While dumpsters are a great way to get rid of a lot of items, not everything belongs in one. Dumpsters do have certain purposes, and while you can put more things in a dumpster than you can a trash-can, there are some guidelines that you need to be aware of before just throwing things in unabashedly.
Here is a small guide to what you can and cannot put inside of a rented dumpster.
What Can You Dispose of in a Dumpster?
Most non-hazardous waste, junk, or debris is permitted in a dumpster. This includes: boxes, mattresses, toys, scraps of fabric, clothing, most furniture, documents, fire- or water-damaged items, dirt, mulch, concrete, metal, pvc, sinks, screens, wood, roofing shingles, siding, construction & demolition debris, all types of flooring, and regular everyday garbage.
In addition, many household items can be disposed of safely in a rented dumpster such as:
- Furniture: Most areas accept couches, tables, mattresses, box springs, chairs, dressers, bookcases, entertainment centers, hutches, china cabinets, and more. Anything made from wood can easily be disposed of. However, you should confirm about upholstered items as they are not accepted in all locations.
- Appliances: Microwaves, stoves, dishwashers, and other small appliances such as coffee pots be disposed of in a rented dumpster. Make sure appliances such as refrigerators or freezers do not contain freon or hazardous materials upon discarding. If you have questions, call us so that we can help.
- Yard Waste: Trees, branches, brush, grass, sod, mulch, and other vegetative waste are permitted.
- Construction Material: As listed above, most construction materials can be disposed of in a roll-away dumpster.
- Electronics: Some electronics like televisions, computers, printers, tablets, and other smaller electronics can typically be placed in a dumpster. Many of these electronics, can be recycled through e-waste programs. You can contact the manufacturer of the electronics to see their recycling program and procedures or look to Austin’s Recycle and Reuse drop off center.
What Can’t Go into A Dumpster?
A rule of thumb is that any type of hazardous material or liquid-based item cannot go into your rented-dumpster. This includes items like: paint, oil (and any other form of liquid), asbestos, sealed tanks/drums, some electronics, tires, and certain types of appliances.
Tires, hazardous waste, and batteries, and liquid-based appliances are not allowed in roll-off dumpsters.
- Appliances: Hot water tanks top the list of what you should not dispose of in a dumpster as their void space can collect harmful gasses in landfills. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units cannot simply be put into a roll-away dumpster. They must be disposed of in a specific manner – requiring them to be drained of any liquid components. Many appliance retailers will remove these for you and dispose of them properly.
- Tires: Many landfills throughout the United States will not accept tires – Austin is one of them. For this reason, you cannot dispose of them into a dumpster. Tires need to be taken to Austin’s Recycle and Reuse Drop off center.
- Batteries: Car batteries and dry-cell batteries are not permitted because they can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Recycling batteries or returning them to a store that sells them is a great option.
- Medical Waste: Infectious waste materials including medical supplies, needles, and even medicine need to be disposed of by haulers with a license in medical waste removal.
If you have questions about disposing of a certain item or items, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are well-versed in Austin and the surrounding area’s waste and recycling regulations and are here to help. Give us a call anytime during your rental period if you ever have any doubts. We’re to help!
