What Can and Cannot Go in a Dumpster
Commonly Accepted
- Household junk, furniture and couches, and cardboard — break down large furniture where you can, and take sectionals apart, since bulky pieces take up space more than weight
- Carpet and carpet padding, rolled and tied in sections, and other flooring
- Clean wood — lumber, decking and framing offcuts — and drywall
- Yard waste — branches, brush, leaves and clippings; tell us when you book if it will be mixed with other debris, as it may need to be kept separate
- Roofing debris and general construction and demolition debris
- Mattresses, and washers, dryers and stoves — appliances that do not use refrigerant
Requires Special Handling or May Not Be Allowed
- Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units — any appliance with refrigerant in it — and electronics
- Liquid or wet paint — paint that has completely dried out in the can is fine — plus oils, fuel, and automotive or household chemicals, and batteries
- Asbestos, medical and hazardous waste, tires, and propane tanks
Several of these restrictions come directly from North Carolina law (NC Gen. Stat. 130A-309.10), which bans specific materials — including tires, used motor oil, lead-acid batteries, and electronics — from landfill disposal entirely. The Buncombe County Transfer Station also accepts sharps (needles) for free when stored in a sturdy, screw-top container.
Unsure about a specific item? Ask when you request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put appliances in a rental dumpster?
It depends on the appliance. Washers, dryers and stoves are fine — they do not use refrigerant. Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units are not accepted at all, because they contain refrigerant.
Can yard waste go in the dumpster?
Yes. Branches, brush, leaves and clippings can go in. Just tell us when you book if yard waste will be mixed in with other debris, as it may need to be kept separate.
What if I accidentally load a prohibited item?
Contact your provider as soon as possible. Prohibited items (hazardous waste, tires, batteries, electronics) usually need to be removed before pickup or disposed of separately.
Where can I dispose of sharps or medical waste?
The Buncombe County Transfer Station accepts sharps (needles) for free when stored in a sturdy, screw-top container — these should never go in a rental dumpster.