What Should You Not Put in a Rented Dumpster?

Of course, a dumpster is designed for waste, but that doesn’t mean that you can put anything you want in it. Certain materials are restricted by Connecticut law, most commonly in order to make sure that dangerous materials do not get out to cause harm to people or the environment. At Windsor Sanitation, offering dumpster rental in Windsor, CT, Bloomfield, CT, and the surrounding areas, we want to make sure our clients are able to dispose of their waste safely and easily.

What Should You Not Put in a Bloomfield, CT Dumpster Rental?

Hazardous Waste

You can’t put hazardous substances in a dumpster. This includes asbestos, lead-based paints, chemicals, pesticides, and certain cleaning agents. These materials can all cause serious harm to people, property, and wildlife by contaminating the air, soil and water if they are disposed of improperly. Some of these materials can be disposed of at specialist facilities throughout Connecticut. For others, such as asbestos, it is wisest to bring in a specialist firm to remove the material safely from your property.

Electronics 

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is also restricted under Connecticut law. Televisions, computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. It takes very little exposure to these metals to cause damage to health, especially in children and in pregnant mothers. Many towns and municipalities in Connecticut offer drop-off points for safe disposal and recycling of e-waste.

Tires and Batteries

Tires and batteries are also prohibited in most rented dumpsters due to their specific disposal requirements. Tires are often recycled separately because they are not biodegradable, and leaving them in regular waste can lead to environmental issues. Batteries, especially those containing lithium, pose a fire hazard and can leak toxic chemicals. Used tires must be taken to recycling facilities, and batteries can be dropped off at designated collection points.

Appliances

Large appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers are restricted from dumpster disposal in Connecticut. Appliances should be sent to certified recycling centers that are equipped to safely handle refrigerants and other hazardous chemicals. Failure to properly dispose of these items can result in fines and pose safety hazards due to the potential release of toxic gases.

Medical Waste and Pharmaceuticals

Connecticut law also prohibits the disposal of medical waste, including syringes, needles, and prescription drugs, in general waste containers. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities offer take-back programs for safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and sharps containers for needles.

Liquids and Flammable Materials

The disposal of liquids such as oils, gasoline, and other flammable materials are also strictly regulated. These items can cause chemical reactions, fires, and hazardous leaks, posing serious risks to both sanitation workers and the environment. In Connecticut, dangerous liquid waste must be handled through approved disposal methods.

To find out more about waste disposal regulations, or to arrange for dumpster hire, get in touch with us at Windsor Sanitation in Bloomfield, CT.