What Cannot Go in a Dumpster
The items prohibited in a dumpster are hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, motor oil), batteries, propane tanks, tires, electronics, appliances with refrigerants, and medical waste. These items are banned because they pose environmental, safety, or regulatory risks at the landfill. Most prohibited items can be disposed of for free at the Duval County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2675 Commonwealth Ave.
At 904 Dumpster, we include a prohibited items checklist with every delivery. After 2,000+ rentals in Jacksonville since 2016, here is the complete guide to what you can and cannot throw in a roll-off dumpster.
Hazardous Materials
The following hazardous materials are never allowed in dumpsters:
Chemicals and Liquids
Batteries
Other Hazardous Items
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:
Jacksonville E-Waste Options:
Appliances with Refrigerants
Appliances containing refrigerants (Freon) require special handling under EPA regulations:
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:
Jacksonville Options:
Tires
Tires are banned from Florida landfills due to their tendency to rise to the surface and harbor pests.
Where to Take Tires:
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:
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:
To avoid these issues, keep prohibited items separate and use appropriate disposal methods.
Quick Reference: What Can and Cannot Go in a Dumpster
| Allowed | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Furniture, mattresses | Wet paint, chemicals, solvents |
| Construction debris (drywall, lumber) | Motor oil, automotive fluids |
| Carpet and padding | Batteries (car, lithium) |
| Yard waste (branches, sod) | Propane tanks, aerosol cans with contents |
| Roofing shingles | Tires |
| Cabinets, countertops, fixtures | Electronics (TVs, computers) |
| Windows, doors, trim | Refrigerators with Freon |
| General household junk | Medical waste, syringes |
For paint disposal, see our dedicated Jacksonville guide with free drop-off locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mattresses are accepted in all 904 Dumpster roll-off containers. Place them on their side to save space. A standard mattress and box spring take up approximately 1-2 cubic yards of space in your dumpster.
Yes, but be mindful of weight limits. Concrete weighs approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot. A 10-yard dumpster loaded with concrete can quickly exceed the 1.5-ton weight limit. For concrete-only loads, we offer a concrete disposal dumpster with appropriate weight allowances.
When we deliver your dumpster contents to the landfill, the facility inspects the load. If prohibited items are discovered, the load may be rejected and additional fees may apply. To avoid this, keep prohibited items separate and use the Duval County HHW Facility at 2675 Commonwealth Ave.
Empty, dry paint cans are allowed. Cans with wet paint, whether latex or oil-based, are prohibited. Dry latex paint by adding kitty litter, then dispose in your regular trash. See our full paint disposal guide for details.
The Duval County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 2675 Commonwealth Ave accepts paint, chemicals, batteries, propane tanks, and other hazardous materials for free (Duval County residents, Tuesday-Saturday, 8 AM-5 PM). Electronics can go to Best Buy or Office Depot for free recycling.
Have Questions About Specific Items?
Not sure if something can go in your dumpster? Call us at (904) 240-5598 before loading it. We deliver throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, and all of Northeast Florida. Book online or call for same-day delivery.