What Items Cannot Go in a Dumpster

Electronics

This includes broken TVs, DVD players, monitors, and even smaller items like flashlights, clocks, and MP3 players. They contain chemicals that are hazardous when leaked or spread in a landfill.

Appliances

Harmful chemicals may also be present in the batteries and screen that they have, and therefore, should not be loaded into the dumpster. The most common appliances people throw away are microwave ovens, refrigerators, and toaster ovens.

Light Bulbs

Fluorescent and compact fluorescent lightbulbs must not be thrown in the dumpster because they contain a small amount of mercury. Such chemicals can also contaminate the soil and the water underground, so they require an alternative method of disposal.

Batteries

This includes car batteries, alkaline batteries, lithium batteries, and rechargeable batteries which have a variety of chemicals inside. All batteries can leak and spread toxic substances into the ground, causing contamination of the soil and the water, or worse, causing a fire.

Paints and Solvents

Avoid throwing oil-based products, lead-based paint, paint thinners, and other similar products into the dumpster. They might spill when disposed of and contaminate groundwater nearby as well as septic tanks. Sanitation workers are also at risk of this kind of product being mixed up in your garbage.

Pesticides

Handling wastes like pesticides should be done seriously and with proper caution as they can cause harm to plants, wildlife, and humans alike. All types of pesticides, including chemicals, granules, liquids, and sprays must not be thrown into the dumpster.

Because these products are flammable, corrosive, and toxic, putting them into the dumpster is highly prohibited, too. Motor oil, lubricants, petroleum, and gasoline are some examples of these products.

Tires

Avoid placing old tires into the roll off dumpster because they occupy a big space and require a special handling method. Some people recycle tires for something more useful, but it is often separated from normal recyclables as well.

Yard Waste

Dry or fallen leaves, grasses, and branches of trees are some of the usual yard waste that most properties have. They must be disposed of separately because they can still be put to better use as compost rather than occupying valuable space in the dumpster.

Each town has its own regulation on the allowed recyclable materials to keep. Check your local municipality regarding the recycling policies they impose so you can remove those you can reuse from your junk or waste. This way, you are also able to free more space in the dumpster.

Proper care and caution should not only be practiced when handling newly-purchased appliances or furniture but must also be done for your garbage. Carelessly disposing of your trash could harm you and your neighbors. Wastes can turn into destructive elements if not handled the right way. Collection and disposal are crucial in making sure that your environment remains safe from harmful chemicals and items.