What You Can and Can’t Put in a Dumpster (General Rules + SWFL Callouts)

Short version: Most non-hazardous household junk, wood, drywall, and yard waste are fine. Liquids, fuels, chemicals, batteries, propane tanks, and mercury bulbs are out. When in doubt, use your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program.

Usually OK (confirm local rules)

• Household cleanouts: furniture, clothing, toys, non-refrigerated appliances (remove doors).
• Construction debris: lumber, drywall, flooring, cabinets, windows (tape/wrap glass).
• Roofing shingles: allowed but heavy—watch your tonnage cap.
• Yard waste: branches and leaves; some towns want it separated from trash.

Load tip: Break down bulky items and fill corners. Air pockets waste capacity and can make loads shift.

Not Allowed (or needs special handling)

• Liquids/chemicals: wet paint, thinners, fuels, pool chemicals, pesticides.
• Batteries: car, lithium, tool packs—use battery/e-waste drop-offs.
• Mercury items: fluorescent tubes, some thermostats.
• Pressurized tanks: propane/helium cylinders.
• Refrigerated appliances: require certified refrigerant recovery.
• Tires: typically refused or surcharged—use tire retailers/County programs.

“Ask First” Items (policies vary)

• Electronics (TVs/monitors): often diverted to e-waste events.
• Soil, concrete, brick, dirt: allowed as clean fill but extremely heavy—use smaller sizes.
• Railroad ties/treated wood: rules vary by site.
• Latex paint: usually OK only when fully dried (use hardener/cat litter).

Weight ≠ Volume: Avoid Surprise Fees

Dense debris (concrete, dirt, shingles, tile, plaster) hits your ton cap fast. Keep heavy materials low and centered, stop at the rail, and call for a swap instead of piling more on top.

Rainy & Hurricane Season Tips (SWFL Reality)

• Keep water out. Tarp between workdays—wet drywall and yard waste get heavy fast.
• Storm debris. Cities may do curbside passes, but they don’t take remodel junk; private roll-offs still apply.
• Access matters. Clear low branches/wires for set/pick; tight streets and soft yards slow everything down after big rains.
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SWFL Callouts (use as sidebars or in-line notes)

• Fort Myers / Lehigh Acres: If you’re searching dumpster rental Fort Myers or dumpster rental Lehigh Acres, keep liquids and batteries out—HHW events run regularly; ask where to take paint/chemicals.
• Cape Coral: For dumpster rental Cape Coral, separate dense debris (roofing, tile, concrete) and book smaller sizes with planned swaps—the street grid makes swaps fast when you call early.
• Naples / Marco Island: Dumpster rental Naples FL or Marco Island—condos/HOAs often require elevator pads, floor protection, and set/pick windows; coordinate placement and timing.
• Bonita Springs / Estero: Remodeling? Use plywood under wheels to protect pavers and keep the load below the rail—drivers will refuse heaped cans.
• Port Charlotte / Punta Gorda: For dumpster rental Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda, expect strict transfer-station policies on electronics and tires—ask before loading.