What Can't Go in a Roll-Off Dumpster (and What to Do With It)
Paint, tires, batteries, refrigerant appliances and liquids don't belong in a roll-off. Here's what's fine, what isn't and how to handle the leftovers.
Most renovation and cleanout debris goes straight in the container. A short list of items does not. Getting it right keeps your load from being rejected and keeps hazardous material out of the landfill.
What's fine to toss
- Drywall, lumber, trim and cabinets
- Flooring, carpet and tile
- Roofing shingles
- Furniture and household junk
- Yard waste, branches and stumps
- Concrete, brick and dirt (in the right size container, see below)
What has to be handled separately
- Hazardous material: chemicals, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals
- Paint: especially liquid paint and stains
- Tires
- Batteries: car batteries and rechargeables
- Appliances holding refrigerant: refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, dehumidifiers
- Liquids of any kind: oil, fuel, antifreeze, cleaning fluids
When you call, tell us what's on the job and we'll tell you what's fine to throw in.
What to do with the leftovers
- Latex paint: let it dry out completely before disposal. Mix in cat litter or a paint hardener to speed it up.
- Oil-based paint, chemicals and solvents: hold them for your parish's household hazardous waste collection.
- Tires and batteries: many tire shops and auto parts stores take them back.
- Refrigerant appliances: the refrigerant has to be recovered before the unit is scrapped. Ask your appliance retailer or a licensed HVAC tech.
Heavy debris gets its own rules
Concrete, brick, rock and dirt are allowed, but they're heavy. Put them in a 10-yard container and keep them separate from household junk when you can. A clean load of heavy material is simpler to dispose of. More in our heavy debris guide.
A quick crew rule
Brief your crew or family on day one: no liquids, no paint cans, no batteries, nothing above the top rail. Five minutes of instruction saves a rejected load.
Planning a job in Greater New Orleans? Call (504) 287-2348 or get a quote. We confirm the size, the placement and the price before anything is scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put paint in a dumpster?
Liquid paint can't go in a roll-off. Dry latex paint out completely first, and take oil-based paint to your parish's household hazardous waste collection.
Can I throw a refrigerator in a dumpster?
Not if it still holds refrigerant. The refrigerant has to be recovered before the appliance is scrapped.
Can concrete go in a roll-off dumpster?
Yes, but it's heavy, so use a 10-yard container and keep it separate from other debris when you can.