Before renting a dumpster and tossing all garbage in at Read more...
Sevan Davoodian
September 18, 2024
Before renting a dumpster and tossing all garbage in at will, you might need answers to a few questions first. For instance, what can’t you throw in a dumpster? Ozark Dumpster Service has seen it all through dumpster rental in Fayetteville, AR. Their team lists forbidden materials and why you can’t throw them in your rental.
You might be surprised at what shouldn’t go in a dumpster, especially if you’ve discarded numerous materials for which you have no more use. Many people don’t think twice about tossing dead batteries or partially emptied containers of household cleaners into a unit. Yet, these are just two of the substances that require specific disposal protocols.
Other items that shouldn’t go in your dumpster include:
1) Electronic devices, cords, and components
2) Chemical products like herbicides, pesticides, and cleaners
3) Automotive oils and fuels
4) Toxic, flammable, radioactive, or hazardous waste
5) Medical waste
6) Large metal items like railroad ties, containment barrels, and propane tanks
7) Tires and rubber
8) Building materials like stone, brick, or concrete
Knowing what not to throw in your rental dumpster is only half the battle. Understanding why you should choose alternative ways to throw these items away impacts your future waste management endeavors.
A lot of solid waste doesn’t degrade over time. Instead, it indefinitely takes up room in a landfill. Moreover, some items can damage the rental unit. If you accidentally dent or puncture the dumpster, you could incur expensive fees to cover the damage.
But what’s more concerning is how these materials or items affect the environment. What can’t you throw in a dumpster and why?
Household chemicals, like pesticides, cleaning products, and other poisonous liquids, can kill plants, bugs, and animals. Many sensitive species, like honey bees and snakes, balance local ecosystems and help provide food through pollination.
Toxic building supplies, such as lead and asbestos materials, are regulated by agencies like the EPA. They can release toxic particles into the ground or air, further poisoning the environment and increasing pollution.
Hard plastics can take centuries to decompose. As they gradually degrade, they shed microplastics into the soil and waterways. These inorganic particles can build up in the human body and won’t break down or metabolize.
Solvents, paints, and similar liquids almost always find their way back into municipal water supplies. Plus, they can make their way into a sanitation technician’s body, negatively impacting their health.
It’s not too late to change your habits if you’ve ever made the mistake of tossing some of these items into the trash.
Unfortunately, many listed items are large, heavy, and cumbersome. You can’t do much with them on your own. How can you properly dispose of them?
Electronics disposal is quite easy. Many people use old, broken electronics for parts and tinkering. Advertise your items online to encourage pickups from local tech enthusiasts or donate them to a nearby thrift store.
You can recycle many plastics. Just find a recycling center near you that takes these and other materials.
Some automotive repair shops will dispose of fuels and oils for a fee.
Try to use up your household liquids. Then, clean out and throw away or reuse containers.
Construction workers and landscapers might take tires, rubber, and building materials off your hands.
What can’t you throw in a dumpster? Essentially, you shouldn’t throw anything that would biodegrade or could have toxic consequences on the planet. Learn how to correctly dispose of materials that shouldn’t enter landfills. Then, contact Ozark Dumpster Service to rent a unit. Trust us to help.