Is it time to go through your home and garage and clean out all the junk that has accumulated? A dumpster rental is the most effective way to remove large amounts of waste, but there are some rules and regulations as to what kind of waste is allowed in a dumpster. When renting a dumpster you need to be aware of these rules and even laws in your local area. A reputable dumpster company will aid you in locating alternative waste removal options for these items, but what are these items that aren’t allowed in dumpsters? Here is a list of the 8 most common items that get put into dumpsters but should not be.
- Any items that are considered flammable, toxic, hazardous, or corrosive are strictly prohibited from being placed in any type of waste container whether that is your home garage can or a roll-off dumpster you’ve rented.
- There are around 250 million scrap tires created each year, because there are large amounts they often find themselves in dumpsters and landfills, however, they never should be. They must go through a specific tire recycling technique to be disposed of due to environmental concerns.
- Paints, lacquers, and even their containers may contain hazardous chemicals such as mercury and lead. Although latex paint can be an exception to this rule, it must be combined with cat litter to be disposed of in a garbage can. Stains, paints, and finishes, including those from aerosol cans, are also forbidden.
- The oil used in cars and industrial equipment is typically classified as hazardous and should not be disposed of in trash bins or dumpsters. This also includes oil from lawnmowers and chainsaws.
- Asbestos is highly dangerous and can lead to a variety of lung diseases. It has been used for ceilings, roofs, flooring, insulation, fire resistance, and more in buildings built before the 1970s. Because it is so hazardous we recommend hiring a professional home contractor to remove the asbestos.
- Batteries are also prohibited in dumpsters. This includes any sort of battery, but car barriers are the most frequent issue. The chemicals, metals, and corrosive materials found in batteries can be harmful.
- Petroleum and gas are highly combustible, meaning they are not allowed in landfills or dumpsters. Unusable fuels can be disposed of at a local hazardous waste facility.
- Appliances with Freon are prohibited in dumpsters. Many appliances are welcomed in rental dumpsters, however, refrigerators must be professionally rid of the Freon that produces the device’s cooling effect before disposal. Consider donating old appliances to a local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store, where appliances are frequently recycled for low-income populations, instead of dumping them.
With any of these waste products, keeping dumpster disposal regulations and guidelines in mind not only protects garbage collectors from harm and avoids major headaches when dumpsters are returned, but it also promotes environmental responsibility. Let’s all do our part to protect the environment!
To learn more, please contact dumpsters+ of Columbia in Columbia, SC at (803)-805-8270