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Reducing household waste is the best way to save money on junk removal costs in the long run. Reusable kitchen, pantry, and cleaning supplies will make a large dent, as will creating an easy compost and recycling system in your home. Additionally, create an ongoing practice of recycling, donating, or repurposing items that are ready to go.

While a rented dumpster can handle a wide variety of materials, there are significant restrictions on what is allowed. Generally, you can dispose of most non-hazardous household junk, yard waste, and construction debris.

Accepted items typically include:

• Furniture, carpets, old linens, and toys

• Wood and yard debris

• Small appliances and excess trash

• Renovation waste like old finishes, building debris, and roofing materials (unless they contain lead paint or asbestos)

However, you cannot put toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials in a dumpster. Prohibited items almost always include:

• Paint, gasoline, oil, and other fuels

• Household cleaners and other chemicals

• Electronics, batteries, and tires

• Refrigerators, hot water tanks, and medical waste

Since regulations can vary by location and company, it is essential to check with your dumpster rental provider for their specific list of accepted and prohibited items before you begin.

In most cases, it’s better to remove rocks before adding mulch. Layering the two will restrict drainage and plant health, and can create an unpleasant texture underfoot.

Yes, you can conduct your own leaf removal, but consider that keeping up with leaf removal is time-consuming and requires regular yard work throughout the fall. The process can take a few hours a week. Professionals have lawn equipment that can speed up the process and save you time. Additionally, consider how you’ll dispose of the leaves. If your sanitation company won’t pick them up—especially if you have many bags from a once-annual cleanup— you’ll have to drive the bags to the dump. It’s usually easier to leave the work and disposal to a professional leaf removal service.