Not everything belongs in a roll-off container. Learn the accepted and prohibited materials.
Accepted and Prohibited Dumpster Materials: The Definitive Guide
When you rent a dumpster, one of the most important things to understand is what materials are legally and safely accepted versus what is strictly prohibited. Disposing of the wrong materials in a roll-off container can result in hefty surcharges, permit violations, and in severe cases, environmental liability.
What IS Accepted in Our Dumpsters
- Household furniture — sofas, beds, dressers, shelving
- Appliances (non-Freon) — washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens
- General household junk and miscellaneous debris
- Cardboard and paper products
- Clothing and textiles (bagged)
- Drywall and plaster
- Lumber and wood materials
- Roofing shingles and underlayment
- Flooring materials — tile, hardwood, carpet, vinyl
- Metal — pipes, framing, fixtures
- Glass — windows, mirrors (properly contained)
- Yard waste — branches, leaves, grass clippings
- Concrete, brick, masonry (heavy material containers only)
What Is PROHIBITED
- Hazardous waste — paint, solvents, chemicals, pesticides
- Asbestos-containing materials (requires specialized abatement)
- Freon-containing appliances (refrigerators, AC units) — without recovery
- Batteries — car batteries, lithium-ion packs
- Tires — automotive, motorcycle, equipment
- Propane tanks and gas cylinders (any size)
- Medical and biohazardous waste
- Radioactive materials
- Liquid waste — paints, oils, chemicals
- PCB-containing materials
What Happens If Prohibited Items Are Found?
If prohibited materials are discovered during processing at the disposal facility, the load may be rejected back to the generator — meaning YOU are responsible for proper disposal. Additional contamination fees apply. Always disclose unusual materials before booking.
Gray Area Items — Call Us First
Some items require clarification before disposal: electronics (TVs, computers — we recycle these properly), full paint cans (dried empty cans are okay), motor oil containers (dry/empty only), and mixed loads containing small amounts of borderline materials. When in doubt, call us before loading — we'd rather answer your question upfront than deal with a contaminated load later.
Need a Dumpster Today?
Same-day delivery available throughout Columbus and Franklin County.
(614) 960-3050