What You Can't Put in a Rented Dumpster in Voorhees
What You Can't Put in a Rented Dumpster in Voorhees
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are one of the primary categories of waste that cannot go into a dumpster. These substances can pose serious risks to both human health and the environment. Some common examples of hazardous materials include:
Chemicals and solvents such as paint, paint thinners, adhesives, and household cleaners contain chemicals that can leak and contaminate soil and water. These chemicals should never be thrown into a dumpster.
Batteries like car batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and other types contain toxic substances such as lead and cadmium. They must be disposed of at specialized recycling centers to avoid harm to the environment.
Flammable materials including gasoline, oil, propane tanks, and other fuels are highly flammable and pose a significant fire hazard if disposed of improperly. These items require special handling to prevent explosions or fires.
Asbestos-containing materials, which can often be found in older buildings, are extremely dangerous. Asbestos exposure can cause serious health issues like lung cancer and must be handled by licensed professionals.
Finally, medical waste such as syringes, medications, and contaminated medical supplies must be disposed of through specialized medical waste services.
How to Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste:
Many communities, including Voorhees, offer Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events. These events are an excellent opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials safely.
For items like batteries and electronics, find a certified recycling center where these materials can be safely processed.
Electronics and Appliances
Electronics and appliances contain materials that can be harmful if not disposed of correctly. Items such as televisions, computers, refrigerators, and air conditioners may contain substances like mercury or refrigerants that need to be handled properly.
Electronics: Devices such as computers, televisions, and smartphones contain hazardous materials that can leak into the environment. New Jersey law mandates that electronics be recycled properly.
Appliances: Household appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers contain refrigerants that can harm the ozone layer. Before disposal, these items must be decommissioned by a licensed technician.
Proper Disposal Methods:
Many electronics retailers and local recycling centers offer electronics recycling services. You can drop off your old devices for safe disposal and recycling.
Appliances with refrigerants should be taken to a certified recycling facility that can safely remove the harmful chemicals.
Tires
Tires are another item that should never go into a rented dumpster. Their large size, weight, and composition make them unsuitable for regular disposal. Additionally, tires can pose a risk to landfill operations and the environment.
How to Dispose of Tires:
Many tire retailers will accept old tires when you purchase new ones, and some tire shops have tire recycling programs.
There are also specialized recycling centers that process tires for reuse in other products like asphalt and playground surfaces.
Yard Waste
Yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, branches, and soil, may seem harmless, but it should not be placed in a rented dumpster. Yard waste decomposes quickly, creating odors and attracting pests. Additionally, it doesn’t belong in landfills due to space limitations.
Alternative Disposal Methods:
Consider composting your yard waste at home. Composting provides a natural way to recycle yard debris into nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
Check with your local waste management provider for seasonal yard waste collection services that can handle these materials separately.
Construction and Demolition Debris
Items such as concrete, brick, and asphalt are considered construction and demolition (C&D) debris, and they are typically not suitable for standard dumpsters. These materials are heavy and can exceed the weight limits for regular dumpsters. Additionally, they require special processing before disposal.
Concrete and Asphalt: Due to their weight and environmental impact, these materials must be recycled separately.
Other C&D Debris: Items like railroad ties and treated wood should never go in a dumpster, as they may contain harmful chemicals like creosote.
Proper Disposal Methods:
Many waste management companies offer specialized dumpsters for C&D debris, designed to handle the weight and type of materials typically found on construction sites.
Recycling centers that focus on construction waste can process materials like concrete and asphalt for reuse in new projects.
Mattresses and Furniture
While not hazardous, large items like mattresses and furniture can be bulky and difficult to dispose of in a dumpster. These items also take up significant space in landfills.
Alternative Disposal Methods:
Consider donating usable furniture and mattresses to local charities or thrift stores.
For non-donatable items, check with your local waste provider for bulk waste pickup services or specialized mattress recycling programs.
Paint and Paint Cans
Paint is often overlooked when it comes to waste disposal, but it can be hazardous, especially if the paint is still in liquid form. Paint cans that are not empty can cause leaks or release toxic fumes.
Proper Disposal Methods:
If you have leftover paint, allow it to dry by mixing it with cat litter or sawdust before disposing of it in your regular trash.
Many communities hold paint collection events, where you can drop off unused or old paint for safe disposal.
Hot Water Tanks
Hot water tanks, like other large appliances, are not suitable for disposal in a rented dumpster. Due to their size and the potential presence of harmful gases, these items require special handling.
How to Dispose of Hot Water Tanks:
Many scrap metal yards will accept hot water tanks for recycling.
Some appliance retailers offer to take your old hot water tank when you purchase a new one, ensuring it is disposed of safely.
Freon-Containing Appliances
Appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners contain Freon, a refrigerant that is harmful to the environment if not properly removed. Freon-containing appliances should not be placed in a dumpster until the refrigerant has been safely extracted.
Proper Disposal Methods:
Always hire a licensed technician to remove Freon from these appliances before disposal.
Many recycling centers can handle Freon removal and recycling for appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
Conclusion
By understanding what you can and cannot put in a rented dumpster, you can ensure that your waste disposal process is safe, legal, and environmentally responsible. It’s important to follow local regulations and use the appropriate disposal methods for prohibited items to avoid fines and environmental harm. If you’re planning a project in Voorhees and need a reliable dumpster rental, contact a trusted service provider at South Jersey Dumpster Rental. They can guide you on what’s allowed and help with your waste management needs. Properly disposing of waste not only keeps your project on track but also contributes to a cleaner, healthier community.