A Quick Guide to What’s Allowed in Roll-Off Containers

Is your basement or attic piled high with junk and you’ve finally decided to clear it out? Are you planning on completely overhauling your backyard with new landscaping and hardscaping materials? Are you putting an addition onto your home to create more space for your family? Does your commercial space need to be totally gutted so you can create the perfect layout for a retail shop or a restaurant? Whatever your particular situation may be, if you’re going to be embarking on a project that will involve generating a lot of waste, you’re probably going to need to rent a roll-off dumpster. 

When the roll-off dumpster has been dropped off, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and start filling it up. Not so fast! Before you start tossing everything and anything into the bin, you need to find out if there are any limitations that pertain to what you can and cannot put in it. A lot of people assume that a roll-off dumpster can be used as a receptacle for all types of debris; however, that actually isn’t the case. Just like there are rules that pertain to what you can throw out in your garbage cans, there are rules that pertain to what you are allowed to put in a roll-off dumpster. 

State and local governments establish waste disposal rules and regulations. Additionally, each dumpster rental provider may establish their own rules about the debris they will accept. As such, before you start loading up your roll-off dumpster, make sure you ask the company you will be renting the container from what you can and can’t dispose of. A reputable company will provide you with a detailed list. With that said, however, the following is a general overview of the basics that pertain to what type of debris you will likely be able to dispose of. 

What items can you place in a roll-off dumpster? 

Generally speaking, as long as the materials are non-hazardous, you can probably toss them in a roll-off dumpster. This includes debris that falls into the following categories: 

• Yard waste and landscaping debris. If you’re going to be giving your landscape a makeover, you’ll probably be allowed to use a roll-off container to dispose of the debris. This usually includes things like tree limbs and branches, leaves, grass clippings, weeds, flowers, and certain types of mulch. Do note, however, that you may not be allowed to place things like concrete, stones, or pebbles in the container, and if these items are allowed, there may be a limit to the amount permitted. 
• Furnishings. Household and office furnishings can usually be disposed of in a roll-off dumpster. This includes tables, chairs, couches, shelves, desks, and dressers are just a few examples of the different types of wood furnishings that you will be allowed to put in a roll-off dumpster. 
• Construction debris. If you’re renovating your home or office, you’ll likely be allowed to use the roll-off dumpster to get rid of the debris. Most companies accept virtually all types of construction debris, such as asphalt, bricks, concrete, sheetrock, shingles insulation, doors, siding, and even tiles, and plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and sinks. Do note, however, that there may be limits to the amount, or that there may be additional charges for certain types of materials. 
• Wood. Typically, wood can safely be disposed of in a roll-off dumpster, such as plywood or 2x4s; however, there may be some limits. For instance, you probably won’t be allowed to place treated wood, such as railroad ties, into a container. 
• Alkaline batteries. Most dumpster rental companies will accept alkaline batteries. Those are the batteries that are usually used in things like flashlights, remote controls, and the like; AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 volts, for example. Do keep in mind, however, that recycling would be a better option for environmental purposes. 
• General waste. Carpeting, cardboard boxes, toys, paper, books, folders, and other types of inorganic waste can usually be disposed of in a roll-off dumpster. 

What can’t be thrown in a roll-off dumpster? 

There are some items that cannot be disposed of in a roll-off dumpster. Generally, these items include materials that could be harmful to the environment, including the following: 

• Hazardous waste. This could include household cleaning products, paints, paint thinners, stains, varnishes, pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous materials. 
• Flammable liquids. You cannot throw anything flammable in a roll-off dumpster. This includes gasoline, butane, kerosene, and lighter fluid. 
• Medical waste materials. Anything that has been contaminated with bodily fluids cannot be disposed of in a dumpster, such as needles and unused medications. 

For Reliable Roll-Off Dumpster Rental Services in Dallas-Fort Worth, Contact DFW Roll Off

If you’re looking for high-quality, reliable, and affordably priced roll-off dumpster rental services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, get in touch with DFW Roll Off! Give us a call at (817) 369-3068 to learn more or to schedule a drop-off today!