Tires are not accepted at most landfills because they trap gases and take a long time to break down. Instead of throwing them in a dumpster, reach out to your local municipality, auto parts store, or tire dealership.
Tip: Look for a local recycler that can repurpose old tires into asphalt or other industrial materials.

Lumber like railroad ties and telephone poles is often treated with harmful preservatives and cannot be placed in dumpsters. Some landfills may accept intact railroad ties.
Tip: Consider contacting organizations like Habitat for Humanity or local businesses in need of materials for landscaping or parking lot bumpers.

Adhesives such as glue or epoxy should be disposed of with regular household trash rather than in a roll-off dumpster. Loose adhesives may damage the container and could cause debris to stick together or adhere to the container walls, making cleanup difficult.

Car batteries, as well as lithium batteries, are not allowed in dumpsters because they can leak harmful chemicals. Old car batteries can be taken to a local recycling center or auto shop. Lithium batteries, like those found in laptops, can be recycled at most electronics retailers. Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, D, etc.) are acceptable for disposal in a dumpster.

Wet paint, including paint thinners, lacquers, and wood stains, cannot generally be disposed of in a dumpster. However, in many areas, dry latex paint can be disposed of in a sealed, plastic-wrapped can. Consider finding a nearby paint recycling program. Empty paint cans can be disposed of in our dumpsters.
Tip: Mix wet paint with kitty litter to help it solidify before disposal.

Flammable substances like propane tanks, oils, and fuels pose serious safety hazards in dumpsters. These materials are highly combustible, and improper disposal is illegal in many areas.
Tip: Contact a propane service provider, your local fire department, or a hazardous waste collection center for safe disposal methods.

Fluorescent lightbulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which makes them unsuitable for disposal in a dumpster. Many landfills prohibit the disposal of these bulbs, and certain areas require them to be properly recycled. Recycling is mandatory in states like California, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington.

Inks and resins from pens and printers can damage equipment and leave stains inside dumpsters. These should be taken to recycling centers or retailers that offer drop-off services for safe disposal.

Toxic substances are harmful or fatal if ingested or come into contact with the skin. Improper disposal of these materials can lead to serious eye or skin irritation, respiratory issues, and can damage local ecosystems or water sources.
Examples include: medications, antifreeze, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs.

Biohazardous waste refers to materials that may carry infectious agents, such as blood or bodily fluids. Particular caution is needed with sharp objects like needles, blades, and glass, which can cause injury during handling.
Examples include: blood, needles/sharps, bodily fluids, animal waste, animal body parts.

Flammable or ignitable wastes are substances that can easily catch fire or rapidly escalate an existing fire, making proper disposal crucial.
Examples include: kerosene, matches, flares, rubbing alcohol, diesel fuel, cleaning solvents, nail polish remover, motor oil.

Corrosive materials are highly acidic or alkaline and can cause serious damage to human skin and even corrode metal containers like dumpsters and trash cans. These substances pose a significant danger to waste handlers and the environment, as improper disposal can contaminate groundwater and harm marine life.
Examples include: rust remover, oven cleaner, chlorine bleach, automotive lead-acid batteries.

Reactive wastes are unstable under normal conditions and may explode due to regular pressure, temperature, or exposure to water. The heat in a landfill or the pressure from a garbage truck compressor can increase the chances of these substances exploding or releasing toxic gases, which can cause severe burns to your eyes, nose, throat, and other body parts.
Examples include: propane tanks, oxygen tanks, partially used aerosol cans, ammunition, fertilizer.