What You CAN Put in a Dumpster Rental
Construction and Renovation Waste
- Drywall and plaster (including painted drywall)
- Lumber, framing scraps, and plywood
- Roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing)
- Flooring (carpet, vinyl, laminate, tile — not asbestos-containing)
- Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities
- Bathtubs, sinks, and toilets
- Brick, block, and concrete (weight limits apply)
- Siding materials (vinyl, aluminum, wood)
- Insulation (fiberglass, foam board — not asbestos)
- Metal scraps (pipes, fixtures, gutters)
Yard and Landscaping Debris
- Tree branches and brush
- Grass clippings and leaves
- Soil and mulch (weight limits apply)
- Stumps and logs (cut to manageable sizes)
General Household Items
- Furniture (sofas, mattresses, tables, chairs)
- Carpet and padding
- Clothing and textiles
- Non-hazardous household trash
- Appliance frames (without Freon)
What You CANNOT Put in a Dumpster Rental
Hazardous Materials (STRICTLY PROHIBITED)
| Prohibited Item | Why It Is Banned | Proper Disposal |
|---|---|---|
| Paint (latex or oil-based) | Chemical contamination | Midland County HHW drop-off |
| Solvents and thinners | Flammable and toxic | Licensed hazardous waste facility |
| Motor oil and automotive fluids | Environmental contamination | Auto parts store or recycling center |
| Pesticides and herbicides | Toxic to wildlife | Ector/Midland County HHW program |
| Asbestos-containing materials | Fatal health hazard | Licensed abatement professional |
| Freon refrigerants | Ozone-depleting — EPA violation | HVAC technician for recovery |
| Propane tanks and gas cylinders | Explosion risk | Cylinder exchange or certified disposal |
| Tires | Fire hazard | Tire recycling facility |
| Batteries (car, lithium, household) | Fire risk, heavy metals | AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts |
| Electronics and monitors | Lead, mercury, cadmium | E-waste recycling program |
Free Liquids of Any Kind
Never pour liquids into a dumpster. This includes water, pool water, and any liquid waste. Liquids can leak during transport and create road hazards. Landfills also refuse loads containing free liquids.
Items With Weight Concerns
- Dirt and concrete: Extremely dense. A 10-yard filled with concrete can exceed 10 tons.
- Roofing shingles: A 2,000 sq ft roof generates 7,000-8,000 lbs of waste.
- Brick and block: A single block weighs 30-50 lbs.
When heavy materials are involved, always call (432) 580-0244 first.
Common Scenarios
Kitchen Remodel in Midland
Accepted: Cabinets, countertops, tile, drywall, flooring, sinks, plumbing pipes. Not accepted: Paint, adhesives, old refrigerator (until Freon recovered).
Roofing Project Near Andrews
Accepted: Shingles, underlayment, flashing, nails. Not accepted: Asbestos-containing roofing (homes built before 1980 — test first).
Weight alert: We recommend a 30-yard or 40-yard dumpster with appropriate weight allowance for roofing projects.
How to Avoid Extra Fees
1. Know Your Weight Limit
| Dumpster Size | Typical Weight Allowance |
|---|---|
| 10 Yard | 1-3 tons |
| 20 Yard | 2-4 tons |
| 30 Yard | 3-6 tons |
| 40 Yard | 4-8 tons |
2. Load Smart
- Heavy items on the bottom (brick, concrete, metal first)
- Bulky items flat (drywall and plywood lay flat)
- Break down large items (cut lumber, break drywall, collapse boxes)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put dirt in my dumpster rental?
Yes, but dirt weighs approximately 2,700 pounds per cubic yard. A 10-yard filled with dirt could weigh nearly 30,000 pounds. Call us first for the right container and weight package.
Can I put my old refrigerator in the dumpster?
Only after the Freon has been professionally removed. Leaving refrigerant in an appliance is a federal EPA violation. Contact an HVAC technician for recovery ($50-$150).
Can I put tires in my dumpster?
No. Tires are not accepted in standard dumpster rentals across Texas. Take them to a local auto shop or tire recycling center.
What cannot go in a dumpster in Texas?
Paint, solvents, motor oil, pesticides, asbestos, Freon, propane tanks, tires, batteries, electronics, medical waste, and free liquids are all prohibited.
Need a dumpster? Call (432) 580-0244 — same-day delivery across the Permian Basin.