Whether you’re spring cleaning or just going through old belongings to make room for new ones, it is important to know what should and shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster. Not every item is created equal, and some require special disposal. But what items shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster, and how do you properly dispose of them?
Our team at Canyon View Dumpster & Trash has compiled a list of the most common items that shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster so you don’t unintentionally receive fines for improper disposal.
Some Items Shouldn’t Go In A Rental Dumpster?
It may seem strange, but there are definitely several items that shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster. While common household waste is fine, some items are contaminated and considered hazardous to the environment if disposed of improperly. Many of these contaminated items come with a hefty fine if thrown into a standard or rental dumpster, and it is important to know what needs special disposal to avoid these penalties.
1. Electronic Devices
When you upgrade to a new electronic device, you may think that throwing it in a dumpster is the easiest way to rid yourself of it, but that is not the case. If the device is broken and cannot be donated, it shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster either. Electronic devices have toxic compounds in them, including mercury, lead, or cadmium, which leach into local soil and water sources if they sit in landfills or are incinerated. If you want to get rid of old, broken electronic devices, look for a local recycling center that will accept them.
2. Oil, Gas, Or Propane Tanks
In the same way that you wouldn’t want to keep flammable materials in the garbage can in your home, old oil, gas, or rusty propane tanks shouldn’t go in your rental dumpster. These items are incredibly unsafe in your garbage can and landfills, so you should go through appropriate channels to dispose of them. You should call your local hazardous waste organization to determine how to rid yourself of these items. If you’re looking for easy disposal of oil, give your local auto shop a call. They may take it off your hands to ensure it’s properly disposed of.
3. Old Tires
While throwing old tires in your dumpster seems like an easy way to dispose of them, they can’t get thrown in a rental dumpster. Old car tires contain steel belts and can pierce trash liners. This piercing may lead to ground contamination. If you have recently changed your car tires and are looking to dispose of them, you should take these tires to a specialized tire recycling center. While you may have to pay a fee for disposal, the fine for improper disposal may be much steeper and certainly isn’t worth the risk.
4. Car Batteries
Smaller alkaline batteries can be thrown in a rental dumpster. However, larger car batteries shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster. Car batteries contain acid and lead and cannot be disposed of through dumpsters because they pose environmental risks to humans and animals. If you have a battery that requires disposal, it is best to call your local auto shop. Thankfully, some auto shops will require a swap when purchasing a new car battery and will only sell one to you if you hand over the old one, which should make disposal easy for you.
5. Asbestos Materials
If your home was built before the 1980s, there is a chance that asbestos is present. If you’ve done renovations but still haven’t disposed of asbestos waste, it shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster. Your local landfills may accept asbestos waste, though you do need to call them to confirm this, and you will need to deliver it yourself. Another option is getting ahold of professional asbestos removal companies to remove it from your home properly.
6. Medical Waste
You may not even realize how much medical waste is in your home until you’re trying to dispose of it. Common household medical waste includes insulin needles, sharps, and blood-soaked tissues. If you find yourself with a collection of these items, they shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster loosely. You may have a sharps container, which can hold these needles and other medical waste. To dispose of this container in Utah, once it is three-quarters full, it should be duct-taped shut, labeled do not recycle, and placed in the household trash. If your garbage collector is reluctant to take it, get in contact with your state waste agency.
7. Old Appliances
Old appliances, like refrigerators, microwaves, and toaster ovens, contain electronic components that are hazardous when improperly disposed of. Especially as devices become more modern and include screens or additional batteries, the disposal becomes harder to do, and they shouldn’t go in a rental dumpster. If you have old appliances that need to be disposed of, you may be able to contact your local utility company. They should have more instructions on how to dispose of these items according to your state regulations properly. If the device is still in working condition, you may want to donate it to your local salvation army, who should come to pick it up as well.
Getting A Rental Dumpster With Canyon View Dumpsters & Toilets
If you are looking for a rental dumpster, you should work with a company that has as many options as possible for your unique needs. At Canyon View Dumpsters & Toilets, we offer recycling dumpsters and 15-, 20-, and 30-yard dumpsters for every project. If you are interested in renting a dumpster for your home construction or clean-up project, reach out to us today.
