What You Can and Can't Put in a Dumpster

Usually OK

• Furniture
• Household cleanout items
• Wood, lumber and framing
• Drywall and plaster
• Flooring, cabinets and countertops
• Roofing shingles
• Siding and windows
• Metal, such as fencing, piping and shelving

Not allowed

• Hazardous waste: chemicals, pesticides, pool chemicals
• Paint, stains and solvents that are liquid
• Motor oil, fuel and other automotive fluids
• Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
• Car batteries and household batteries

• Medical waste
• Asbestos-containing material
• Household garbage and food waste (household junk such as furniture and cleanout items is fine)

Ask first

• Mattresses and box springs. Mattresses and box springs can go in a container, but each one costs extra. Mattress pickup is an occasional service we run on a set schedule, roughly every other month, not something available any day, week or time of year. Tell us about any mattresses when you book and we'll explain your options, including when the next scheduled pickup is planned. Tires and rims can go too, but each costs extra.
• Appliances with refrigerant, such as fridges, freezers and AC units.
• TVs and computer monitors, which have special disposal rules in Massachusetts.
• Large amounts of concrete or brick, and any dirt. Some concrete or brick can go in with other debris; a large amount is often cheaper in its own container. Dirt needs its own clean load.
• Yard waste, brush and stumps. Green waste needs its own clean load, never mixed with household, trash or construction debris.

Why it matters