FAQ

Refrigerators usually cannot be placed in a dumpster because the refrigerant they contain is toxic.

You can dispose of a refrigerator through your local sanitation department’s pick-up program for these types of items. In some areas, you might be able to throw away your refrigerator using a dumpster if you have it properly drained by a HVAC professional.

If you are throwing out only one refrigerator it may be easier to call an appliance retailed to handle it. Some retailers will haul away your old refrigerator if you buy a new one.

Paints and lacquers are not allowed because they can contain lead or mercury, especially those that were made prior to the 1990’s.

Included in paints and lacquers is paint thinner or wood stains.

In most cases you can dispose of latex paint that has dried as long as you wrap it in a plastic bag. Empty paint cans are accepted.

Most railroad ties are treated with harmful wood preservatives. They aren’t allowed in our dumpsters. Most landfills will accept whole railroad ties, but we cannot take them in our dumpsters.

It’s common to see these ties in garden borders or as retaining walls. The ties are treated with creosote and chromated copper arsenate . These chemicals are potentially harmful to humans and plants. Make sure you understand the risks of using creosote railroad ties in your landscaping.

Hot water tanks are usually not allowed in dumpster rentals because their void space can collect gases inside landfills. These gases are harmful. If you need to dispose of a hot water tank or heater, contact your local waste management or recycling facility or town department to determine how to dispose of it.

Industrial drums contain potentially dangerous by-products of many different industrial processes. These drums should be disposed of by haulers who are licensed for hazardous waste disposal.

Contaminated soil is caused whenever human-made chemicals or hazardous materials are present in a natural soil environment. This may be caused by industrial activity, chemical spills, exploration of oil, removal of underground tanks or improper disposal of waste.

Contaminated absorbents includes oily rags, shop towels and reusable absorbents such as paper towels which were used to clean up hazardous wastes. It includes any absorbent material that has been contaminated with hazardous solvents and waste.

Tires cannot be thrown in a dumpster since they damage landfill structures. Whole tires can float to the top of the landfill as methane gas builds up inside the tire wall. Most auto parts stores or municipal waste departments will accept old tires to recycle them. Check your local recycling database to find a tire recycler in your area.

Adhesives should not be put in a dumpster since they can bind other materials to the interior of the dumpster. This includes glue or epoxy.

You can throw these items into your normal household trash or recycling.

Chemical cleaners or solvents cannot be thrown in a dumpster. Empty containers are acceptable to dispose of in the dumpster as long as they don’t contain any residual chemicals.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that can be woven into fabrics and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials. It found in older homes and in various building construction materials. It is in everything from insulation to car brakes and hair dryers.

​It is considered a carcinogen in most U.S. states which resulted in landfill bans. If you know your home or commercial building contains asbestos, you should contact a licensed contractor to ensure safe removal and disposal.

Medical waste is made up of materials used in medicine or that have come into contact with bodily fluids. This waste includes used medical supplies, including needles and bandages and should be handled by waste haulers who are licensed for medical waste disposal.

Ink used in printers, pens and resins can damage equipment and stain the inside of the dumpsters. The ink is best disposed of through recycling centers or at retailers with drop-off locations.

Car batteries and lithium batteries cannot be put in a dumpster. They can leak harmful chemicals that are harmful to the environment. You can take old car batteries to your local auto shop that may recycle them. Lithium batteries like those in laptops or power tools can be recycled at most big-box electronic stores or major hardware stores.​

General purpose alkaline batteries such as AA’s, triple As etc. can go in a dumpster.

Any hazardous material and liquids cannot be put in a dumpster. Some examples of hazardous waste include asbestos, pesticides, contaminated soil or absorbents, motor oil, other automobile fluids and medical waste. Always make sure to follow proper procedures in your area and find a hazardous waste collection center near you to handle the disposal responsibly.

Disposal of propane tanks, fuels, oils and other flammable materials in a dumpster is a serious safety hazard. These materials are highly flammable and disposing of them improperly is illegal in most areas. You need to contact your local fire department, propane company or a hazardous material collection center for further disposal information.