What Can I Throw Away in a Dumpster?
Knowing what belongs in your dumpster — and what doesn't — helps you avoid contamination fees, rejected loads, and delays at pickup. Here's a general guide, though exact rules vary by provider and local landfill regulations.
Materials Guide
Accepted & Prohibited Materials
Generally Accepted
- Household junk and unwanted furniture
- Construction debris (wood, drywall, flooring)
- Roofing shingles
- Yard waste, branches, and brush
- Carpet and carpet padding
- Non-hazardous scrap metal
- Appliances without refrigerants (see FAQs below)
Typically Prohibited
- Hazardous waste and chemicals
- Paint and paint cans (unless fully dried — varies locally)
- Tires
- Car batteries and other lead-acid batteries
- Refrigerators, AC units, or anything with refrigerant (Freon)
- Asbestos-containing material
- Medical or biohazard waste
- Propane tanks
- Electronics/e-waste in many areas (varies locally)
Rules vary by provider and local landfill regulations. When in doubt, ask before you load it. Mixing prohibited items into your dumpster can result in contamination fees or the load being rejected at disposal. See our pricing guide for more on how contamination fees work.
Special Cases
Common Questions About Specific Items
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
Many providers accept mattresses, but some charge an additional fee or require them to be bagged separately due to how certain landfills handle bulky bedding. Ask ahead of time if you're disposing of one or more mattresses.
Can I throw away a refrigerator, freezer, or AC unit?
Appliances without refrigerant, like stoves or dishwashers, are usually fine. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units contain refrigerant (commonly known by the brand name Freon) that must be professionally removed before disposal in most cases — let your provider know in advance if you have one of these items.
Can I put concrete, dirt, or brick in a regular dumpster?
These materials are extremely heavy relative to their volume. A standard dumpster can hit its weight limit with only a partial load of concrete or dirt. If your project involves a large amount of these materials, a dedicated heavy-debris container — often used for construction projects — is usually a better fit than a general-purpose dumpster.