What Can You Put in a Dumpster (and What You Can't)
The yes list, the no list, and what to do with the no's.
Dumpsters feel like magic boxes: toss anything in and it disappears. Almost. There's a short list of things that can't go in a rental dumpster — mostly items that are hazardous, need special recycling, or can damage the landfill.
The great news? About 95% of what's in a typical garage, basement, or renovation ends up on the yes list. Here's the full breakdown.
The Yes List (Toss It In!)
- Furniture — couches, mattresses, dressers, tables, that recliner nobody will admit to owning.
- Household junk — toys, clothing, books, decor, broken everything.
- Construction & renovation debris — drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, doors, windows.
- Wood, lumber, and decking — nails and screws included.
- Yard waste — branches, brush, leaves, grass clippings.
- Appliances WITHOUT freon — stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters.
- Cardboard, packaging, and moving boxes.
- Electronics like TVs and computers (ask us first — some facilities handle e-waste differently).
The No List (Keep It Out)
These items can't go in a rental dumpster in Michigan — not because we're fun-sponges, but because landfills and the law say so:
- Paint, stains, solvents, and chemicals (dried latex paint is OK — crack the lid open and let it dry out first).
- Batteries of any kind, including car batteries.
- Tires — most landfills refuse them and they're a pain to dispose of after the fact.
- Refrigerators, AC units, and anything with freon.
- Motor oil, gasoline, propane tanks, and other flammables.
- Asbestos and anything contaminated with it.
- Medical waste.
What To Do With the No's
Most Metro Detroit communities run household hazardous waste collection days — your city or township's website will have the schedule, and most are free for residents. Auto parts stores usually take old car batteries for free, and tire shops will recycle old tires for a small fee.
Quick tip from four generations in the scrap business: pull out anything metal before the dumpster gets picked up. Copper, brass, and aluminum can actually put money in your pocket at a scrap yard. We know a thing or two about that.
When in Doubt, Text Us
Got a weird item and no idea which list it belongs to? Snap a photo and text it to 248-909-4855. We'll give you a straight answer fast — and if we can't take it, we'll usually know who can.