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Can it go in a dumpster?
What to do with tires, mattresses, paint, appliances, water heaters, shingles and concrete, with the rules and the alternatives.
Water heater
Often yes, if it's fully drained, but rules vary: some dumpster companies treat water heaters as appliances or charge a fee, so ask first.
Read →Tires
Usually not. Most dumpster companies don't accept tires, because landfills restrict them and states regulate scrap tires.
Read →Mattresses
Often yes, but many companies charge a per-mattress fee, and some areas send mattresses to recycling instead of the landfill.
Read →Paint
Liquid paint usually can't go in a dumpster. Completely dried-out latex paint cans are often accepted; oil-based paint goes to hazardous waste drop-off.
Read →Roofing shingles
Yes, asphalt shingles can go in most dumpsters, but they're very heavy, so the weight limit decides the size.
Read →Appliances
Washers, dryers and stoves often can (some companies charge a fee). Fridges, freezers, AC units and dehumidifiers need their refrigerant recovered first, so most dumpster companies won't take them as-is.
Read →Concrete
Yes, concrete can go in many dumpsters, but it's extremely heavy. Companies often require a smaller or concrete-only container and limit how full you fill it.
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