No matter what you use them for, dumpsters are a fantastic waste management tool. This large-scale garbage collection equipment can be a permanent fixture for your business or a temporary waste removal device, as they can store large amounts of refuse. However, to avoid costly fines, you should understand what you cannot throw away.

What Materials Should You Not Put in a Dumpster?

1. CFL Lightbulbs

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs benefit the environment because they have a long life and use relatively little energy, but they are dangerous without proper disposal. They contain mercury, and if they go to a landfill, they’ll leak this harmful chemical into the surrounding soil and damage nearby wildlife.

2. Flammable Materials

While accidents do happen, there are steps you can take to avoid a dumpster fire, and the easiest is to avoid throwing away any materials that’ll contribute to one. Never put lubricant, paint, or fuel into a container and soak any kitchen oil rags in water before disposing of them. This ensures that if a nearby spark reaches the dumpster, there is less chance of igniting a flame.

3. Electronic Supplies

If you have any dead appliances you want to throw away, you should recycle them rather than put them in the trash. The components that operate the device contain toxic materials. This is also true of batteries, which have cadmium, lithium, and mercury inside. However, many businesses facilitate the recycling of electronics.

4. Industrial Fluids

Items like motor oil and antifreeze contain dangerous toxins that are harmful to the environment and people. These chemicals include arsenic, lead, and propylene glycol. If you discard them into a dumpster and they reach a landfill, these toxins create hazardous conditions for the workers. They can also seep into the surrounding soil or waterways, causing lasting damage to the ecosystem.

5. Medicine

Prescription pharmaceuticals contain many chemicals that are dangerous for both people and the environment. If you do not dispose of them properly, these chemicals can infect the surrounding wildlife and contaminate nearby waterways. Additionally, other people can find and abuse addictive drugs that you throw out. Instead, take them back to the doctor or find a reputable pill disposal company to handle them.

 

If you need large-scale trash removal service, contact T-Mac Solid Waste & Roll-Off Service in Columbia, MO. As a premier residential and commercial garbage collection provider for over 30 years, they’ve been helping residents with reliable and efficient waste removal. They have a large selection of containers to choose from, and they’ll help you find the solution that fits your needs. Learn more by calling their office at (573) 814-2844. Find more information about their services online.