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What Doesn’t Go in a Dumpster

If you’re renting a dumpster before a big renovation, whole-house decluttering or performing other major tasks, it’s easy to just start throwing anything and everything into the bin. However, when we pick up a dumpster, it’s delivered to a landfill and not everything is accepted because it can be a danger to the environment or public safety. Did you know that putting items in a dumpster that are dangerous can lead to hefty fines?

To help you “know before you throw,” we’re sharing what you can and can’t toss into a dumpster. 

What Can I Put in a Dumpster?

If you are using a dumpster rental for residential use, most of what you need to get rid of can go in. This includes: 

  • Roofing waste like shingles, underlayment, and wood
  • Construction debris, including drywall, flooring, tile, old bathroom fixtures, and countertops
  • Yard waste, like branches, leaves, and old plants
  • Wood or particleboard furniture
  • Household junk, like pots and pans, toys, old clothes, broken counter appliances (toasters, microwaves, crockpots)
  • Lumber and wood waste
  • Empty aerosol cans

Check With Your Local Rental Company

Depending on where you live determines a lot of what can go in the dumpster. Certain items are dependent on local laws – in some places items are fine to go in a dumpster, while in others it’s illegal.

Items That Can’t Go in a Dumpster

When you rent a dumpster, the following items could damage the container and create a safety or environmental hazard. 

Recycling: 

  • Tires
  • Car batteries
  • Ink cartridges
  • Hot water tanks

Hazardous Waste 

  • Refrigerators – contact your local sanitation department about bulk debris pickup
  • Medical waste
  • Asbestos
  • Contaminated soil from pesticides or other chemicals
  • Oil and fuel tanks
  • Industrial drums
  • Household cleaners (empty containers are fine) 

If you’re not certain what the rental company will and will not accept, be sure to ask rather than assume something is fine. 

Contact Wall Recycling to Rent a Dumpster for Your Next Project

At Wall Recycling, we have a wide range of dumpsters available for rent in all sizes. To schedule a rental or learn specifically about what we can at our locations in Raleigh, Durham, Franklinton, Wilmington, Goldsboro, WilsonApex, Fayetteville and the surrounding area, give us a call at (919) 582-7777

Not in these specific areas? We also serve Chapel Hill, Siler City, Rocky Mount, Wake Forest, Cary, Clayton, Garner, Knightdale, Greenville, and beyond. Call us today at (919) 582-7777 to check if we service your North Carolina location.