What Can (and Can’t) Go in Your Dumpster: A Homeowner’s Guide

If you’re renting a dumpster from Mickey’s Carting for the first time, you might be wondering: “What exactly can I throw in there?” It’s a fair question—and a really important one. Understanding what can and can’t go into a roll-off dumpster helps keep your project on track, avoids added fees, and protects the environment.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown so you can confidently load your container without second-guessing every item.

✅ Items You Can Safely Dispose Of

Most household and construction debris is perfectly fine to place in your Mickey’s dumpster. This includes:

• Wood and lumber (non-treated)

• Drywall and plaster

• Roofing shingles and tiles

• Bricks, concrete, and asphalt (ask about weight limits)

• Flooring (carpet, tile, linoleum)

• Furniture and mattresses

• Non-hazardous household junk

• Appliances without freon

• Yard debris (leaves, branches, grass)

Always double-check if you’re doing a mixed-material load. For example, heavy materials like concrete might need a special dumpster.

🚫 Items You Should Never Put in the Dumpster

Certain items are considered hazardous, restricted by local regulations, or can damage our containers. Do not place these in your dumpster:

• Paint, stains, and solvents

• Asbestos or materials that may contain asbestos

• Propane tanks

• Batteries (car or household)

• Tires

• Oils, fuels, or gasoline

• Freon-containing appliances (refrigerators, A/C units)

• Electronics (check with us for e-waste options)

• Medical or biohazard waste

Improper disposal can result in extra charges and even delays in pickup. When in doubt—give us a quick call.

🔄 What About Recycling?

We do our part to sort and redirect recyclable materials to the proper facilities. You can help by keeping items like clean cardboard, metal, or concrete separate. Ask us about dedicated recycling containers for your project.

📋 Downloadable Dumpster Loading Checklist

Want to make sure you’re in the clear? Grab our free PDF checklist [here] to keep track of what’s allowed and what’s not.

Final Tip:

It’s always better to ask before you toss. Our team is here to guide you—because a successful project starts with the right kind of clean-up.