Material Guide

What Can Go in a Dumpster Rental in Cincinnati?

Most household junk, renovation debris, and yard waste loads without a problem. A small list of hazardous materials is banned by Ohio EPA and landfill regulations. Here is exactly what is in and what stays out.

ACCEPTED & PROHIBITED ITEMS

When in doubt, call before you load. Unauthorized items discovered at the landfill may result in load rejection and a round-trip haul fee.

✓ Accepted

Furniture: Couches, chairs, tables, dressers, bed frames, bookshelves
Mattresses & Box Springs: All sizes accepted
Renovation Debris: Drywall, flooring, tile, cabinets, fixtures
Carpet & Padding: Roll tightly, cut into sections
Roofing: Shingles — call first for weight guidance
Wood & Lumber: Framing, trim, plywood, pallets
Yard Waste: Branches, brush, leaves, sod, landscape debris
Appliances (no Freon): Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers
Metal & Scrap: Gutters, fencing, pipes, metal shelving
Concrete & Brick: Limited quantities — call first
Dirt & Soil: Dense loads — call first for weight estimate
General Household Junk: Boxes, clothing, small electronics, plastic goods

✗ Not Accepted

Tires: Banned by Ohio law (ORC 3734.85)
Appliances with Freon: Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units
Wet Paint: Latex or oil-based in liquid form
Oil-Based Paint: Any quantity, any state
Hazardous Chemicals: Pesticides, solvents, pool chemicals
Flammables: Gasoline, diesel, propane tanks
Automotive Fluids: Motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid
Asbestos: Any asbestos-containing material
Car Batteries: Lead-acid and lithium batteries
Medical Waste: Sharps, needles, biohazardous material

Not sure about a specific item? Read our full prohibited items guide or call Jason at 513-484-2414.

ITEMS THAT DEPEND ON QUANTITY OR TYPE

These materials are accepted but require a conversation before delivery. Dense loads reach weight limits fast — the overage rate is $0.04 per pound above what is included.

Roofing Shingles

Accepted, but shingles are one of the densest common materials — roughly 900 lbs per cubic yard. Multi-layer tear-offs on older homes add up quickly.

Call before delivery. We will help you choose between the 15-yard and 20-yard based on how many squares are coming off.

Concrete & Brick

Accepted in limited quantities. Concrete runs about 1,400 lbs per cubic yard — even a small amount can spike total weight well past the included limit.

Keep concrete to no more than one-third of the container load and call us first so we can plan accordingly.

Dirt & Soil

Accepted, but soil is one of the heaviest materials at approximately 2,200 lbs per cubic yard. A yard of wet soil can weigh even more.

Dense soil loads almost always need a weight discussion before delivery. Call us before you schedule so we can keep the job on budget.

Gravel & Asphalt

Accepted with the same weight cautions as concrete and soil. Gravel averages around 1,500 lbs per cubic yard; asphalt millings run similar.

Same rule applies — keep it under one-third of the container and give us a call ahead of time.

Dry / Solidified Latex Paint

Latex paint that is fully solidified in the can is generally accepted. Wet latex paint and any oil-based paint are never accepted.

Leave the lid off to let paint dry completely before tossing the can. If you have large quantities of liquid paint, use a PaintCare drop-off location.

Large Appliances

Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and water heaters are accepted. Refrigerators, freezers, and window AC units that contain Freon are not — they require certified appliance recycling.

Not sure if your appliance has Freon? Check the label or model number. When in doubt, leave it out and ask us.

Weight Limits by Container

  • 15-yard dumpster includes up to 3,000 lbs — good for most mixed household and renovation loads
  • 20-yard dumpster includes up to 4,000 lbs — better for heavier debris like shingles or mixed construction waste
  • Weight overages are billed at $0.04 per pound above the included limit
  • As a rule of thumb: do not fill more than one-third of the container with concrete, soil, or shingles

CAN I PUT THIS IN? — COMMON QUESTIONS

Can I put a mattress in a dumpster rental?

Yes. Mattresses are accepted in our roll-off dumpsters. A single mattress or box spring is not a problem. If you have several, a 15-yard dumpster gives you plenty of room alongside other cleanout items.

Can drywall go in a roll-off dumpster?

Yes. Drywall and sheetrock are accepted. Breaking large sheets into smaller pieces helps with loading and maximizes space. A single-room remodel typically fits in a 15-yard; multi-room or whole-home gut jobs are better suited to a 20-yard.

Are tires allowed in rental dumpsters?

No. Tires are banned from Ohio landfills under ORC 3734.85. We cannot accept them. For tire disposal, contact the retailer where you purchased them or check with your local auto shop — most accept tires for a small fee.

Can I put concrete in a dumpster?

Yes, in limited quantities — but call us first. Concrete is extremely dense and a small amount can push a load well past the included weight limit. We charge $0.04 per pound for weight overages, so it is worth a quick call before you start loading to plan accordingly.

Can I put roofing shingles in a dumpster?

Yes, but call us first. Shingles are one of the heaviest common roofing materials — especially when you are stripping multiple layers. We can help you estimate whether a 15-yard or 20-yard makes sense and what to expect with weight.

Can I throw away carpet in a dumpster?

Yes. Roll carpet tightly and cut into manageable sections (roughly 6-foot lengths work well). This keeps it from taking up excessive space. A 15-yard handles most flooring tear-outs without issue.

Is old furniture allowed in a dumpster rental?

Yes. Couches, chairs, tables, dressers, bed frames, and most other household furniture are all accepted. The one exception is appliances that contain Freon — refrigerators, window AC units, and freezers must be handled separately through an appliance recycler.

Can I put paint in a dumpster?

It depends on the type. Wet paint — latex or oil-based — is not accepted. Solidified latex paint (fully dried in the can) is generally okay. Oil-based paint is never accepted regardless of state. For liquid paint disposal, search for a PaintCare drop-off location near you.

Can I put yard waste in a roll-off dumpster?

Yes. Branches, brush, leaves, sod, and most landscaping debris are fine. Dense material like large amounts of soil or gravel can get heavy fast — give us a call if dirt or rock makes up a significant portion of your load so we can make sure the size and weight work.

What happens if I put prohibited items in the dumpster?

If prohibited items are discovered at the landfill, the load may be rejected and returned at your expense. Ohio EPA violations related to hazardous waste disposal can also carry fines. When in doubt, call us before loading — it is a much easier conversation to have upfront.

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