What’s Not Allowed In a Dumpster Rental In Ohio?

There are many reasons why different rules and regulations exist on what type of waste is allowed in a dumpster and what isn’t allowed to be thrown away when you rent a dumpster in Ohio for safety, environmental, and regulatory reasons.

Whether it’s a residential, commercial, or construction dumpster rental, you should always take time to research your state law regulations regarding waste management and dumpster rental company’s rules. Some items, like adhesives, batteries, dangerous chemicals, and electronic waste (like old TVs and computers), are usually not allowed, and big appliances that might have harmful materials.

Types of waste you can’t put in dumpster rentals

If you plan to do a commercial, home clean-out, or renovation, always contact your dumpster rental provider to learn about the company guidelines and restrictions on the types of waste allowed in their dumpster rentals. These restrictions may vary among dumpster rental companies in Ohio. Knowing the type of waste you can’t put in a dumpster rental is the first step to keeping everything in place and everyone safe.

Here are the types of waste you cannot put in our dumpster rentals:

1. Acid and Bases

Acids and bases must never be thrown into dumpsters because they are highly corrosive and hazardous. These chemicals can cause significant harm to those handling the waste and the nearby community if they are not managed and disposed of properly. When acids and bases are placed in landfills, they can react with other substances, producing harmful fumes and contaminating the soil and groundwater, leading to severe health and environmental dangers.

2. Adhesive 

Adhesive materials like glue and epoxy should not be put inside the dumpster as they can get messy and sticky, making it challenging to handle the trash properly. They can also stick to other items in the dumpster, creating a big mess. Some adhesives have chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. 

3. Batteries

Batteries should not be placed in dumpsters since many batteries, especially rechargeable ones like lithium-ion batteries commonly found in gadgets and electronics, contain hazardous materials. These items can be harmful if not disposed of properly and potentially contaminate the environment.

4. Electronics and old appliances

Many electronics and appliances contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can harm human health if not disposed of properly. When these items are crushed in a landfill, these toxic substances can enter the soil and groundwater, potentially contaminate drinking water sources, and harm ecosystems.

5. Flammable and Ignitable Wastes

These materials are prone to catching fire quickly, creating significant risks to people and property. When flammable or ignitable wastes are mixed with other substances in a dumpster, they can create a dangerous situation where a fire can ignite and spread quickly.

Dumpsters are often emptied mechanically, and the compacted waste inside can generate heat and friction, further increasing the fire risk. Once a fire starts in a dumpster, it can be challenging to control and can result in damage to property and injuries to waste handlers. 

6. Medical Waste

Disposing of needles, medications, and other medical equipment requires special attention due to the potential health hazards they pose. Needles, in particular, can carry infectious diseases and be dangerous to waste handlers if not handled and disposed of correctly. Medications can contain chemicals that may harm the environment. Therefore, we should follow proper public safety and environmental protection disposal guidelines.

7. Oil, Fuels, and Propane Tanks

Disposing of oil, fuels, and propane tanks in dumpsters should be avoided due to safety and environmental concerns. These substances are highly flammable, posing significant fire and explosion risks. In particular, compressed containers like propane tanks can create dangerous situations if not disposed of properly.

8. Paint

When it comes to paint, you shouldn’t put wet paint, whether full or partially full, paint thinners, or wood stains in a dumpster. Many paints contain harmful chemicals and solvents that can harm the environment if disposed of incorrectly. Some paints, especially oil-based ones, are flammable and can create a fire hazard when placed in dumpsters. The combination of paint fumes and other materials in the dumpster can lead to unsafe situations. 

9. Reactive Wastes

Reactive wastes have the potential to react violently when exposed to other substances, temperature changes, or even moisture. Such reactions can result in explosions, fires, or the release of toxic gases, putting waste handlers, nearby communities, and the environment in grave danger. In places like landfills or garbage trucks, where it gets hot, the risk of explosions and dangerous fumes increases. Breathing in these fumes can hurt your eyes, nose, and throat.

10. Tires

Tires can be a fire hazard when they end up in landfills, which is why many dumpster rental companies don’t allow them. A better option is to take your old tires to a recycling center or return them to an auto shop where they can be reused or recycled. This helps prevent environmental risks and makes better use of the materials.

11. Toxic Wastes

Toxic materials such as asbestos, lead, mercury, and chromium can be harmful or deadly if swallowed or if they touch your skin. Particular toxic wastes can lead to severe eye or skin irritation and breathing problems and may even pollute local ecosystems or water sources if not appropriately managed.

Why Should We Follow the Rules and Regulations?

Disposing of hazardous waste is a great way to safeguard the environment and community. If thrown into regular dumpsters, hazardous wastes like chemicals and electronics can release toxins that contaminate soil and water and can potentially harm human health. Therefore, following the rules and regulations of your state law and waste management companies by separating such materials from everyday waste can help ensure that they don’t end up in regular landfills, thereby protecting our natural environment.

Discarding certain items in dumpster rentals poses risks to public safety, particularly for waste management workers. Materials such as batteries and flammable liquids can create dangerous situations, including fires and exposure to toxic substances. Following the established disposal guidelines is a key step in safeguarding the well-being of those who handle the waste. Additionally, this approach encourages the recycling of reusable materials, promoting a more sustainable and responsible method of managing waste.

Remember that failure to follow your state waste management laws has many consequences, including, but not limited to, fines, penalties, and enforcement of legal actions. Also, it can potentially lead to community disruption, unpleasant odors or pests, and liability issues.

Different Solutions to Dispose of Hazardous Wastes

There are many different ways to dispose of hazardous wastes. One way to do this is by using special programs in your community that collect items like paints, tires, and cleaning chemicals. There are also different ways to get rid of old appliances and electronics. If they are still working well, you can list them online and utilize retailer recycling facilities such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Staples. This is another way to make money from your old appliances or exchange them for something new. Another way is to donate them to give back to the community.

Some hazardous wastes, such as reactive and ignitable wastes, can be treated to make them less harmful before they’re thrown away. You cannot just throw medical waste into any old dumpster, as it is dangerous and life-threatening to people who handle general waste. Seek guidance from your local pharmacy or health department on the appropriate medication disposal methods. Many communities have specific programs or collection sites where you can safely dispose of different types of waste.

Conclusion

Following the rules and guidelines for what can be disposed of in dumpster rentals in Ohio helps protect the environment and public health. These rules ensure that hazardous materials, such as electronics and chemicals, are disposed of properly and minimize environmental risk to the community.

Complying with these regulations contributes to a healthier and cleaner environment. Finding appropriate disposal methods for restricted items is a key part of this process. By making informed choices about waste disposal and following the correct procedures for hazardous materials, we help maintain the health and well-being of our environment and those within it.

But, if you need help with how to dispose of your waste correctly, contacting waste management companies is always the best decision to help you with your needs. Many reputable waste management companies and dumpster rentals in Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio, like Gregory Roll-Off Containers, can help you manage your waste disposal tasks, and they can provide a safe and hassle-free process.