What Items Are Not Allowed In A Dumpster?
While most domestic waste and building trash can be thrown in a dumpster, there are certain limitations. This is because certain materials must be handled separately from other garbage for environmental or safety concerns.
The list below displays usually objects not permitted in a dumpster and explains why.
Prohibited from dumpster Items
Freon
Freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioning systems cannot be thrown away in a dumpster unless the Freon is extracted by an expert.
Hot Water Tanks
Hot water tanks usually are not permitted in dumpsters because the empty space within landfills might gather dangerous gases.
Tires
Tires cannot be thrown in a dumpster because they can damage landfill structures and equipment.
Paint Cans & Lacquers
Paints and lacquers are restricted due to the possibility of containing lead or mercury.
Adhesives
Adhesives, like glue or epoxy, should not be disposed of in a dumpster because they can bond other substances to the container inside.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Because fluorescent bulbs contain trace quantities of mercury, they cannot be thrown away.
Food Waste
Food waste is frequently barred from dumpsters because it attracts rodents and causes a mess in the container.
Car Batteries
Car batteries should never be thrown away since they release substances that are hazardous to the environment.
Medical Infectious Waste
Materials utilized in medicine or have come into touch with bodily fluids are examples of infectious waste.
Hazardous Materials
Asbestos, insecticides, polluted soils or absorbents, motor oil, other automotive fluids, and medical waste are examples of hazardous waste.
Contaminated Soils & Absorbents
Contaminated soils and absorbents containing hazardous compounds cannot be disposed of by standard garbage haulers.
Household Cleaners
Chemical cleaners or solvents should never be discarded in a trash can.
Ink & Resins
The ink from pens and printers and resins can harm equipment and stain dumpster interiors.
Oils, Fuels & Propane Tanks
Disposing of propane tanks, fuels, oils, and other combustible goods in a dumpster poses a significant safety risk.
Railroad Ties & Telephone Poles
Railroad ties and telephone poles are coated with toxic wood preservatives and are not permitted in dumpsters.
Industrial Drums
Industrial drums are used to store potentially hazardous leftovers of industrial activities.
