What Can Go In a Dumpster (and What Can't)

Goes in, no problem

✓ Household junk, clothes, toys, boxes
✓ Furniture and cabinets
✓ Remodel debris: drywall, lumber, trim, flooring
✓ Roofing shingles (single layer)
✓ Yard waste: branches, brush, storm debris
✓ Carpet and padding

Cannot go in

✕ Wet paint, chemicals, solvents, pesticides
✕ Tires and propane tanks
✕ Asbestos in any form
✕ Appliances containing refrigerant
✕ Batteries and electronics
✕ Medical or biological waste

Why the no-list exists

It is not us being difficult. Landfills and transfer stations refuse hazardous loads, and one bad item can get an entire container rejected at the gate. Tires and refrigerant appliances have their own legally required disposal paths. When we say no to an item, it is because the facility will.

Where the banned stuff actually goes

Every county in our service area, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, and Frederick, runs household hazardous waste collection, and most operate electronics recycling too. Search your county name plus "household hazardous waste" for current drop-off dates and sites. For appliances, many scrap recyclers take them and handle the refrigerant recovery.

Not sure about a specific item? Call or text (240) 703-9699. We would rather tell you now than surprise you at pickup.

Related: size guide • cost guide • all FAQs

Common items

Good to know

Can I put furniture and mattresses in a dumpster?

Household furniture is fine in our containers. Mattresses are accepted by some haulers and surcharged or refused by others because disposal facilities handle them separately, so ask when you book.

Can I throw paint cans in a dumpster?

Dried-out, empty paint cans are generally fine. Wet paint, stains, and solvents are hazardous waste and cannot go in any roll-off. Every county we serve runs household hazardous waste drop-off programs, check your county website for dates.

What about concrete, dirt, and brick?

Heavy masonry fills weight limits long before it fills the container. Most companies, us included, take it only in limited amounts or in dedicated heavy-debris boxes. Tell us upfront and we will quote it straight.

Why can't appliances with refrigerant go in?

Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units contain refrigerant that federal law requires a certified technician to recover before disposal. Recyclers and some county facilities take them, or ask us about handling when you book.