What You Can Throw in a Dumpster

Sometimes big cleanup projects require big waste removal containers, which is why dumpster rental is popular when cleaning, moving or renovating a home. There’s nothing quite so freeing as tossing your junk into a metal box and having someone take it away.

However, before you rent a dumpster, you should be aware that not everything can be tossed away so easily. Here are some basic guidelines for proper household junk and storm debris removal in Nashville, TN. When you’re ready to get started on your next cleanup project, don’t forget to call Griffin Waste Services for dumpster rental and advice.

What can you put in a dumpster?

The full list of what you can dispose of in a dumpster will depend on city ordinances as well as your rental company’s specific rules, but in general:

  • Wooden furniture: Wooden furniture like chairs, bureaus and tables are fine to get rid of, but if they’re heavy, be mindful of the weight limit.
  • Most household junk: You should inquire about electronics, but for the most part, toys, clothes, rugs and other household junk can be tossed in the dumpster without a problem.
  • Most construction materials: Brick, wood, drywall, stone and more are all fine for dumpster removal. Again, pay close attention to weight.

What can never go in a dumpster?

Here are some of the things that you should never put in a dumpster:

  • Hot water heaters and refrigerators: Refrigerators contain hazardous coolants, while the empty spaces in hot water heaters can collect hazardous gases.
  • Paint and paint cans: While aerosol cans are fine for dumpsters, paints and lacquers may contain lead or mercury. Contact your city government for further assistance.
  • Adhesives: These can bind materials to the side of the dumpster, so toss adhesives out with your household trash.
  • Tires: Tires can damage landfill equipment and cause methane gas buildup.
  • Batteries, cleaners, ink, resins, oil, fuel and other hazardous materials: Hazardous materials and liquids can’t go in dumpsters because of their harmful effects on the environment and the landfill. Some are a fire hazard, while others may leach into the ground and contaminate the groundwater supply.
  • This is the clear exception to the household construction material rule—asbestos is toxic, so call a specialized contractor to help.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but when you work with a rental company for household junk removal in Nashville, TN, they will be able to provide you with a complete list of “yes,” “no” and “maybe” items, thus ensuring safe waste removal and no additional fees or fines on your part.

Get help with household junk and storm debris removal in Nashville, TN

Griffin Waste Services prides itself on providing affordable, dependable waste removal services to the Nashville area. In addition to fast and friendly customer service, we offer flexible, affordable rentals that will suit your schedule, and a variety of dumpster sizes for your projects. Let us drop off and pick up your dumpster—call us today to find out more and get an estimate.

Leave a Reply