What Not to Put in your Dumpster

In general, you cannot put any type of hazardous materials in your rented dumpster, including wet paint, oil (other liquids), asbestos, sealed tanks/drums, electronics (e-waste), tires and some types of furniture. See more details below:

You cannot throw paint, paint thinners, lacquers, or wood stains in a dumpster, with the exception of latex paints. If you have leftover latex paint that can't be reused or recycled, allow the paint to solidify by pouring it into a box with kitty litter or shredded paper. Once it's hard and dry, toss it in the dumpster. 

 Empty, dried paint cans can be recycled with other metals in your curbside bin.  Find a place to drop off your leftover paint. 

Because a majority of landfills in the U.S. do not accept tires, you cannot put tires in a dumpster. However, there are various ways to properly dispose of scrap tires. One option involves taking old tires to your local auto parts store or tire dealership.

Another option includes finding a local recycler who will then convert old tires into asphalt or rubber mulch.

Asbestos, pesticides, motor oil and other automotive fluids, propane tanks, household cleaners, ink and resins, contaminated soil or absorbents, and medical waste should never be put in a dumpster. In most communities, there are scheduled community collection events where people can drop off their hazardous waste for proper disposal. Most common hazardous waste

In some areas, you can also arrange to have a household hazardous waste recycling kit sent directly to your home. They allow you to conveniently pack up your waste and mail it in for environmentally responsible disposal.

Car batteries and dry-cell batteries cannot be put in a dumpster because they can leak chemicals that harm the environment.

Instead, recycle car batteries by returning them to nearly any store that sells car batteries. Similarly, drop off old dry-cell batteries, like lithium, AA, and AAA, in designated bins commonly found in stores.