Are you interested in renting a roll-off dumpster for a big cleaning or construction project? It's so tempting to just toss everything in there to get hauled away. However, some items should never go into a dumpster rental due to safety, environmental, or legal concerns. Heeding disposal rules will protect you, waste handlers, and the planet. Here's what you should keep out of your roll-off dumpster when you work with us.

1. Hazardous Waste

It may be convenient, but never place hazardous materials like paint, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, or pesticides in your dumpster. According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, these contain ingredients dangerous to people and the environment. Tossing them in with regular trash can cause chemical fires, release toxins, or contaminate landfills. Proper disposal is essential. Check if your town has a household hazardous waste collection day to drop these items off safely. Or, find a disposal or recycling facility that handles such materials. Doing it right takes a little more effort, yet it protects our dumpster haulers from unknowingly mishandling dangerous substances.

2. Electronics

According to NYC 311, while that dusty old TV or last year's smartphone model seems ready for the trash, sending electronics to landfills can release heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium over time. Plus, there may still be reusable components. Instead, look for an e-waste disposal program in your community. Some big retailers also often collect certain devices. Properly recycling electronics reduces waste and safely reclaims valuable materials for future use. We are happy to discuss these restrictions with you further when rent one of our dumpsters.

3. Tires

That set of worn tires tempting you with their dumpster-shaped void? Resist! According to Bob Vila, tires don't compact well. This means that they take up precious landfill space. They also contain components that can leach into groundwater. Instead, ask your mechanic, tire retailer, or auto parts store about recycling options when purchasing replacements. There's also likely a used tire collection program in your region. Recycling tires keeps landfills safer and preserves resources.

Renting a roll-off dumpster provides welcome convenience for major cleaning or renovations. According to the Florida Institute of Technology, the number one trash-producing country in the world is the United States. On average, each person in the U.S. produces 1,609 pounds per year, meaning that 5% of the world's people generate 40% of the world's waste. A roll-off dumpster can help you quickly and easily clear junk or debris away, but not everything can be disposed of in these units. If you're looking to rent a roll-off dumpster, reach out to Cobblestone Container and Disposal Services, LLC today for our rules and availability.