The spring cleaning season has arrived, and people all over are feeling the itch to clear out their garages and homes. Renting a dumpster from redbox+ Dumpsters of NW Arkansas is a convenient way to dispose of large amounts of trash. However, it’s important to be aware of certain items that should not be placed in a dumpster due to safety and legal reasons. Contacting your local dumpster rental company is crucial to learn about specific restrictions in your area. A reputable dumpster business will assist you in finding alternative disposal methods for items that cannot be placed in a dumpster or regular trash bin.
Here is a list of the top 8 items that are commonly discarded but should not be put in a dumpster, along with proper disposal methods:
1. Flammable, toxic, hazardous, or corrosive waste
Items with these characteristics should never be placed in any type of waste container, whether it’s a roll-off dumpster or your home trash bin. These materials can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
2. Tires
While approximately 250 million scrap tires are generated each year, they should not be sent to landfills in the United States due to environmental concerns. Instead, they should go through a specific tire recycling process for proper disposal.
3. Paints and related products
Paints, lacquers, and their containers may contain hazardous chemicals such as mercury and lead. In most cases, these items cannot be disposed of in dumpsters. Latex paint may be an exception, but it often needs to be mixed with materials like cat litter before disposal in a garbage can. Stains, paints, and finishes, including aerosol cans, are generally prohibited as well.
4. Used oil
Oil used in automobiles and industrial equipment is typically classified as hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in regular garbage cans or trash bins. This includes oil from household equipment such as lawn mowers or chain saws. It’s important to find appropriate recycling or disposal methods for used oil.
5. Asbestos
Buildings constructed before the late 1970s may contain asbestos, a highly dangerous material that can lead to various lung diseases. Due to its hazardous nature, asbestos cannot be handled or disposed of in dumpsters. Professional home contractors should be contacted to safely remove this substance.
6. Batteries
All types of batteries, especially car batteries, should not be placed in dumpsters. Batteries contain chemicals, metals, and corrosive materials that can be harmful to the environment and human health. Proper recycling facilities should be used for battery disposal.
7. Petroleum and gasoline
Highly combustible substances like petroleum and gasoline are not allowed in landfills or dumpsters. Disposing of unusable fuels should be done at local hazardous waste facilities to ensure safe and proper handling.
8. Appliances with Freon
While many appliances can be disposed of in rental dumpsters, refrigerators and other appliances containing Freon must have the Freon professionally removed before disposal. Consider donating old appliances to a local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store, where they are often recycled for low-income populations instead of being dumped.
By adhering to the regulations and guidelines for dumpster disposal, we not only protect garbage collectors and prevent headaches when dumpsters are returned, but we also promote environmental responsibility. Let’s all do our part to protect the environment!