Get matched with top dumpster providers in Upperco, MD

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.

The smallest dumpsters typically available for rent are 2 cubic yards. These are ideal for small cleanup jobs, minor home remodeling projects, or decluttering a garage. A 2-cubic-yard dumpster can generally hold around 400 pounds and often measures about 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. The cost to rent one typically ranges from $75 to $200 per week.

For even smaller jobs, or as an alternative, you can consider a dumpster bag. These come in various sizes (often 2 to 5 cubic yards) and can cost between $100 and $180 per week. Other small dumpster types include commercial dumpsters (starting at 2 yards) and small roll-off dumpsters (which usually start at 10 yards).

No, you can’t place hazardous waste in a dumpster unless you specifically ordered a dumpster for hazardous waste removal. If the dumpster company finds hazardous waste that it didn’t approve for dumping, the company will return the waste to you, and you’ll likely face a fine for illegal dumping.

It’s best practice to responsibly dispose of a refrigerator, as it can contain substances that are harmful to the environment, and to avoid illegal dumping. Explore other options for getting rid of an old refrigerator such as selling it on Facebook Marketplace, recycling it at a local scrap yard, or donating it to a nonprofit organization.