Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with regular household waste or a business owner managing trash disposal for your office or storefront, renting a small dumpster can be an efficient and cost-effective solution. At Mountain Disposal, we provide dumpster rental service to several communities in southern Colorado.

For mid-range trash flow, such as what you’d find in a small business or a busy household, 2- or 3-yard dumpsters rented from Mountain Disposal are ideal. They provide enough space to handle weekly waste without taking up too much room on your property.

But just like any other waste disposal service, there are rules that govern what you can and can’t throw into a dumpster. Knowing what materials are acceptable will help you avoid potential fines, environmental harm, or service disruptions.

Understanding Dumpster Restrictions is Important

Dumpsters offer a convenient way to manage waste, but not everything can be tossed in them. Local regulations and environmental laws require certain items to be disposed of separately. Additionally, hazardous materials can pose safety risks for waste management workers and the environment if they’re improperly disposed of.

By following the guidelines for what you can and can’t throw away, you help keep your neighborhood clean, your business compliant, and the environment protected.

What Can I Throw Away in a Dumpster?

Let’s start with the materials that are generally allowed in smaller 2- or 3-yard dumpsters. These items are common in both residential and commercial settings and won’t cause any issues when handled by Mountain Disposal.

Household Waste

For homeowners, dumpsters are an excellent option for handling typical household waste. This includes:

• General Trash: Items like food wrappers, paper towels, plastic packaging, and other non-recyclable materials.

• Non-recyclable Paper: Magazines, paper plates, and napkins that can’t go in your recycling bin.

• Plastic Containers: While you can recycle some plastic items, you can throw non-recyclable plastics, such as certain food containers and packaging, in a dumpster.

Office and Retail Waste

For businesses, dumpsters are a great way to manage ongoing waste from operations. Most office and retail businesses generate waste that’s acceptable for disposal in a small dumpster, such as:

• Paper and Cardboard: Old receipts, invoices, documents, and shipping boxes.

• Packaging Materials: Non-recyclable plastics, Styrofoam, and bubble wrap used for product shipments.

• Retail Trash: Damaged goods, unsellable items (non-electronic), and outdated promotional materials.

By regularly disposing of these items in a 2- or 3-yard dumpster, you keep your office or storefront clutter-free and avoid the overflow of trash bins.

Food Waste

Restaurants, cafes, and even homeowners who generate more food waste than usual can benefit from a dumpster rental. These small dumpsters are great for:

• Food Scraps: Leftover food that can’t be composted.

• Packaging: Non-recyclable food containers, takeout boxes, and disposable utensils.

• Non-hazardous Cleaning Supplies: Empty bottles of dish soap, paper towels, and other non-toxic cleaning materials.

Just make sure you properly bag food waste to prevent odors or attract pests.

What You Can’t Throw in a Dumpster

While dumpsters offer a flexible waste solution, it is necessary to dispose of certain items through alternative methods. These items either pose a safety hazard, are harmful to the environment, or are restricted by southern Colorado regulations.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous materials are strictly prohibited by state law from being thrown in a dumpster. This includes:

• Chemicals: Cleaning solvents, automotive fluids, pesticides, and pool chemicals.

• Paint: Many paints contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Always check with Mountain Disposal for proper paint disposal options.

• Batteries: Whether from household items or business equipment, batteries contain toxic elements like lead or mercury that require special disposal.

If you have hazardous waste, contact us at Mountain Disposal for guidance on proper disposal.

Electronics (E-Waste)

Electronic waste (e-waste) such as computers, televisions, printers, and cell phones are not allowed in dumpsters. Electronics contain hazardous chemicals like cadmium and lead, which can leak into the environment if not disposed of correctly.

Instead, please contact us at Mountain Disposal and we can collect your e-waste separately for an additional charge. We are happy to take your e-waste in a responsible manner.

Medical and Biological Waste

Medical or biological waste is another category of material that can’t be thrown in a dumpster. This includes:

• Used Needles: Any sharps, such as needles or syringes, require proper disposal through a medical waste service.

• Contaminated PPE: Gloves, masks, or gowns that have been exposed to bodily fluids should be handled by licensed waste removal services.

Even businesses like spas or beauty salons may need special disposal for certain medical or cosmetic waste products, so always verify with us at Mountain Disposal if you have any questions.

Tires

Old tires are not permitted in dumpsters because they don’t decompose properly in landfills. Mountain Disposal can take your unwanted tires. We can collect old tires separately, for an additional fee. So, please contact us about them as they are not allowed in dumpsters.

Tips for Proper Dumpster Use

Here are a few additional tips to ensure you make the most of your 2- or 3-yard dumpster rental for your home or business:

• Know the Weight Limit: Small dumpsters have weight limits to ensure safe transport. Be mindful of heavy items, such as bags filled with wet yard waste or heavy office supplies, which can add up quickly.

• Separate Recyclables: Whenever possible, separate recyclables like paper, cardboard, and certain plastics from your general waste. Most municipalities have specific recycling guidelines, so adhering to these helps reduce your environmental footprint.

• Bag Waste Properly: Whether you’re disposing of household trash, office waste, or food scraps, make sure everything is bagged properly. This prevents loose items from flying out during collection and reduces odors.

By sticking to general household waste, office trash, food packaging, and non-hazardous cleaning supplies, you’ll make the most of your dumpster rental. If you’re unsure about certain items or need advice on specialized waste disposal, please call Mountain Disposal at (719) 489-3456 for help.