7 Things You Cannot Put in a Rental Dumpster

Rental dumpsters are a convenient way to dispose of large amounts of waste, but not all materials are suitable for disposal in a dumpster. When it comes to renting a dumpster, it’s important to understand what you can and cannot put in it. While most items can be disposed of in a rental dumpster, and it may seem like a convenient place to throw away all your unwanted things, some items are prohibited and could result in penalties or fines. Take a look at some things you cannot put in a rental dumpster and ensure safe disposal.

Hazardous materials

Although you may be tempted to get rid of certain things the easy way by just dumping them in your rental, hazardous materials are no joke. They must be disposed of following a set of regulations and include chemicals, medical waste, pesticides, gasoline, paint, oil, batteries, and other toxic substances. These materials can be harmful to the environment and pose a danger to those responsible for emptying the dumpster. If you have hazardous waste, contact your local government to find out how to dispose of it properly. Also, pay close attention to propane tanks. They can explode if not handled properly, so they must be disposed of at a hazardous waste facility.

Medical waste

Used needles, syringes, and other medical waste should never be placed in a rental dumpster. These items can be dangerous to handle and require special disposal procedures.

In addition to that, they can pose a severe health risk to anyone who comes into contact with them. If you are unaware of the regulations regarding medical waste, make sure you contact your local health department to find out how to dispose of medical waste safely.

Electronics

Electronics such as TVs, computers, and smartphones contain valuable materials that can be recycled. They also contain harmful chemicals and metals that cannot be disposed of in a rental dumpster. Throwing these items in the dumpster means they will end up in a landfill, where they will take up space and potentially release harmful chemicals into the ground. These items contain hazardous materials and should be properly disposed of at a designated electronics recycling center. Instead of throwing them in your rental dumpster, look for a local electronics recycler to dispose of your old electronics responsibly.

Do not forget to include appliances in the list of things you cannot put in a rental dumpster. Large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, and dryers contain refrigerants and other materials that require special handling and disposal.

Mattresses and furniture

Every household has that old mattress that has run its course, and it can be a real hassle to get rid of. Mattresses are big and heavy, and you may be unsure what to do with them. The same goes for furniture. You do not want it anymore, and no one in your family needs it.  However, mattresses and furniture can take up a lot of space in a dumpster, and they can be difficult for workers to dispose of. If you have old furniture or mattresses and no one in your family needs them, consider donating them to a local charity or furniture bank. On the other hand, if they are beyond repair, contact your local government to find out how to dispose of them properly.

Yard waste

If you have a yard and are taking care of it on your own, chances are you are stuck with a lot of leaves, grass clippings, and branches. Unfortunately, these should not be placed in a rental dumpster. Consider the following—these materials can be composted or used as mulch. This will significantly benefit your garden and the environment. If you have a large amount of yard waste, consider hiring a landscaping company to remove it for you. They will know exactly what to do, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Food waste

While it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of your food waste, rental dumpsters are not designed to handle organic waste. This is one of the things you cannot put in a rental dumpster, as it can attract pests and create unpleasant odors in a rental dumpster. If you have rented a dumpster, you should use it for large, non-organic waste and things you cannot dispose of in a regular dumpster. Instead of throwing food waste in the rental dumpster, consider composting it. This would be an excellent solution for the environment as it reduces overall waste, improves soil health, and conserves water. However, if you do not have the space or time for this, using a food waste disposer to break it down is the next best thing. Ultimately, just use the regular dumpster you always do and make it easier on everybody.

Construction materials

Materials such as concrete, bricks, and asphalt should not be placed in a rental dumpster. These materials are heavy and can damage the dumpster, making it difficult for workers to handle. Contact a local construction company to find out how to dispose of these materials properly. Also, consider the following:

• Tires—They take up a lot of space in a dumpster and can be dangerous to handle. They must be disposed of separately at a tire recycling facility
• Large debris, such as tree stumps, concrete, and rocks—Cannot be disposed of in a rental dumpster. These items take up too much space and can damage the dumpster

If you are moving—get professional help

The reason you got a rental dumpster may be that you are moving out of your home. The whole thing can be overwhelming and involve a lot of physical strain. If you are in the Los Angeles area, ensure you get help with the heavy lifting by hiring local movers. This will be the best decision for you and your family as a huge weight will be lifted off your shoulders—and your front yard.

Final words

Rental dumpsters are a convenient way to dispose of large amounts of waste, but keep in mind that they are not suitable for all materials. If you’re unsure of what can be placed in a dumpster, it’s always best to check with the rental company before filling it up. They will be able to provide guidance on what is allowed and what is prohibited. Disposing of prohibited items in a rental dumpster can result in fines and penalties. However, by following these guidelines on things you cannot put in a rental dumpster, you can rest assured that you will help everyone involved and keep the environment clean and safe.