What you Can and Cannot Toss in a Dumpster – Rules, guidelines, and more

Though renting a dumpster for a big project can be a huge benefit, there are some guidelines to follow when filling it. These rules and regulations may come from the dumpster rental company, and from local government as well, to ensure that any waste being disposed of adheres to the necessary safety and environmental standards.

What you’re allowed to throw in a dumpster (the list is long!)

In general, anything non-hazardous is permitted to be disposed of in a dumpster. Wood, furniture, roofing shingles, siding, renovation and construction debris, yard waste, and flooring all fit the bill. As it pertains to furniture, it’s always recommended to check with your dumpster rental company to confirm that you’re not breaking any regulation disposing of items such as mattresses or upholstered furniture. At times, there may be additional fees involved so always inquire!

Are appliances and electronics permitted – yes! …with some restrictions

The majority of household appliances and electronics can be disposed of in a dumpster. Refrigerators, AC units, washers, and dryers are all permitted. That said, any fluids or components that could be deemed as hazardous should be removed. When it comes to electronics, if these are of a high quantity such as from an office building, you may be required to dispose of them by other means. To this point, you may see additional fees from a rental company so always confirm before proceeding with any sort of electronics waste dumpster disposal.

Construction and renovation debris is a little trickier

When it comes to brick, stone, concrete, asphalt, and other forms of construction debris, weight is a concern in addition to the damage that can be caused when tossing it in. There may be weight limits on a dumpster rental so it’s best to check. With regards to roofing materials and shingles, there can also sometimes be a fee to disposing of these items. Any drywall, wooden materials, and general construction and renovation debris can be placed in dumpsters without worry.

What am I not allowed to put in a dumpster – here’s the list

The list of what not to put in a dumpster begins with hazardous materials such as wet paint, oil and similar liquids, asbestos, any sealed drums, and tires. Paint, paint thinners, lacquers, or wood stains in a dumpster are an ultimate no-no. Car batteries and dry-cell batteries may potentially leak chemicals and are thereby not allowed in a dumpster. There’s also a long list of household items containing hazardous waste that are not permitted in a dumpster rental. A dumpster rental company may be able to recommend where to drop off hazardous waste items to be properly disposed of.

You won’t fool your rental company

There’s no real way around it. The rules and regulations need to be followed. If you try to get around the rules and put something in your dumpster that is not tolerated by your rental company, you run the risk of being found out and seeing additional charges. The big takeaway from this article should be, even with existing regulations and guidelines from local government, always check with the dumpster rental company prior to committing to renting. They should be able to fill you in on what is and is not allowed in their dumpsters.

Core Mini Bins provides high quality dumpster rentals in Toronto and the GTA with same day service for mini bin rentals, waste collection, and removal disposal. Speak with a representative today to find out more information how to arrange for a dumpster rental in Toronto.