What Can & Can’t Go in a Construction Dumpster?
Whether residential or commercial, many construction projects require a dumpster’s rental or procurement. The right dumpster for the job depends on the area you have at the job as well as what kinds of items you plan to place in the dumpster. Projects that often require dumpsters include demolition projects, home renovations, commercial builds, roofing, landscaping and disaster reconstruction. But you can’t go around throwing whatever you want into the dumpster! There are both legal and polite rules around what can and can’t be put in to a dumpster.
Accepted and Prohibited Items for Construction Dumpsters
The general rule is anything that is not hazardous or needs to be handled with safety precautions is fair game. Check out this list for an idea of what is and isn’t allowed in your construction dumpster rental.
Accepted Materials:
- Lumber
- Masonry
- Metal and PVC Pipes
- Rigid Plastics
- Concrete
- Brick
- Carpet
- Metals
- Rock
- Insulation
- Porcelain
- Tile
- Certain types of plastic (e.g., non-flexible)
Prohibited Materials:
- Hazardous Waste
- Asbestos
- Fluorescent Tubes
- Medical Waste
- Radioactive Materials
- Animal Remains
- Appliances
- Tires
- Computers and Monitors
- Aerosol Cans
- All Liquid Forms (e.g., motor oil, antifreeze, lubricating/hydraulic oil)
- Paint (except fully dried latex paint cans)
- Chemical Products
- Contaminated Oils (e.g., those mixed with solvents or gasoline)
- Solvents
- Herbicides and Pesticides
- Propane Tanks
- Televisions
- Railroad Ties
- Microwaves
- Dirt
- Yard Waste
- Oil Filters
- Petroleum-Contaminated Soil/Lead Paint Chips
- Barrels
- Other Flammable Liquids
Additional Note: For larger containers (30+ Yard Dumpsters), there may be further restrictions, particularly on heavy materials like concrete, bricks, and other demolition debris. Always verify specific guidelines with your service provider to avoid additional charges or complications.
What do I do with a Hazardous Item or Material?
If you have a hazardous item that cannot be disposed of in a dumpster, you should follow these steps:
- Identify the Hazardous Material: Make sure you know exactly what the item is and why it’s considered hazardous. Common hazardous items include paints, chemicals, batteries, asbestos, and certain electronics. This will help you to search
- Consult Local Regulations: Check your local waste management or environmental protection agency’s guidelines for disposing of hazardous materials. Each area may have specific rules and facilities designated for handling such items.
- Locate a Hazardous Waste Facility: Find a nearby facility or collection center that is equipped to handle hazardous waste. Many communities have designated drop-off sites or specific days for hazardous waste collection. For example, Tucson has a monthly drop-off event on the second Saturday of each month, as well as community-specific collection events throughout the year.
- Properly Contain the Item: Before transporting, ensure the hazardous material is securely sealed in its original container or another appropriate, leak-proof container. Label it clearly if necessary.
- Transport Safely: Take the item to the hazardous waste facility following all safety guidelines. Be sure not to mix different types of hazardous materials during transport, as you may cause a dangerous reaction.
- Follow Special Instructions: Some hazardous items, like electronics or chemicals, may require special preparation (e.g., removing batteries from electronics) before they can be accepted.
- Consider a Professional Disposal Service: If you have a large quantity of hazardous waste, or if it’s hazardous (like asbestos), you may need to hire a certified hazardous waste disposal service to handle it safely.
By following these steps, you can ensure that hazardous items are disposed of properly, minimizing environmental impact and complying with local laws. As always, feel free to reach out the Stamback for specific guidelines surrounding what can and can’t go in your dumpster rental.