Understanding what you can and cannot dispose of in a dumpster rental is essential for avoiding costly fees, staying compliant with local regulations, and protecting the environment. As a family-owned waste management company serving Philadelphia and South Jersey since 2019, we help hundreds of homeowners and contractors navigate disposal rules every week.
Whether you are tackling a home renovation, clearing out your basement, managing a construction site, or handling a major cleanout, knowing the difference between acceptable and prohibited materials will save you time, money, and hassle. Below, you will find our comprehensive quick reference guide showing exactly what belongs in your dumpster and what requires special disposal, followed by detailed answers to the most common questions we receive.
Need immediate help? Our experienced team is available to answer your disposal questions. Call us at 856-900-7275 or request a free quote online.
Quick Reference: What's In, What's Out
Check Accepted Items
Most common household and construction materials are welcome in our dumpsters:
- + Construction Debris: Wood, lumber, drywall, sheetrock, plaster, studs, and framing materials
- + Demolition Materials: Concrete, brick, block, stone, asphalt, and masonry (may require separate dumpster)
- + Roofing Materials: Shingles, underlayment, flashing, and gutters
- + Flooring: Carpet, padding, tile, laminate, hardwood, and vinyl
- + Furniture: Couches, chairs, tables, dressers, bed frames, and mattresses
- + Appliances: Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers (refrigerators require Freon removal)
- + Yard Waste: Branches, leaves, grass clippings, brush, and small tree trimmings
- + Household Junk: Clothing, toys, books, boxes, and general clutter
- + Metal: Steel, aluminum, copper, and scrap metal
- + Cardboard and Packaging: Moving boxes, shipping materials, and paper products
Pro Tip: Mixing materials is fine! You don't need to sort items before disposal unless you are separating recyclables for a discount.
X Prohibited Items
These items cannot be disposed of in our dumpsters due to environmental regulations and safety concerns:
- - Hazardous Materials: Any substance that's toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive
- - Chemicals: Paint (wet), solvents, pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, and cleaning products
- - Automotive: Motor oil, transmission fluid, gasoline, diesel, antifreeze, and car batteries
- - Tires: Any vehicle tires (car, truck, motorcycle, or equipment)
- - Batteries: Lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries, and alkaline batteries in bulk
- - Electronics: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, and other e-waste (require special recycling)
- - Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials require certified removal and disposal
- - Medical Waste: Needles, syringes, biohazards, and pharmaceutical waste
- - Liquids: Any liquid waste including water, oils, or wet paint
- - Propane Tanks: BBQ tanks, HVAC tanks, or any compressed gas cylinders
- - Refrigerants: AC units, refrigerators, or freezers with Freon (must be certified removed first)
- - Radioactive Materials: Smoke detectors in bulk, medical equipment, or industrial waste
Important: Disposing prohibited items can result in additional fees, fines, or legal consequences. When in doubt, call us at 856-900-7275.
These disposal restrictions are not arbitrary. They are in place to protect public health, groundwater, and the environment. Hazardous materials require specialized handling and disposal at certified facilities. Violating these regulations can result in significant fines for both you and our company. We take environmental responsibility seriously and appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dumpster rental cost in Philadelphia?
Dumpster rental prices in Philadelphia vary based on several factors including size, rental duration, and type of waste. Our competitive rates start around 300 dollars for a 10-yard dumpster and can go up to 600 dollars plus for larger 40-yard containers. We provide free estimates tailored to your specific project needs, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
How does dumpster rental work?
Renting a dumpster is a straightforward process:
- Step 1: Call us at 856-900-7275 or request a quote online
- Step 2: We will discuss your project and recommend the right size
- Step 3: Schedule delivery (same-day often available)
- Step 4: We deliver your dumpster between 6-7 AM
- Step 5: Fill it at your own pace during the rental period
- Step 6: Call for pickup when you are done
Our experienced team handles everything from placement to hauling, making the process hassle-free for you.
