Are you planning a home renovation or spring cleaning? A dumpster rental could make the cleanup on these types of projects super simple. However, to maximize your investment and avoid charges, you’ll need to understand what not to put in a dumpster.
VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters, the local experts in junk removal in Greenville, SC, share more below. Here are the restrictions we place on our dumpster rentals and the important reasons behind the rules.
What Happens When You Throw Away Something That Doesn’t Belong in a Dumpster?
Rental companies provide a list of restricted items in the contract for your dumpster. Why? Usually, there are two reasons:
- Dumpster restrictions improve everyone’s health and safety.
- Dumpster restrictions keep the company’s assets intact for future rentals.
Think of how exposure to medical waste can spread disease to anyone who empties the container. If you put flammable materials in there and they ignite in the hot sun, you might face some widespread property damage and safety concerns.
Nine Prohibited Materials To Avoid Placing In Your Dumpster Rental
While every dumpster rental company differs, common prohibitions include the following:
1. Hazardous Waste Causes Widespread Health and Environmental Problems
Waste containers can’t handle household hazardous waste. For example, disposing of pesticides after spraying your garden can release byproducts into the container or landfill. Toxic chemicals also have unintended reactions with other substances.
2. Liquids Creates Unexpected Chemical Reactions
Are you surprised to see liquids on the list of what not to put in a dumpster? The containers can leak, and you can likely guess the problems that occur when volatile materials flow from the bin. However, even something as innocuous as juice or vegetable oil can affect the structural integrity of the containers, driving up the company’s maintenance costs.
3. Electronic Waste Contaminates Groundwater
Electronic devices and components never belong in a dumpster rental! Why?
- Batteries contain acids and bases like lithium and sulfur. They damage the environment and catch fire.
- Televisions and monitors have cathode rays, which contain dangerous heavy metals like lead and cadmium.
Additionally, certain light bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury.
4. Tires Fill Space and You Can Recycle Them
Many jurisdictions make it illegal to throw away tires. Authorities cite several reasons for this, including the fact that tires take up ample space in landfills, and it is possible to recycle them into many other useful materials or products. Don’t throw your tires in with the standard recycling; a full-service waste disposal company like VETS Junk Removal & Dumpster can remove these items responsibly.
5. Freon-Based Appliances Expose People to Toxic Substances
If you’re wondering what not to put in a dumpster rental, appliances that contain refrigerant go right near the top of the list. The substance provides the cooling function in air conditioners, fridges, and dehumidifiers, among other appliances. Frostbite and seizures are only some of the reasons exposure to coolants is dangerous.
6. Mattresses Take Too Long To Decompose
Why can’t you throw an innocent mattress in your dumpster rental? It isn’t universally prohibited, but since it takes over 100 years for a mattress to decompose, many cities only allow it if you wrap it in plastic. They take up significant space in landfills, so it’s better to ship the mattress back to its manufacturer.
7. Paints and Solvents Affect the Environment and People
Never dump paint and similar substances, like stains or solvents, into a rental container. These liquids seep into the groundwater and septic tanks. An experienced waste removal company can help you with safer disposal options.
8. Oil and Gasoline Can Burst Into Flames With Enough Heat
Gasoline-related products are among the most important restrictions on the list of what not to put in a dumpster. Highly combustible chemicals ignite when compacted or placed under direct sunlight. Nearly every city has laws against dumping gasoline.
9. Yard Waste’s Only Crime Is Taking Up Valuable Dumpster Space
Why can’t you throw yard waste into a rentable dumpster? It doesn’t make practical sense because you can put these byproducts to good use as compost or mulch and save valuable landfill space. Some clippings and branches even pose an environmental hazard if you have trimmed something that has a fungus, disease, or infestation and might spread the problem to other plants.
Other Considerations When Renting a Dumpster
What else should you keep in mind when you rent a dumpster?
- Rental companies can give you a complete restrictions list with your contract.
- Tossing a prohibited substance in the dumpster can draw extra cleaning or disposal fees from the dumpster rental company or the landfill you use.
Full-service waste disposal companies like VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters provide responsible disposal solutions for mattresses, tires, and more.
Schedule Your Dumpster Rental With VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters
Now you know what not to put in a dumpster! You can always contact us for help disposing of more complicated materials or choosing from various dumpster rental sizes.
To schedule a rental or explore VETS Junk Removal & Dumpster’s services, call (980) 613-4692!