What can I put in a trash can? Usually, any non-hazardous material can be placed in a garbage bin. Most household waste, bulky furniture, construction debris, garden waste, and appliances are perfectly acceptable. All hazardous materials must be disposed of by professional hazardous waste collectors. This includes common household substances, such as pesticides, motor oil, automotive fluids, freon, asbestos, etc.
While you can dump most household waste and construction debris in a rolling rental container, some restrictions apply. This is usually because some items must be handled separately from other waste for environmental or safety reasons. The following list shows items that are not normally allowed in a dumpster and explains why they are prohibited. Household waste and construction debris can only be safely disposed of if it isn't contaminated with asbestos.
Adding contaminated waste to your trash bin will contaminate more waste and create a big problem. Asbestos must be removed by a professional for your safety and that of others. Technically, nature's trash isn't garbage, it was there first, but it's okay to throw things like sticks, leaves, brush, storm debris, and other floating environmental debris in the garden into a dump. If your home has asbestos, there are a lot of things that would otherwise be allowed in a dumpster (such as rubble from renovations, roof shingles, etc.) This table shows the types of debris that normally cannot go to a commercial container and the alternative ways to dispose of it.
If you're renting a dumpster due to a remodel, you can place most of the debris in it, including wood, drywall, floors, siding, and cabinets.
