What Can You Put in a Dumpster Rental (Ultimate Guide)

When it comes to cleaning up after a big project, a dumpster rental can be a real lifesaver. But what can you actually put in one of these giant trash bins? 

The answer might surprise you. From old furniture and broken appliances to construction debris and yard waste, a rented dumpster can handle a lot! 

In this guide, I’ll help you understand what items you can throw into a dumpster rental, making your clean-up process easier and more efficient.

What Can You Put in a Dumpster Rental

You can put in a dumpster rental, disposal of household waste like old furniture, appliances, carpets, and general clutter. Yard waste, such as branches, grass clippings, and leaves can be thrown in as well.

Construction and demolition debris, including drywall, wood, metal, bricks, and concrete, are also typically accepted in dumpster rentals.

1. Household Junk

This can include a variety of items that you might find in a typical home cleanout. Examples include:

• Furniture: Old couches, tables, chairs, beds, dressers, bookcases, etc.
• Electronics: Televisions, stereo equipment, old computers, printers, etc.
• Appliances: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, etc.
• Debris: Carpets, non-asbestos insulation, tiles, plasterboard, etc.
• General Waste: Toys, clothes, boxes, kitchenware, general clutter, etc.

2. Construction Debris

A wide variety of materials common to construction work can be placed in a dumpster, which makes the cleanup a much simpler task.

Here are a few items:

• Bricks: When renovating or tearing down walls, bricks can be abundant and heavy. A dumpster can handle them.
• Concrete: you can also put pieces of concrete from your construction work into the dumpster.
• Wood scraps: Leftover wood from your project can also be tossed into the dumpster.
• Drywall: Discarded pieces of drywall are also acceptable.
• Metal scraps: Any metal remnants from your construction can be placed in the dumpster.
• Plumbing materials: Old pipes and other plumbing waste are allowed.

3. Yard Waste

Yard waste includes items like leaves, branches, grass clippings, shrubs, and flowers. If you’re undertaking a tree removal, you can also discard tree trunks and stumps in most instances.

Here’s a simple list for reference:

• Leaves
• Branches
• Grass Clippings
• Shrubs
• Flowers
• Tree Trunks
• Tree Stumps

4. Office and Commercial Waste

You can put the following office waste into dumpster:

1. Paper Waste: Items like unused or discarded documents, envelopes, notebooks, and other office stationery.
2. Plastic Waste: Such as water bottles, packaging materials, and other plastic utensils can be disposed of in the dumpster.
3. Old Office Furniture: If you’re refurnishing your office, old chairs, desks, and filing cabinets they can be put into the dumpster.
4. E-Waste: Like old computers, monitors, printers, and photocopiers are often acceptable.
5. Construction Debris: If you’re renovating your office, you can dispose of unwanted construction materials such as drywall, tiles, or metal scraps.

5. Non-Hazardous Material

Non-hazardous material generally includes items that are not dangerous or harmful to the environment. This can consist of household junk, construction debris, yard waste, and more.

1. Household Junk: This could include old furniture, appliances, clothes, toys, or general clutter that has accumulated over the years.

2. Construction Debris: Also can toss your construction waste into the dumpster. This includes wood, drywall, metal, plumbing fixtures, tiles, and more. However, asbestos-containing materials are not allowed.

3. Yard Waste: Grass clippings, branches, leaves, and other organic waste generated from your yard can go into the dumpster.

6. Miscellaneous

There are several other items that you can dispose of in your rented dumpster.

• Bicycles and sports equipment
• Carpets and rugs
• Non-electrical tools
• Miscellaneous household items

7. Mattresses & Box Springs

When it comes to disposing of old mattresses and box springs, a dumpster rental can be a practical solution. 

These bulky items often don’t fit into regular trash bins and can be heavy and awkward to handle. Renting a dumpster allows you to get rid of these items conveniently. 

8. Event Waste

This typically includes common event waste like food leftovers, paper products (napkins, plates, cups), plastic utensils, decorations, and general trash. 

However, you should separate recyclable materials such as glass bottles, aluminium cans, plastic containers, and paper-based products. 

These can often be recycled and should not be thrown in the dumpster. 

Also, hazardous materials or substances, including flammable, toxic, or corrosive items, are strictly prohibited in dumpsters. 

9. Aerosol Cans

While some people might think it’s okay to toss aerosol cans into a dumpster, however, note that these cans are typically pressurized and can explode if compacted or exposed to high temperatures. 

This could potentially harm sanitation workers or damage the dumpster. 

So, you should not put aerosol cans in your dumpster rental. Instead, check with your local waste facility or recycling center.

Can you Put Glass in a Dumpster

Generally, you should avoid placing glass in a dumpster. This is because glass can break and create safety hazards for those who handle the dumpster. 

Moreover, most waste management companies have specific methods for recycling glass, which is more environmentally friendly. 

Also read where to find affordable dumpster, the most common dumpster sizes, reason for renting dumpster for home renovation, and choosing right size for rental dumpster.