What Items Can't Be Placed Into a Dumpster: A Disposal Guide

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And how many times have you just thrown something in the rubbish bin or even just chucked it into a bin, without thinking about what things don’t belong in a dumpster? On one hand, hygiene comes into question of course, but even more important is safety and legality. There are a number of flammable, toxic or oil-based materials and, if not disposed of correctly, it will leak and go into the soil under the dumpster site, not to mention into the water table.

Rules vary by where you live and, in some cases, by each individual dumpster contractor, so you really can’t ‘wing it’ or you will be fined big time (and go to jail if your business is caught enough times). Dumpster rules aren’t to be taken lightly, and overlooking can be expensive. Things like paint thinners, pesticides and other chemicals have to be diverted from the regular dumpsters to hazardous recycling centres or taken to special service points for recycling or disposal. Hazardous materials will be taken in for re-use or deconstruction only if identified and separated. The environment remains safe, and the deconstruction/re-use is safer.

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The Usual Suspects: Banned from the Bin

What can you throw in a dumpster? Pretty much anything. Well, almost anything. Here’s a list of all the usual suspects.

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Danger Zone: Hazardous Waste

You wouldn’t put a barrel of toxic waste into a dumpster. Anything that reacts with cement to release dangerous fumes is illegal. Chemicals that burn, flammable liquids and things that you use only in a lab, such as paints, oils, and battery acids, cannot go into a trash heap. They might catch fire, explode, or react with other chemicals in a toxic and dangerous way. It is illegal to put hazardous waste in a dumpster. There are businesses that can help remove these kinds of waste safely.

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Too Big for the Bin: Bulky Items

You might wonder – are you allowed to put furniture in a dumpster or can you actually toss furniture in a dumpster? Whenever it comes to large items, it will all depend. Things such as mattresses, appliances, furniture normally do no fit or take up way too much space and therefore make the container inefficient. If you are planning on buying a bathtub or any other kind of a heavy bulky item, call a bulk waste pickup service or a junk removal company that will give you a hand out. This will insure you not to waste any dumpster space.

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Nature's Leftovers: Organic & Yard Waste

Organic waste (including grass clippings, sticks, leaves and food scraps) are also not intended for dumpsters. Organic waste is stinky and attracts rodents and bugs; it is also typically disposed of separately through ‘organic waste’ recycling programmes. See if your local composting lists what to avoid in a dumpster and whether organic materials are accepted in your community.

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Tech Trash: Electronic Waste

You are wondering, can you put a TV in a dumpster or can you throw TVs in the dumpster? The answer to both of those questions is no. Electronics such as TVs, computers, and phones contain chemicals that can seep into the environment. E-waste, or electronic waste, needs to be taken to particular recycling centres that specialise in that type of waste. So, the next time you are wondering ‘can a TV go in the dumpster, or can you throw TVs in the dumpster’, know to look up an e-waste recycling event or centre instead. 

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Know the Rules: Local Disposal Regulations

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Different regions have different dumpster rules. No matter if the material in question is lumber for a construction job or leftover scraps from a home renovation, and no matter if you are a commercial contractor or a homeowner, it is important to know what can you throw in a dumpster and what can’t go in a dumpster. Most commonly, either the dumpster rental company or your local municipality will list the materials that are allowed and the materials that you cannot dispose of in a dumpster. You should always check the rules to avoid fines and environmental damage.

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Play by the Book: Why Compliance Matters

Not having followed the dumpster guidelines can easily cause you a penalty, or worse, a lawsuit. Such things as: “Can something toxic like needles be put in, there are disposal guidelines that must be followed so that no laws are broken.

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Location, Location, Location: Rules Can Change

The laws and regulations regarding what you can throw out in a dumpster vary from place to place. Just because a town makes it legal to toss a toilet in a dumpster or a certain type of construction debris into a dumpster doesn’t mean that policy applies everywhere. What can you put in a rented dumpster and what can you throw in a dumpster rental? The potential or the actual dumping of batteries, metal, trash, or any other miscellaneous items are just a few examples of the penalties you could face as someone who rented the roll off dumpster not knowing the dumpster rental rules. Your dumpster rental company could put together a helpful checklist that informs you what you can and cannot legally toss out in a dumpster.

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The Bigger Picture: Health & Environmental Risks

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If something is not thrown into a bin, people can become sick and pollute the planet! Throwing a television or hazardous material into a dumpster can lead to a fire or a chemical reaction, or contaminate local water. Dumpster rules exist to keep everyone safe, and how to throw things away in a dumpster is very important.

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Oops!: Consequences of Improper Disposal

For instance, putting the wrong products into a dumpster can have hazardous effects, such as an old TV, or chemicals, that can result in legal fees and ecological failures.

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Before your throw away something in a dumpster, first ask questions, such as: can you put furniture in a dumpster, can you throw a TV in a dumpster, what can go in a dumpster?

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To throw away safely, don’t throw on the basis of guesses before you verify.

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Do Your Part: Responsible Waste Solutions

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For one, ensure you don’t toss unwanted furniture, old boxes, chemicals and other forbidden materials into the dumpster by asking the county station or local dumpster rental company. They will be able to give you a clear list of the prohibited materials like televisions, dangerous waste, bulky furniture and more, so you can waste as little as possible and make the most use of your money.

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Beyond the Bin: Other Disposal Options

If you can’t donate them, try to repurpose them or recycle them rather than dumping them in the bin. Often, items you want to throw away – furniture or old electronics, for instance – can be donated or taken to a recycling centre.

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Give it a New Life: Recycling

Channel recycling: It’s great for all the things that you can’t put out at the curb – TVs, commercial or residential electronics, and some plastics and metals To be safe, if you’re ever not sure what goes in dumpsters, just always recycle!

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The Price of Mistakes: Improper Disposal Penalties

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Failure to dispose of it appropriately results in fines or even jail time — if you put things in the wrong dumpster or otherwise violate dumpster rules and regs, your local authorities will be sure to get involved. Any questions regarding what can you toss in a dumpster rental? Ask your dumpster rental company. They'll know the answer! 

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The Law's on Your Case: Legal Trouble

But throwing out toxic waste or prohibited/restricted items, such as TVs, into the dumpster can bring you major fines. Find out if a TV can go in a dumpster and what can you put in a dumpster rental to avoid penalties.

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Mother Nature's Not Happy: Environmental Damage

Putting the wrong items in the dumpster constitutes a literal dumping crime, but innocently throwing away damaged electronics or old cleaners can release toxic chemicals into the soil and water, causing irreversible environmental damage.

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The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways

Lots of things can’t legally be dumped in a dumpster – there’s good reason for the rules about dumpsters: everyone benefits! If it’s a question of ‘What can go in a dumpster’, or ‘What can you throw in a dumpster?’ check the rules.

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