Allowed items guide
What Can You Put in a Dumpster?
Most cleanout, remodel and roofing debris can go in a dumpster. Hazardous chemicals, wet paint and batteries can't. Mattresses, tires and Freon appliances are allowed for $50 each. Concrete, dirt and brick go only in 10 and 15-yard dumpsters, loaded halfway.
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- Banned
- Chemicals, paint, batteries
- $50 each
- Mattress, tire, Freon
- Heavy debris
- 10 & 15-yd, half full
- Fill line
- Level with rim
What can and can't go in a dumpster?
Almost everything from a cleanout, remodel or roof tear-off can go in, with 3 exceptions and 3 extra-fee items. Hazardous chemicals, wet paint and batteries are not allowed. Mattresses, tires and Freon appliances cost $50 each. Concrete and dirt go only in 10 and 15-yard dumpsters.
| Item | Allowed? | Why / where it goes instead |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture, boxes, household junk | Allowed | Break down large pieces to fit more |
| Drywall, lumber, cabinets, flooring | Allowed | Heavy; watch your included tons |
| Roofing shingles | Allowed | Heavy; see roof weight math |
| Yard waste, brush, fence boards | Allowed | Light; fills volume first |
| Concrete, dirt, brick, sand | 10 and 15-yard only | Loaded halfway; clean loads get clean-fill pricing |
| Mattresses and box springs | $50 each | Special handling at the landfill |
| Tires | $50 each | Texas landfills can't take whole tires unless processed (30 TAC §330.15) |
| Fridges, freezers, window AC units | $50 each | Refrigerant must be recovered before disposal (40 CFR 82.155) |
| Car and household batteries | Not allowed | Lead-acid batteries go back to a retailer or recycler (HSC §361.451) |
| Wet or liquid paint | Not allowed | Household hazardous waste collection |
| Chemicals, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals | Not allowed | Household hazardous waste collection (TCEQ) |
| Motor oil, fuel, other liquids | Not allowed | Texas landfills can't take used oil or bulk liquids |
Why are some items banned in Texas dumpsters?
Texas rule 30 TAC §330.15 bars landfills from taking lead-acid batteries, used oil, whole tires and bulk liquids. It also bars fridges and AC units unless their refrigerant is handled under federal rules. A dumpster with these items can be refused at the scale.
Batteries are covered twice: Texas law says a used lead-acid battery may only go to a battery retailer, a smelter or an approved recycler (Health & Safety Code §361.451). Federal rules require refrigerant to be recovered from small appliances before final disposal (40 CFR 82.155).
That is why we charge $50 for Freon appliances, tires and mattresses: each needs separate handling at the landfill.
Where do paint, chemicals and batteries go instead?
Household hazardous waste goes to your city's collection program. McKinney, for one, picks it up at the curb on your regular trash day at no added fee, up to 50 lb and 10 gallons per pickup, for residents. Other cities run drop-off sites or events.
McKinney residents book curbside hazardous waste pickup through the city (McKinney Household Hazardous Waste, checked October 21, 2026). Car batteries can go back to most auto parts stores.
Your city or county page lists the local hazardous-waste option where we found one. TCEQ also lists options statewide (TCEQ guide).
Can latex paint go in a dumpster?
Wet or liquid paint of any kind can't go in our dumpsters. Liquids leak, and landfills can't take bulk liquids. Empty cans with fully dried paint are ordinary debris. Leave the lid off so the driver can see the can is dry.
What happens if a banned item ends up in the dumpster?
Banned items found at pickup must come out before the truck can haul the load. If the driver can't take the dumpster, a $125 dry-run fee applies. Extra-fee items found at the landfill are billed at $50 each on the final invoice.
Questions about this
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster in Texas?
Mattresses can go in our dumpsters for $50 each. They need separate handling at the landfill, so tell us how many when you book.
Can I throw away a refrigerator in a dumpster?
Fridges, freezers and window AC units can go in for $50 each, because the refrigerant has to be recovered under federal rules before disposal.
Are electronics allowed in a dumpster?
TVs and computers aren't on our banned list. Many cities run electronics recycling, which is often the better choice for screens.
Can I put tires in a dumpster?
Car and truck tires can go in for $50 each. Texas landfills can't take whole tires unless they're processed, so they're handled separately.
Can I put propane tanks in a dumpster?
Pressurized tanks count as hazardous and can't go in. Return them to a tank exchange or a propane dealer.
Ready to book?
Book by 3 PM for next-day delivery between 7 AM–5 PM. Your quote lists the included tons and the $75/ton rate.
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