Dignified Dumpsters
What Can & Can’t Go in a Dumpster
Know what can go in a dumpster before your dumpster arrives. This guide covers common accepted debris for home cleanouts, remodels, and job sites in Ann Arbor, Brighton, and nearby Michigan areas.
Before your dumpster arrives, it’s important to know what materials are accepted and which items are prohibited.
Most household junk, remodeling debris, construction materials, yard waste, and roofing debris are allowed in our dumpsters. However, certain materials are restricted due to landfill regulations, environmental laws, and safety concerns.
If you are unsure about an item, contact us before loading your dumpster.
Accepted Dumpster Materials
Most non-hazardous debris from cleanouts, remodeling projects, construction jobs, roofing work, and yard cleanups can go in our dumpsters. Also check out our guide for What can go in a dumpster. If you’re unsure about an item, contact us before loading.
Household junk & cleanouts
- Furniture
- Mattresses
- Toys
- Clothing
- Boxes
- General household clutter
- Garage cleanout debris
Construction & remodeling debris
- Drywall
- Lumber
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Doors
- Siding
- Bathroom demolition debris
Yard waste
- Branches
- Brush
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Small landscaping debris
Roofing materials
- Asphalt shingles
- Roofing felt
- Underlayment
- Flashing
- Roofing tear-off debris
Heavy Debris
- Concrete
- Brick
- Block
- Asphalt
- Dirt
Appliances (non-freon)
- Washers
- Dryers
- Stoves
- Water heaters
- Scrap metal items
Prohibited Dumpster Items
The following items are prohibited and may result in additional disposal charges, landfill fines, or refusal of pickup.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste including industrial waste, chemical products, oil filters, herbicides and pesticides, radioactive material, solvents, paint (except completely dried latex paint cans with no liquids), wet drywall mud, flammable liquids, thinners, lacquers, fuels, barrels, industrial drums, aerosol cans, propane tanks, motor oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic oil, contaminated oils, gasoline, antifreeze, asbestos, petroleum-contaminated soil, medical waste, animal carcasses, and lead paint chips are prohibited and cannot be placed in the dumpster are prohibited in dumpsters in accordance with federal environmental guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Car Batteries & Car Tires
Car batteries and Tires are restricted and tires may result in an added fee if discovered in the dumpster.
Other
Railroad ties, Fluorescent tubes, food waste, and adhesives.
Freon appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units are not accepted.
Liquids & wet materials
No liquids in the dumpster. Keep loads as dry as possible to avoid overweight charges.
Dirt, rock, and heavy debris
While they are accepted materials, these can exceed weight limits quickly. Use a dedicated concrete/heavy-debris dumpster and confirm quantities first.
What Happens if Prohibited Items Are Found?
If prohibited materials are hidden in the dumpster and Dignified Dumpsters is charged disposal fees or landfill fines, the customer is responsible for all associated charges.
Items found in the dumpster may need to be removed before pickup.
For safety and compliance reasons, prohibited materials should never be loaded into the container.
Not Sure if an Item is Allowed?
If you are unsure whether an item can go in the dumpster, contact us before loading.
We’re happy to help you avoid additional fees or disposal issues.
*Online booking is for next-day delivery. Call for same-day service.
Important Heavy Material Rules
Concrete, dirt, brick, block, asphalt, and other heavy materials must be loaded into a dedicated concrete dumpster unless approved beforehand.
Heavy debris can quickly exceed legal hauling weight limits.
Please contact us before loading these items in a 10, 15, or 20 yard dumpster:
- Dirt
- Concrete
- Brick
- Block
- Asphalt
- Sand
- Gravel
Accepted Materials FAQs
Quick answers for homeowners, contractors, and property managers scheduling a dumpster rental.
What can go in a dumpster?
Most non-hazardous household junk, cleanout debris, construction materials, remodeling debris, yard waste, roofing materials, concrete, brick, block, and non-Freon appliances can go in a dumpster.
Can I throw away furniture in a dumpster?
Yes. Furniture, clothing, toys, boxes, and general household clutter are accepted as long as the items are non-hazardous.
Can construction debris go in a dumpster?
Yes. Drywall, lumber, trim, cabinets, flooring, and other common remodeling or job-site debris are accepted.
Can yard waste go in a dumpster?
Yes. Branches, leaves, brush, and other organic yard debris are accepted. Dirt and soil should not be loaded unless approved first.
Can I put concrete, brick, or block in a dumpster?
Yes, but heavy debris should go in a dedicated concrete dumpster and must stay within weight limits. Keep concrete, brick, and block loads clean and confirm quantities before loading.
What items are not allowed in a dumpster?
Hazardous waste, wet paint, solvents, chemicals, pesticides, car batteries, tires, Freon appliances, and liquids.
Can I put tires in the dumpster?
Tires are restricted and may result in an added fee if they are found in the dumpster.
Can I throw away paint cans?
Only completely dried latex paint cans with no liquid remaining are accepted.
Can I put a refrigerator or air conditioner in the dumpster?
No. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners are prohibited because they contain refrigerants requiring special disposal.
What should I do if I am unsure whether an item is accepted?
Call Dignified Dumpsters at 734-808-1466 before loading. We can help you confirm whether the item is accepted or needs special disposal.
Have more questions? Check out our Dumpster Rental Question page or give us a call 734-808-1466.
Helpful Dumpster Rental Guides
- Dumpster sizes explained: 10 yard vs 15 yard vs 20 yard vs concrete dumpsters
- 10 situations where you should rent a dumpster
- Spring Cleanout Guide for Ann Arbor Homes (and Washtenaw County)
- Spring Cleanout Guide for Brighton Homes (and Livingston County)
- What can go in a dumpster
- What fits in a 10 yard dumpster
- What fits in a 15 yard dumpster
- What fits in a 20 yard dumpster
- Concrete dumpster rules
Ready when you are
Get the right dumpster for your material type
Order online in minutes or reach out with a quick question—we’ll help you choose the right size and keep your load compliant. *Online booking is for next-day delivery. Call for same-day service.
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Phone: 734-808-1466
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