What Can (and Can’t) You Throw in a Dumpster?
A Quick Guide for Illinois Residents
At EPIC Dumpster Rental, we’re all about making your cleanup easy – but there’s a catch: not everything can go in a dumpster. Illinois has specific rules about what’s allowed, and we’re here to break it down for you.
Whether you’re tackling a home renovation, a big move, or a commercial site, this guide will help you know what’s good to toss and what’s off-limits.
What You Can Throw in Our Dumpsters
Our dumpsters are built to handle a wide range of waste, so you can get rid of plenty with EPIC Dumpster Rental. Here’s what’s fair game:
- Residential + Foreclosure Clean Out: Large carpet scraps, old furniture, toys, clothes, and general trash
- Office Clean Outs: Paper, plastic, cardboard, office furniture, packaging materials, desks, chairs, and filing cabinets
- General Construction or Remodeling Debris: Lumber scraps, drywall pieces, insulation, flooring materials, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, doors, siding, shingles, and packaging
- Garage and Storage Cleanup: Household junk, cardboard boxes, shelving, sporting equipment, tools, and bicycles
Pro Tip: Mix it up! Our 20 and 25-yard roll-off dumpsters accept a combination of these items.
What You Can’t Throw in Our Dumpsters
Illinois regulations (and landfill rules) put some items on the no-go list. EPIC dumpsters cannot accept the following items:
- Hazardous Waste: Paint, oil, gasoline, batteries, chemicals, pesticides, or anything flammable or toxic. These need special disposal. Ask your local waste facility.
- Electronics: TVs, computers, monitors, and printers are banned from landfills in Illinois under the state’s e-waste laws. Look for recycling drop-offs instead.
- Appliances with Freon: Fridges, freezers, and AC units can’t go in unless the Freon’s professionally removed first (with proof).
- Tires: Illinois landfills don’t take tires – try a tire shop or recycling program.
- Medical Waste: Needles, syringes, or biohazard materials are a no-no. Contact a medical waste service.
If you’re unsure about an item, fill out our contact form for more information. We’ll steer you clear of fines or extra trips!
Illinois-Specific Rules to Know
Living in Illinois means a few extra rules apply:
- E-Waste Ban: Since 2012, electronics can’t go to landfills. Recycle them at designated sites.
- Yard Waste Restrictions: Some areas ban yard waste from regular trash. Tree stumps, tree limbs, and other types of landscaping debris cannot go in our dumpsters.
- Weight Limits: Heavy materials like concrete are fine in small amounts, but overloading can lead to fees. Our EPIC roll-off dumpsters do not allow for dirt or concrete disposal.
We keep our containers clean and follow all Illinois disposal regulations for safety and compliance.
How to Handle the “Can’t” List
Got stuff that won’t fit in our dumpsters? Here’s what to do:
- Hazardous Waste: Check with your county for drop-off events.
- Electronics: Stores like Best Buy or local recycling centers take e-waste.
We’re happy to point you in the right direction – just ask!
Why Rent with EPIC Dumpster Rental?
Knowing what can and can’t go in a dumpster keeps your project smooth and stress-free. We offer 20 and 25-yard roll-off dumpsters to fit your needs, with fast delivery across West Central Illinois.
Questions about your cleanup? Contact us today! We’ll help you get it right and haul it away, with no hassle!