What can I put in a dumpster rental?
Most common materials are accepted including:
- Construction and demolition debris (wood, drywall, concrete)
- Household junk and furniture
- Appliances (refrigerators require special handling)
- Yard waste and landscaping debris
- Roofing materials and shingles
- Carpeting and flooring
Prohibited items include: Hazardous materials, chemicals, paint, tires, batteries, liquid waste, asbestos, and electronics. Contact us if you are unsure about a specific item.
How long can I keep the dumpster?
Standard rental periods range from 7 to 14 days, which is sufficient for most projects. If you need the dumpster for a longer period, we offer flexible extensions at a reasonable daily rate. Just let us know before your rental period ends, and we will accommodate your schedule. For shorter-term rentals, we can also work out special arrangements.
Do you offer same-day dumpster delivery?
Yes! We offer same-day delivery when availability permits. Our trucks are on the road by 6-7 AM each morning. For the best chance of same-day service, call us early in the day. Even during busy seasons like spring and summer, we work hard to accommodate urgent requests. Next-day delivery is almost always available.
What size dumpster do I need?
Choosing the right size depends on your project:
- 10-Yard: Small cleanouts, minor bathroom remodel, garage decluttering (3-4 pickup truck loads)
- 20-Yard: Kitchen remodel, flooring removal, medium deck removal (6-8 pickup truck loads)
- 30-Yard: Large home renovation, estate cleanout, new construction (9-12 pickup truck loads)
- 40-Yard: Major demolition, commercial cleanouts, large construction projects (12-16 pickup truck loads)
When in doubt, call us at 856-900-7275. Our experienced team can help you choose based on your specific project details.
Do I need a permit to rent a dumpster?
If the dumpster will be placed on your private property (driveway, yard), you typically do not need a permit. However, if you need to place it on the street or public property in Philadelphia, a permit is usually required. Permit requirements vary by neighborhood and duration. We can help guide you through the local regulations and permit process for your specific location.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Philadelphia and surrounding areas including Brewerytown, Center City, South Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown, Manayunk, and more. Our family-owned business has been serving the greater Philadelphia region since 2019. We also service select suburbs in Montgomery, Delaware, and Bucks counties, as well as South Jersey. Call us to confirm service availability for your specific location.
Are there any additional fees I should know about?
We believe in transparent pricing. Our quotes include delivery, pickup, disposal, and a set weight limit. Additional fees may apply for:
- Exceeding the weight limit (charged per ton)
- Extended rental periods beyond the agreed timeframe
- Prohibited items requiring special disposal
- Difficult access requiring special equipment
We discuss all potential fees upfront during your quote, so there are never any surprises on your final bill.
Can I change my dumpster size after delivery?
If you realize you need a different size after delivery, contact us as soon as possible. While we do our best to accommodate changes, swapping requires removing the current dumpster and delivering a new one, which may incur additional fees. To avoid this, we recommend discussing your project in detail during the initial quote so we can help you choose the right size from the start.
Your Dumpster Disposal Resource
Everything you need to know about what you can and cannot throw away in your dumpster rental, including helpful tips and best practices.
Quick Tips for Dumpster Use
- When in doubt, ask first: Call us before tossing questionable items
- Dry paint cans are OK: Leave lids off to show they are dry
- Break down boxes: Flattened cardboard saves space and money
- Heavy materials sink: Put them in first, lighter items on top
- Do not overfill: Keep waste level with the top of the dumpster
- Freon removal required: Hire a certified tech before tossing fridges or AC units
- Check local regulations: Some items require permits or special disposal
- Separate recyclables: Ask us about recycling discounts
Still Not Sure What You Can Throw Away?
Do not risk additional fees or violations. Our experienced team is here to answer all your disposal questions, whether you are a homeowner tackling a weekend project or a contractor managing a large site.
Same-Day Delivery Available - Transparent Pricing - Family-Owned Since 2019