an asbestos dumpster with specialty lining and loading instructions to ensure proper disposal. Contact us for details.

Paints, stains, and lacquers

Paints, stains, and lacquers may contain lead or mercury and are prohibited from landfills and dumpsters. Use PaintCare to find drop-off locations for your leftover paint.

However, placing dried and solidified latex paints into the dumpster is ok if it is first wrapped in a plastic bag. Empty paint cans are also allowed in the container, but placing them in the recycling bin is a more eco-friendly option.

Pro Tip: If you have paint cans that still contain liquid paint, mixing in some kitty litter will dry them right up.

Electronics

Electronics should not be placed in dumpsters. Some areas allow for electronics to be thrown into the container, but many states have e-waste recycling and prohibit it from landfills. Putting TVs, computers, printers, and other electronics in a dumpster can incur an additional charge based on your area.

You can donate or recycle most electronics. Many states, like New Jersey, have robust and easy-to-use e-waste programs. 

Batteries

Car batteries and lithium batteries cannot go into a dumpster because they can leak chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Old car batteries can be taken to almost any store that sells them. Lithium batteries can be recycled at most big-box stores in the designated drop-off bins.

While small alkaline batteries (AA's, AAA's, etc.) can be placed in the dumpster, we ask that you also bring these to drop-off bins as they can still harm the environment as well as cause fires.

Contaminated soil

Contaminated soil, soil that has been mixed with hazardous substances, cannot be thrown into the dumpster. They must be contained or treated per Federal Superfund Guidelines and be handled by a certified hauler.

Contact us if you have contaminated soil, and we will help you properly dispose of it.

Fuels, oils, and propane tanks

Flammable materials like gasoline, diesel, fuels, oils, and propane tanks are highly combustible. They present a serious safety risk to drivers, landfill workers, and you. They are not allowed in dumpsters, and disposing of them improperly is illegal in most areas.

Contact a propane company, a hazardous material collection center, or your local fire department for information on how to properly dispose of them in your area.

Hot water tanks

Hot water tanks can collect harmful landfill gases inside them and are not allowed in every landfill. Contact us if you need to dispose of your hot water heater.

Other hazardous waste

Hazardous materials and liquids must be handled properly and cannot go into a normal dumpster. Some examples of hazardous materials would be medical waste, pesticides, household cleaners, ink, and resins. 

If you have a large amount of these materials, you can contact us to be serviced by a certified Hazardous Waste Hauler.

If you have only a few hazardous waste materials, most areas hold community collection events where you can drop off the hazardous materials for proper disposal. Contact a local hazardous materials collection center for more information about the proper procedure in your area.

Q: Can you throw tires into a dumpster?

A: Many landfills ban tires, and placing a tire into the dumpster can result in a monetary fine.

Most tire dealers and auto parts stores will accept your old tires.

Q: Can you throw a TV in the dumpster?

A: It is discouraged to put electronic waste into a dumpster. It is best to keep them out of landfills as they have components that can leach toxic material into the ground. If you have a large number of electronics, you will be required to recycle them as e-waste.

However, if you have one or two TVs or other personal electronic devices, most towns will allow them in a dumpster. There are some areas where local regulations strictly prohibit any e-waste from being put into a dumpster.

Q: Can I throw a mattress in a dumpster?

A: It depends on your area. Some towns allow mattresses into the landfill, while others prohibit them, and doing so will result in additional charges. Contact us to learn if your mattress can go into the dumpster.

Q: Can I put yard waste in a dumpster?

A: Yes, in most areas, you can dispose of yard waste like branches, brush, logs, and other organic debris in a dumpster. However, some local regulations limit the amount of organic waste allowed.

Q: What should I know about dumpster rental rules before ordering?

A: Dumpster rental rules cover what you can throw away, weight limits, how long you can keep the dumpster, and local guidelines about placement. 

You’ll want to avoid hazardous materials like paints, chemicals, batteries, and asbestos, and check if you need a permit for placing the dumpster on a street or public property. Exceeding weight limits or throwing in prohibited items can lead to extra fees.