What Can and Can't Go in a Dumpster? (Cincinnati Rental Guide)
If you've never rented a dumpster before, the first question after "how much does it cost?" is usually "are there items that can't go in this thing?" Fair question. The short answer: we pretty much accept everything, but there are a few things that could cost extra if put in, and nobody wants that surprise.
Here's the complete breakdown for anyone renting a dumpster in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.
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What CAN Go in a Dumpster
Good news — the list of things you can throw in is a lot longer than the list of things you can't.
Household Junk
- Old furniture (couches, mattresses, dressers, tables)
- Clothing, linens, and textiles
- Books, papers, and cardboard
- All appliances (refrigerators, freezers, A/C units cost $70-$75/piece) and electronics
- Toys, sports equipment, and general clutter
Construction and Renovation Debris
- Drywall and plaster
- Lumber, plywood, and OSB
- Roofing shingles (asphalt)
- Tile, ceramic, and porcelain
- Carpet and padding
- Insulation (fiberglass — not asbestos)
- Trim, molding, and baseboards
- Nails, screws, and hardware
- Windows (non-leaded glass)
Yard Waste
- Branches and brush
- Leaves and grass clippings
- Shrubs and small stumps
- Fencing (wood or chain link)
- Landscape timbers and railroad ties
Miscellaneous
- Bicycles, grills, and patio furniture
- Shelving and storage racks
- Old cabinets and countertops
- Paints and cleaners (as long as they don't spill or it's a $100 fee)
- Batteries (car batteries are included, but cost $25/piece)
What CAN'T Go in a Dumpster
This is the important part. These items are hazardous and regulated by Ohio and Kentucky disposal laws.
Hazardous Materials — Absolute None of These
- Motor oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid
- Gasoline and other fuels
- Asbestos-containing materials
Dirt and Concrete — It Depends
Here's one that trips people up. Small amounts of concrete or dirt mixed in with other debris are usually fine. But if you're filling a dumpster with nothing but concrete, soil, or asphalt, that needs a dedicated heavy-debris container. We have a concrete dumpster and you can view that here.Just Extra Info
These things aren't prohibited but just a heads-up:
- Mattresses — We take them, but some companies don't.
- Cast iron tubs — They're fine to load, but they weigh 300-400 lbs.
- Hot tub shells — Cut them into pieces and they'll easily fit in a 15 or 20 yard dumpster.
- Piano — Yes, people ask. If you can get it into the dumpster, we'll haul it. But they're extremely heavy.
Why Does It Matter?
Two reasons:
Landfill regulations. Ohio EPA and Kentucky's Division of Waste Management have strict rules about what goes into landfills. The EPA classifies many common household products as hazardous waste — so if you put prohibited items in, we have to remove them and that delays your project.
2. Safety. OSHA regulation 1926.252 governs proper disposal of construction waste materials for good reason — hazardous materials can injure our drivers, contaminate other waste, and create environmental problems.
When in Doubt, Just Ask
Not sure if something can go in the dumpster? Call us at 513-216-1143 before you toss it. We'd rather answer a quick question than deal with a rejected load. We've heard it all — no question is too weird.
Dumpsters for Every Cincinnati Project
Whether you're cleaning out a basement in Blue Ash, renovating a kitchen in Florence, or clearing storm damage in Lebanon — we've got the right dumpster at the right price.
- 10 Yard — Starting at $207
- 15 Yard — Starting at $207
- 20 Yard — Starting at $207