Dumpster rental is an essential service for home clean-ups and recycling projects. Renting a dumpster requires understanding what you can and cannot dispose of in it. Violating contractual, state, or federal law could mean you’re fined or arrested. Here’s what you should know about what can and cannot be disposed of in a dumpster rental.
Waste Management Laws: By State
You must comply with waste disposal laws and regulations. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these laws can differ for each state. You should always check specific waste disposal laws where you live.
Violating waste management laws can result in severe fines.
Dumpster Use Laws: Misdemeanors and Felonies
Dumpster use laws are federal and apply to anyone who intends to use a dumpster for disposal, meaning you and the company you’re calling for responsible disposal.
Ensure you rent from a compliant, registered dumpster rental company that follows all applicable laws.
Going against dumpster use laws could mean additional fees and severe fines. In more severe cases, consequences can be even more serious. If you are caught illegally dumping waste or disposing of contraband, you could face additional jail time.
Federal dumpster use laws apply to both individuals and dumpster rental companies, ensuring responsible disposal.
You are responsible for ensuring which items go into the dumpster. Sometimes, you can request a list of items from your dumpster rental company.
Proper Waste Disposal: Acceptable and Prohibited Items
When renting a dumpster for household junk or construction debris, you should be aware of what is allowed.
Most household and trash items are suitable for dumpster disposal. Exceptions are usually obvious:
- No dangerous items
- No chemicals or hazardous waste
- Nothing illegal
However, many people are unsure about specific items, such as how to dispose of materials containing broken glass.
Usually, if it would be illegal to ship via mail, you probably shouldn’t throw it into a dumpster, either.
Ask your local waste management company if you are unsure about specific items. They can help you with proper disposal.
What’s Not Allowed for Dumpster Disposal
As a rough guide, you should not put anything oversized, potentially sharp, or dangerous into a dumpster. Liquids, glass, electronics, propane tanks, and batteries are prohibited.
Here’s a more precise look at what’s not allowed.
Any Glass
Dispose of glass through a glass-specific recycling center. It is about harm to the environment and has a lot to do with safety.
Glass is sharp and requires special handling; it should not be mixed with other dumpster disposal items whenever possible.
Batteries and Electronics
Most dumpster rental companies prohibit disposing of batteries and electronic devices in dumpsters. Batteries can be hazardous and potentially explosive, including car batteries. This extends to car batteries, too. You can throw alkaline batteries in your household trash, but recycling them is a better option.
TVs and computers are prohibited from dumpsters to reduce environmental impact and safety risks. They should be recycled at a designated waste facility instead.
Chemicals and Medicine
Chemicals and medicines should not be disposed of in a dumpster. They require specific recycling companies to ensure they don’t cause accidental injury or end up in the wrong hands.
Chemicals can be anything from poisonous to explosive—call your pharmacy instead of flushing your medicine into the water system.
Contaminated or Dangerous Items
Contaminated or hazardous items are prohibited. While definitions may vary, you can usually determine whether an item poses a safety risk.
Paint
You cannot dispose of wet paint in a dumpster, but you may throw away an empty paint can. Remove the can lid and use kitty litter to dry the remaining paint. Wrap the can in a plastic bag and throw it out with your trash.
Never dump oil-based paint or paint thinner in a dumpster. You must take it to a Household Hazardous Material Waste facility.
Contraband or Illegal Items
Contraband or illegal items are prohibited from being thrown into dumpsters. This includes explosives, weapons, and items someone may have used in a crime.
There are legal ways to dispose of such items, too, including direct drop-offs to law enforcement. Penalties for illegal disposal of such items are worse than simply disposing of them legally.
Litter Getter Dumpster Rentals in Kansas City
It’s easy to order a dumpster from Litter Getter! After you’ve chosen your perfect dumpster, it’s time to book your commercial or residential dumpster rental. Contact our office by phone, or email, or book your dumpster rental online!
Sit back and relax! Your roll-off dumpster will arrive on your scheduled drop-off day! You don’t even have to be there!
