What Can (and Can't) Go in a Rental Dumpster?

One of the most common sources of confusion — and unexpected charges — in the dumpster rental industry is not knowing what materials are accepted and what's prohibited. This guide provides a clear, comprehensive answer for residents and contractors in Memphis, Tennessee and the surrounding North Tennessee area.

✅ What IS Accepted in Our Dumpsters

Our standard roll-off dumpsters accept the following materials:

Household Items

• Furniture: sofas, beds, mattresses (call ahead), dressers, tables, chairs
• Clothing and linens (bagged)
• Appliances: washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves (freon-free only)
• Non-hazardous household goods and general junk

Construction & Renovation Debris

• Lumber, wood framing, plywood, OSB
• Drywall and gypsum board
• Flooring: tile, hardwood, laminate, carpet, vinyl
• Roofing materials: asphalt shingles, underlayment, gutters
• Windows, doors, and trim
• Insulation (non-asbestos)
• Cabinets, countertops, and fixtures

Concrete, Masonry & Heavy Materials

• Concrete (use smaller containers due to weight)
• Brick, cinder block, and mortar
• Ceramic and stone tile
• Asphalt (pavement chunks)

Yard & Organic Waste

• Tree branches, limbs, and brush
• Grass clippings, leaves, and plants
• Shrubs, stumps, and sod
• Mulch and wood chips

Metals

• Scrap metal, pipes, ductwork
• Structural steel and rebar
• Metal siding, roofing, and gutters

🚫 What is NOT Accepted (Prohibited Materials)

The following items are prohibited from all of our dumpsters due to environmental regulations, landfill restrictions, and legal liability:

Hazardous Materials

• Paint (liquid), varnish, stains, and solvents
• Chemical cleaners and household chemicals
• Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Motor oil, transmission fluid, and other automotive fluids
• Gasoline and fuel
• Pool chemicals

Electronics & Batteries

• Computer monitors, TVs, and computer equipment
• Batteries (lead-acid, lithium, and alkaline)
• Fluorescent bulbs and mercury-containing devices

Medical & Biological Waste

• Medical waste, syringes, and sharps
• Biological and infectious materials

Other Prohibited Items

• Tires (most facilities)
• Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Freon-containing refrigerators and AC units (must be de-gassed first)

Disposal Alternatives for Prohibited Materials in Memphis

For items we can't take, here are Memphis-area alternatives:

• Hazardous Household Waste: The City of Memphis conducts periodic HHW collection events. Check huntsville.gov for scheduled dates.
• Electronics Recycling: Best Buy, Staples, and the Memphis Solid Waste Disposal Authority accept e-waste.
• Tires: Many tire retailers accept old tires. The City of Memphis also holds tire collection events.
• Freon Appliances: A licensed HVAC technician can de-gas freon-containing appliances, after which they can be accepted in most dumpsters.