Short answer: you can put almost any non-hazardous solid waste in a roll-off dumpster, including furniture, appliances, construction debris, scrap metal, wood, drywall, flooring, roofing and yard waste. You cannot put in anything hazardous, liquid or explosive: paint, solvents, oil, batteries, tires, propane tanks, asbestos, pool chemicals or medical waste.
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.
Can you put metal in a dumpster?
Yes. Scrap metal is one of the easiest materials to dispose of, and it's usually recycled rather than landfilled. That includes:
- Metal studs, ductwork, flashing, gutters and roofing panels
- Old swamp coolers, water heaters and BBQ grills (drained and empty)
- Metal fencing, gates, security doors and wrought iron
- Pipe, rebar offcuts, conduit and wire
- Appliances without refrigerant, such as stoves, dishwashers and washers
Two things to keep in mind. Metal is heavy, so a container full of pipe or fencing can hit its weight allowance early. And if you have a large volume of clean scrap, a scrap yard may pay you for it, so it's worth separating before the dumpster arrives.
Metal you should not throw in: anything containing refrigerant (fridges, freezers, AC units), propane and other pressurized tanks, fuel cans with residue, and car batteries.
What can go in a construction dumpster?
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is exactly what roll-offs are built for:
| Material | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lumber, framing, plywood, OSB | Yes | Bulky but light. Great for big containers. |
| Drywall and plaster | Yes | Heavier than it looks when it's in full sheets |
| Roofing (shingles, tile, underlayment) | Yes | Heavy. See roofing dumpsters. |
| Flooring, carpet, tile, subfloor | Yes | Tile with mortar is heavy debris |
| Cabinets, doors, windows, trim | Yes | Break down cabinets to save space |
| Concrete, block, brick | Yes, separately | Needs a heavy-debris container |
| Insulation and packaging | Yes | Weigh it down in monsoon season so it doesn't blow away |
| Paint, adhesives, solvents | No | Hazardous. Dried-out latex cans may be allowed. Ask first. |
| Asbestos-containing material | No | Requires a licensed abatement contractor |
Planning a job site? See construction dumpster rental for sizes and swap-outs.
Appliances, furniture and mattresses
- Furniture and mattresses: allowed. They're bulky, so count them when picking a size.
- Stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers: allowed.
- Refrigerators, freezers, AC units and water coolers: the refrigerant must be removed by a certified technician first. Tell us before loading.
- TVs and electronics: best recycled. Ask before putting them in.
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 you put metal in a dumpster?
Yes. Scrap metal, metal studs, ductwork, fencing and metal appliances are all fine, and metal is usually recycled. Metal is heavy, though, so tell us the volume when you book. Anything with refrigerant, such as a fridge or AC unit, needs the refrigerant removed first.
What can go in a construction dumpster?
Lumber, drywall, roofing, flooring, cabinets, doors, windows, insulation and packaging. Concrete, block and brick are allowed too, but they belong in a separate heavy-debris container. Paint, solvents, adhesives and asbestos are never allowed.
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
In most cases, yes. Mattresses are bulky, so count them when choosing a size.
Can I throw away a refrigerator or AC unit?
Only after a certified technician removes the refrigerant. Stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers have no refrigerant and are fine as they are.
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. A 30-second phone call is cheaper than a contamination fee.