Generally allowed
- Household junk: furniture, mattresses, rugs, toys, clothing, boxes
- Remodeling debris: drywall, cabinets, countertops, flooring, doors, windows, fixtures
- Construction debris: lumber, framing, siding, trim, packaging
- Roofing: shingles, underlayment and tile (heavy, so tell us). See roofing dumpsters.
- Yard waste: branches, fronds, shrubs, sod. See yard waste dumpsters.
- Heavy debris: concrete, brick, dirt and rock, in a properly sized container. See heavy debris.
Not allowed
| Item | Why | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid paint, stains, solvents | Hazardous and flammable | Household hazardous waste collection |
| Motor oil, fuel, antifreeze | Hazardous liquids | Many auto parts stores accept used oil |
| Car and lithium batteries | Fire and chemical risk | Battery retailers or HHW collection |
| Tires | Landfill restrictions | Tire retailers usually take old tires |
| Propane tanks, compressed gas | Explosion risk | Propane exchange or supplier |
| Asbestos-containing material | Regulated hazardous material | Licensed abatement contractor |
| Pool chemicals, pesticides | Reactive and toxic | Household hazardous waste collection |
| Medical waste, sharps | Biohazard | Pharmacy or medical waste programs |
Ask first
- Refrigerators, freezers and AC units: refrigerant must be removed by a certified technician
- Electronics and TVs: recycling is the better choice
- Dried latex paint cans: sometimes acceptable once fully dried out
- Railroad ties and treated wood
- Large quantities of a single heavy material
Household hazardous waste in the Valley
Phoenix and most Valley cities offer household hazardous waste drop-off or collection events for residents. Check your city's website for current locations and dates. Clearing these items out before the dumpster arrives, especially from garages, makes loading faster and avoids problems at pickup.
Arizona-specific items
- Pool chemicals (chlorine, acid): never put them in a dumpster. They can react with other debris in the heat.
- Old evaporative cooler pads and pumps: fine, once drained
- Palm fronds: fine, but cut them to lie flat
Unsure about an item?Call before you load it. It takes 30 seconds and avoids a problem at pickup.
(602) 595-7860Common questions
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
In most cases, yes. Mattresses are bulky, so count them when choosing a size.
What happens if prohibited items are found in my dumpster?
They may need to be removed before pickup, or extra charges may apply. Ask before you load anything you're unsure about.