7 Different Things You Can’t Put in a Dumpster

When tackling a home renovation project, you’ll likely have a lot of debris to dispose of, plus any items you are looking to get rid of when you’re ready to declutter for more space and cleaning. Renting a dumpster can be an efficient way to manage this waste. However, not everything can go into a dumpster due to environmental and safety reasons. Here’s a list of items that you should keep out of your rental dumpster to make sure you handle the waste from your home renovation project correctly.

1. Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials pose a significant risk to both human health and the environment. Items like paints, oils, asbestos, pesticides, and chemicals can’t go in dumpsters. Instead, contact your local waste facility for proper disposal procedures.

2. Electronics

Electronic devices contain harmful substances like lead and mercury. Because of this, throwing away electronics such as televisions, computers, or microwaves in a dumpster isn’t an option. Try donating, selling, or recycling them at an electronics recycling facility instead.

3. Appliances

Many appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines, contain harmful chemicals that can damage the environment. These items need special handling for disposal and need to stay out of the dumpster.

4. Tires

Tires are not only difficult to decompose, but they can also cause damage to landfill structures. Many tire shops offer recycling services, so consider using these facilities for disposal instead of using a dumpster.

5. Batteries

Batteries, particularly car batteries and rechargeable batteries, contain hazardous materials like acid and lead. These substances can leak into the environment if not disposed of correctly. Most recycling centers accept batteries for safe disposal.

6. Mattresses

Mattresses present a unique problem for waste disposal due to their bulky size and non-biodegradable components. When you toss them into dumpsters, they tend to take up a lot of space, which could result in extra charges from your rental company. Moreover, many landfills do not accept them because they can cause problems with equipment and take up too much space.

Instead, consider selling or donating your old mattress. Alternatively, check if your local waste facility provides a special collection service for these items.

7. Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), contain some mercury. This makes them a hazardous waste item that requires proper disposal.

Throwing them into a dumpster is not the correct way to dispose of them because the mercury can leak and contaminate the environment. Many home improvement stores and recycling centers offer recycling services for these types of bulbs.

While a dumpster can be immensely helpful during a home renovation project, it is crucial to understand what items cannot go inside it. By knowing what items should not go into a dumpster, you are not only following the law but also contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Always check with your dumpster rental company or local waste management facility if you have any doubts about a particular item. Doing so will help ensure that your home renovation project is as green and responsible as possible.

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