Complete Guide

What Can Go in a Dumpster?

Know what you can throw away before you start loading. This guide covers accepted items, prohibited materials (Illinois law), and items with extra fees.

Accepted

Household junk, furniture, construction debris, general trash

Extra Fee

Mattresses, couches, heavy materials like concrete

Prohibited

Hazardous waste, electronics, tires, yard waste, liquids

What You CAN Put in a Dumpster

Household Items

Furniture (tables, chairs, desks, shelves)
Clothing and textiles
Books, papers, cardboard
Toys and games
Dishes, glassware, cookware
Small appliances (toasters, microwaves)
Lamps and light fixtures
Rugs and carpeting

Construction Debris

Drywall and sheetrock
Lumber and wood scraps
Roofing shingles
Siding and trim
Doors and windows (no glass)
Cabinets and countertops
Flooring (tile, hardwood, laminate)
Insulation (non-asbestos)

General Junk

Household trash and garbage
Old decorations
Sporting equipment
Garden tools and hoses
Plastic items
Non-hazardous cleaning supplies (empty)
Packaging materials
Broken items and debris

Items with Extra Fees

These items ARE allowed but require an additional fee due to special disposal requirements.

Item	Fee	Reason
Mattress	$40 each	Special disposal required
Box Spring	$40 each	Special disposal required
Couch / Sofa	$25 each	Upholstery disposal fee
Recliner / Upholstered Chair	$25 each	Upholstery disposal fee
Concrete / Brick / Dirt	Call for quote	Extremely heavy - may exceed weight limits

Prohibited Items (Illinois Law)

These items are banned by Illinois EPA regulations and CANNOT go in the dumpster. Violations can result in fines.

Hazardous chemicals, paints, solvents

Illinois EPA banned

Motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid

Liquid waste banned

Batteries (car or household)

Lead-acid batteries banned since 1990

Tires (any size)

Whole tires banned since 1994

Appliances with Freon (refrigerators, AC, freezers)

Requires Freon removal cert

Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors, printers)

E-waste banned since 2012

Propane tanks, compressed gas cylinders

Explosion hazard

Medical waste, sharps, needles

Biohazard

Asbestos or asbestos-containing materials

Requires special disposal

Fluorescent tubes/bulbs

Mercury content

Yard waste (grass, leaves, brush)

Banned from landfills since 1990

Liquids of any kind

No liquid waste in roll-offs

Hot water heaters

White goods banned

Railroad ties, treated wood

Chemical treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put furniture in a dumpster?▼

Yes! Most furniture like tables, chairs, desks, and bookshelves can go in the dumpster. However, mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture like couches have a surcharge due to special disposal requirements.

Can I throw away a TV or computer?▼

No. Electronics including TVs, computers, monitors, and printers have been banned from Illinois landfills since 2012. These must be recycled at an e-waste facility.

Can I put concrete or bricks in a dumpster?▼

Contact us first. Concrete, brick, and dirt are extremely heavy and may exceed weight limits quickly. We offer special pricing for heavy materials - call (618) 231-8481 for a quote.

What happens if I put prohibited items in the dumpster?▼

Prohibited items must be removed before we can haul the dumpster. You may be charged additional fees for removal and proper disposal. In some cases, fines can be issued by the EPA for hazardous materials.

Can yard waste go in a dumpster?▼

No. Yard waste including grass clippings, leaves, and brush has been banned from Illinois landfills since 1990. This must be composted or taken to a yard waste facility.

Have Questions About Your Items?

Not sure if something can go in the dumpster? Give us a call and we'll help you figure it out.

Book Your Dumpster (618) 231-8481