What Cannot Go in a Dumpster: Prohibited Items Guide

Why Some Items Are Prohibited

Landfills have strict regulations about what they can accept. Prohibited items fall into several categories:

•Environmental hazards: Items that could contaminate soil or groundwater

•Safety risks: Materials that could injure workers or cause fires

•Regulatory requirements: Items requiring special handling by law

•Recycling mandates: Materials that must be recycled rather than landfilled

Understanding these restrictions helps protect the environment, keeps workers safe, and ensures your dumpster rental goes smoothly.

Hazardous Materials

The following hazardous materials are never allowed in dumpsters:

Chemicals and Liquids

•Paint (latex or oil-based)

•Paint thinners and solvents

•Motor oil and automotive fluids

•Pesticides and herbicides

•Pool chemicals

•Cleaning chemicals in liquid form

•Gasoline and other fuels

Batteries

•Car batteries

•Lithium batteries

•Rechargeable batteries

•Industrial batteries

Other Hazardous Items

•Propane tanks

•Fire extinguishers

•Aerosol cans with contents

•Fluorescent light bulbs

•Mercury thermometers

Where to Dispose in Jacksonville:

Duval County Household Hazardous Waste facility accepts these items from residents. Check the COJ website for hours and locations.

Electronics (E-Waste)

Florida law prohibits the disposal of certain electronics in landfills:

•Computers and monitors

•Televisions

•Printers and copiers

•Cell phones and tablets

•DVD and gaming equipment

Jacksonville E-Waste Options:

•Best Buy: Free recycling for small electronics

•Office Depot: Printer and computer recycling

•Goodwill: Accepts working electronics

•City e-waste events: Periodic collection days

Appliances with Refrigerants

Appliances containing refrigerants (Freon) require special handling under EPA regulations:

•Refrigerators

•Freezers

•Air conditioners (window and central)

•Dehumidifiers

•Water coolers

How to Dispose:

A certified technician must remove refrigerants before disposal. Many appliance recyclers and scrap metal dealers offer this service. Once properly evacuated and certified, these appliances can go in your dumpster.

Medical Waste

Medical waste requires specialized disposal:

•Syringes and needles (sharps)

•Medications and prescriptions

•Medical equipment

•Biohazardous materials

Jacksonville Options:

•Pharmacies: Many accept unused medications

•Hospital collection: Some facilities accept sharps

•CVS and Walgreens: Drug disposal kiosks available

Tires

Tires are banned from Florida landfills due to their tendency to rise to the surface and harbor pests.

Where to Take Tires:

•Tire retailers (often charge a fee)

•Duval County facilities

•Tire recycling companies

What About These Common Items?

Mattresses

Allowed in most cases. Some landfills restrict them, but our standard service accepts mattresses.

Furniture

Allowed. Couches, chairs, tables, and other furniture can go in the dumpster.

Carpet and Padding

Allowed. Roll carpet tightly to maximize space.

Construction Materials

Allowed with some exceptions:

•Asbestos: Requires special handling and testing

•Treated lumber: Check with us first

•Concrete/brick: Allowed but counts heavily toward weight limits

Yard Waste

Allowed in most cases. Grass, branches, and landscaping debris are accepted.

What Happens If Prohibited Items Are Found?

When we deliver your dumpster contents to the landfill, the facility inspects the load. If prohibited items are discovered:

1.The load may be rejected

2.Additional fees may apply

3.Items must be separated for proper disposal

4.Additional hauling charges may be incurred

To avoid these issues, keep prohibited items separate and use appropriate disposal methods.

Have Questions About Specific Items?

Not sure if something can go in your dumpster? Call us at (904) 240-5598 before loading it. We are happy to clarify what is allowed and suggest alternatives for prohibited items.