Hazardous Waste in a Dumpster | What You Need to Know

What Is Hazardous Waste?

In residential settings, hazardous waste refers to any item that poses a threat to people, property, or the environment due to its chemical, physical, or biological properties. 

We’re talking about stuff that can catch fire, explode, corrode metal, poison groundwater, or make someone sick with just a whiff.

Hazardous waste is typically:

• Toxic (harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed)

• Flammable (can catch fire easily)

• Corrosive (can eat through materials or skin)

• Reactive (can explode or release toxic fumes when mixed) 

Even if it’s something you use every day (like bleach, batteries, or bug spray) it can still count as hazardous once you’re ready to toss it.

Why Hazardous Waste Can't Go in a Dumpster

We get it – dumpsters are meant for cleanouts, but hazardous items play by a different set of rules. 

Here’s why:

• Fire & Explosion Risks: Things like gasoline, aerosols, and old chemicals can ignite, explode, or react inside the dumpster or waste truck.

• Health Hazards: Waste haulers and workers can suffer burns, lung damage, or worse from fumes, spills, or direct contact.

• Environmental Damage: Hazardous waste can leak into soil and water, harming ecosystems and even contaminating drinking water.

• Regulatory Consequences: Improper disposal can lead to hefty fines, cleanup fees, and even jail time under federal laws like RCRA. Bottom line: the risks are too high. Hazardous waste needs its own disposal process.

What Types of Waste Are Considered Hazardous?

If it fits in one of these categories, it likely shouldn’t go in your rental dumpster.

Paints, Solvents & Cleaning Products

• Paints (full or partially full)

• Paint thinner, turpentine

• Bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner, rust remover 

Automotive & Garage Waste

• Motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid

• Antifreeze

• Car batteries (lead-acid or lithium) 

Pesticides & Garden Chemicals

• Herbicides, rodent poisons

• Pool and spa chemicals 

Flammable or Pressurized Items

• Gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid

• Aerosol cans (even half-full)

• Propane or butane tanks 

Electronics & Mercury-Containing Items

• TVs, laptops, and other e-waste

• Fluorescent bulbs

• Thermostats and thermometers 

Pharmaceuticals & Personal Products

• Expired meds and supplements

• Nail polish/remover

• Glues and adhesives 

Each of these items contains compounds that can ignite, leak toxins, or otherwise wreak havoc when mixed with regular waste.

Common Misconceptions (a.k.a. Dumpster Don'ts)

We see this all the time: homeowners tossing things they assume are “fine” just because they’re everyday items. 

Here are a few common myths:

• “It’s store-bought, so it’s safe to trash.” Nope. Everyday products can still be hazardous if flammable, toxic, or corrosive.

• “Empty containers are okay.” Not always – residue left inside paint cans, cleaners, or solvents can still be dangerous.

• “If I mix just a little in, it won’t matter.” It matters. Even small amounts can spark reactions.

• “Landfills will take care of it.” Many landfills won’t even accept hazardous waste, and if they do, it’s under strict controls.

How to Tell If Something Is Hazardous

If you’re not sure whether something is considered hazardous, start by reading the label. 

Look for warnings like:

• Danger

• Poison

• Toxic

• Flammable

• Corrosive

• Reactive 

Other tips:

• Keep products in original containers with labels intact

• Don’t mix unknown items together

• When in doubt, treat it as hazardous and check with your local disposal authority

What to Do Instead: Safe Disposal Options

So if these items can’t go in your dumpster… where can they go?

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

Many cities offer drop-off events for items like paint, batteries, pesticides, and motor oil. Just pack it up and take it in.

Permanent HHW Collection Sites

Some areas have year-round locations where you can bring hazardous waste for safe disposal. 

Recycling Programs

• Electronics: E-waste centers will take old TVs, laptops, etc.

• Batteries: Some hardware stores and city programs offer battery recycling bins

• Motor oil: Auto parts stores often take used oil 

Licensed Waste Handlers

For big jobs or commercial waste, there are companies licensed to handle hazardous material legally and safely. 

Safe Storage Until Disposal

If a disposal event isn’t available right away, store items safely in sealed containers until they can be dropped off.

Legal Consequences of Improper Disposal

This part’s not fun to talk about, but it matters. Dumping hazardous waste in a rented dumpster isn’t just unsafe – it’s illegal.

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA):

• Criminal penalties can include up to 5 years in prison and $50,000 per day of violation

• If someone is endangered, penalties go up to 15 years and $250,000+

• Civil penalties include large fines and forced cleanup costs For homeowners, this might seem extreme, but these laws are in place to protect the public and the planet.

Quick Reference: What Not to Put in Your Dumpster

• Paint cans (full or partially full)

• Pesticides/fertilizers

• Car batteries

• Electronics

• Aerosol cans

• Fluorescent bulbs

• Motor oil or auto fluids

• Refrigerators/ACs (contain refrigerants)

• Expired medications

Quick Reference: What to Do Instead

What The Green Dumpster Accepts (& Doesn’t)

We do not accept hazardous waste in any of our roll-off dumpsters. That includes all the items listed above. 

Why? Because we’re committed to protecting our community, our workers, and the environment.

But we do make waste disposal easy for everything else:

• Household cleanouts

• Construction debrisYard waste

• Appliances (non-refrigerant)

• Furniture

If you’re ever unsure whether something is okay to toss, just give us a call – we’ll steer you in the right direction.