What Can & Can't Go in a Dumpster? The Complete 2026 Guide
Know before you throw. Putting the wrong items in your dumpster can result in contamination fees of $75-250+. This guide covers everything you can dispose of, what's prohibited, and alternatives for items that can't go in the dumpster.
The General Rule
If it's non-hazardous and you could throw it in your regular trash can (just in larger quantity), it can probably go in the dumpster. When in doubt, ask first!
What You CAN Put in a Dumpster
These items are generally accepted in roll-off dumpsters. Always check for local variations.
🏠Household Items
- Furniture (couches, chairs, tables, dressers)
- Mattresses and box springs*
- Clothing and textiles
- Books, magazines, paper products
- Toys and sporting equipment
- Pots, pans, kitchenware
- Rugs and carpeting
- Curtains and blinds
- Small decor items
- Non-electronic appliances (toasters, blenders)
*May incur additional fee in some areas
🔨Construction & Renovation Debris
- Lumber and wood scraps
- Drywall and sheetrock
- Roofing shingles (asphalt)
- Siding materials (vinyl, wood)
- Flooring (carpet, tile, hardwood, laminate)
- Cabinets and countertops
- Doors (interior and exterior)
- Windows (glass removed recommended)
- Trim, molding, baseboards
- Insulation (non-asbestos)
- Plumbing fixtures (sinks, tubs)
- Light fixtures
Heavy materials may affect weight limits
🌿Yard Waste
- Tree branches and limbs
- Shrubs and bushes
- Grass clippings
- Leaves and mulch
- Small stumps (check size limits)
- Dirt and soil (non-contaminated)*
- Sod and turf
- Fencing materials
- Deck wood
- Landscape timbers
*Heavy—watch weight limits. Some areas restrict soil.
🧱Heavy Materials (Weight Limits Apply)
- Concrete and cement
- Brick and block
- Asphalt pieces
- Stone and rock
- Ceramic tile
- Porcelain fixtures
IMPORTANT: These fill weight limits fast. 1 cubic yard of concrete = ~4,000 lbs. Consider dedicated heavy debris load.
Weight Matters: Heavy Materials Guide
Some accepted materials are very heavy and can exceed your weight allowance before filling the dumpster. Know these weights to avoid overage fees.
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Watch Out? |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete/Brick | 3,000-4,000 lbs | Heavy! |
| Soil/Dirt | 2,000-2,500 lbs | Heavy! |
| Roofing Shingles | 2,000-2,500 lbs | Heavy! |
| Drywall | 500-800 lbs | ✓ Generally OK |
| Wood/Lumber | 300-600 lbs | ✓ Generally OK |
| Household Junk | 200-400 lbs | ✓ Generally OK |
| Cardboard/Paper | 100-200 lbs | ✓ Generally OK |
What You CAN'T Put in a Dumpster
These items are prohibited due to environmental, safety, or legal reasons. We've included proper disposal alternatives for each.
☠️Hazardous Materials
Why prohibited: Environmental contamination, legal requirements
| Item | Proper Disposal |
|---|---|
| Paints, stains, varnishes | Local HHW collection events, paint recyclers |
| Solvents and thinners | Hazardous waste facility |
| Motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid | Auto parts stores (free), service stations |
| Pesticides and herbicides | HHW collection events |
| Cleaning chemicals | HHW events, use up before disposal |
| Pool chemicals | HHW facility |
| Propane tanks | Propane dealers, scrap metal yards |
| Asbestos materials | Licensed asbestos contractor required |
💻Electronics (E-Waste)
Why prohibited: Contains hazardous materials, recyclable components
| Item | Proper Disposal |
|---|---|
| Computers and laptops | E-waste recyclers, Best Buy, Staples |
| TVs and monitors | E-waste recyclers, retailer programs |
| Printers and copiers | Office supply stores, recyclers |
| Cell phones and tablets | Carrier stores, manufacturer programs |
| Batteries (all types) | Battery recyclers, hardware stores, Call2Recycle |
❄️Appliances with Refrigerants
Why prohibited: Freon/refrigerants damage ozone layer, EPA regulated
| Item | Proper Disposal |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators | Appliance recyclers, utility rebate programs |
| Freezers | Appliance recyclers, junk removal |
| Air conditioners | HVAC companies, recyclers |
| Dehumidifiers | Appliance recyclers |
| Water coolers (with refrigeration) | Appliance recyclers |
🚫Other Prohibited Items
Why prohibited: Safety, legal, or processing issues
| Item | Proper Disposal |
|---|---|
| Tires | Tire dealers, auto shops, municipal collection |
| Medical waste/sharps | Pharmacies, hospitals, mail-back programs |
| Pharmaceuticals | Drug take-back programs, pharmacies |
| Ammunition/explosives | Local police department |
| Flammable liquids | HHW facilities |
| Large amounts of food waste | Composting, municipal trash |
| Contaminated soil | Environmental remediation company |
Items to Check First
These items may be accepted in some areas but not others. Always confirm before loading.
Mattresses
Accepted in most areas, but some charge $25-50 extra due to processing requirements
Large stumps/root balls
May be accepted with size limits (typically under 4" diameter)
Hot tubs/spas
Often accepted if drained and cut up; may need prior approval
Empty aerosol cans
Usually OK if completely empty; full cans are prohibited
Treated lumber
Some areas restrict due to chemical treatment; check local rules
Yard waste
Not accepted in all areas; some require separation
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I put prohibited items in the dumpster?
If prohibited items are found, you may face: 1) A contamination fee of $75-250+ depending on the item, 2) The driver refusing to pick up until items are removed, 3) A trip fee for the driver returning later, or 4) Additional disposal fees from the landfill. It's always cheaper to dispose of prohibited items properly from the start.
Can I put a refrigerator in a dumpster?
No, refrigerators and other appliances with refrigerants (freezers, AC units, dehumidifiers) cannot go in dumpsters. The refrigerant must be professionally removed first due to EPA regulations. Contact an appliance recycler, your utility company's rebate program, or a junk removal service for proper disposal.
Is it OK to put concrete in a dumpster?
Yes, concrete is generally accepted, BUT it's extremely heavy—about 4,000 lbs per cubic yard. A small amount of concrete can quickly exceed your weight allowance. For concrete-heavy projects, consider: 1) A dedicated heavy debris dumpster, 2) Separating concrete from other debris, or 3) Using a concrete recycler directly.
Can I throw away a mattress in a dumpster?
In most areas, yes—but some locations charge an additional processing fee ($25-50) because mattresses require special handling at landfills. Check with your rental company before including mattresses. Alternatives include mattress recyclers, donation (if in good condition), or retailer take-back programs.
What's the penalty for putting tires in a dumpster?
Tires are prohibited at most landfills because they trap gases and can damage landfill structure. The contamination fee is typically $10-25 per tire, plus a possible trip fee if the driver has to return. Instead, take tires to a tire dealer, auto shop, or municipal tire collection event—many accept them for free or a small fee.
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