What You Can (and Can’t) Put in a Rental Dumpster in Oklahoma City

Renting a dumpster makes cleanouts easy, but knowing what you can and cannot throw away is essential. Some items are prohibited by law, others pose safety risks, and a few require special handling. At Junk Platoon, we accept a wide range of materials in our Edmond and Oklahoma City dumpster rentals. Here’s your complete guide to what goes in and what stays out.

What You CAN Put in Your Dumpster

Our 15-yard and 20-yard dumpsters accept most household, construction, and yard debris. Here’s what you can confidently load:

Furniture and Household Items

Sofas, couches, and recliners
Tables, chairs, and dining sets
Dressers, nightstands, and armoires
Mattresses and box springs
Bed frames and headboards
Bookshelves and entertainment centers
Desks and office furniture
Lamps and light fixtures

Appliances

Refrigerators and freezers
Washers and dryers
Dishwashers
Stoves and ovens
Microwaves
Water heaters
Air conditioning units
Dehumidifiers

Note: Refrigerants must be properly removed from cooling appliances before disposal. We handle this for you with our full-service junk removal, or you can arrange removal before loading your dumpster.

Construction and Renovation Debris

Drywall and sheetrock
Lumber and wood scraps
Plywood and particle board
Doors and windows
Cabinets and countertops
Flooring (carpet, tile, hardwood, laminate)
Carpet padding
Baseboards and trim
Siding and roofing materials
Insulation (non-asbestos)
Nails, screws, and small metal pieces

Yard Waste and Landscaping Debris

Branches and tree limbs
Leaves and grass clippings
Brush and shrub trimmings
Sod and dirt (limited quantities)
Mulch and wood chips
Small tree stumps
Landscaping rocks and stones (limited quantities)

Electronics and E-Waste

Televisions and computer monitors
Desktop computers and laptops
Printers and scanners
Stereo equipment and speakers
DVD players and gaming consoles
Cell phones and tablets
Small kitchen appliances

Why this matters: E-waste contains valuable materials that can be recycled and hazardous components that shouldn’t go to landfills. We prioritize proper e-waste disposal.

Miscellaneous Acceptable Items

Boxes and packing materials
Books, magazines, and paper
Clothing and textiles
Toys and sporting goods
Bicycles and exercise equipment
Tools and hardware
Plastic storage bins
Metal items and scrap metal
Ceramics and glassware

What You CANNOT Put in Your Dumpster

Certain items are prohibited due to environmental regulations, safety concerns, or disposal facility restrictions. Here’s what to keep out of your dumpster:

Hazardous Materials

Paint (wet or liquid)
Paint thinners and solvents
Motor oil and automotive fluids
Gasoline, diesel, and other fuels
Pesticides and herbicides
Fertilizers and pool chemicals
Cleaning chemicals and acids
Adhesives and epoxies
Asbestos-containing materials
Medical waste and biohazards
Radioactive materials

Why they’re prohibited: Hazardous materials can contaminate soil and water, pose health risks to workers, and violate federal and state environmental laws.

Propane Tanks

Large propane tanks (20 lb or larger)
Industrial gas cylinders
Compressed gas containers

Why they’re prohibited: Propane tanks can explode under pressure or heat, creating serious safety hazards during transport and disposal.

What to do instead: Return tanks to propane suppliers, exchange them at retail locations, or contact your local waste management for proper disposal options.

Automotive Items

Car batteries
Tires (in most cases)
Complete vehicles or large vehicle parts

Why they’re restricted: These items require specialized recycling. Car batteries contain lead and acid. Tires create disposal challenges and fire hazards at landfills.

What to do instead: Auto parts stores accept batteries for recycling. Tire shops handle tire disposal. Scrap yards take vehicle parts.

Liquids and Wet Materials

Any liquids (water, oils, chemicals)
Wet paint
Food waste in large quantities

Why they’re prohibited: Liquids can leak during transport, contaminate other waste, and violate landfill regulations.

What to do instead: Dry out paint cans before disposal. Dispose of food waste through regular trash service or composting.

Items That Require Special Handling

Some materials are acceptable but need special consideration due to weight, disposal fees, or handling requirements:

Heavy Materials (Weight Restrictions Apply)

Concrete and cement: Acceptable in limited quantities; heavy and fills weight limits quickly
Brick and block: Same as concrete; discuss quantities with us first
Dirt and soil: Limited amounts okay; large quantities require special arrangements
Roofing shingles: Acceptable but very heavy; may require weight management
Tile and stone: Heavy materials that add up fast

Why it matters: Our dumpsters include weight allowances, but heavy materials can exceed limits quickly. Overweight fees are $75 per ton. Let us know upfront if your project involves primarily heavy materials so we can help you plan.

Large or Bulky Items

Hot tubs and spas: Acceptable but require disassembly or special placement
Pianos: Very heavy; discuss with us before loading
Swing sets and playground equipment: May need partial disassembly
Sheds: Acceptable if disassembled into manageable pieces

Items We Prefer to Donate

At Junk Platoon, we prioritize donation over disposal. If you’re throwing away items that could benefit others, consider our full-service junk removal where we sort, donate, and recycle on your behalf. Items perfect for donation include:

Gently used furniture
Working appliances
Clothing and textiles
Books and toys
Household goods in good condition

Our donation partners: Goodwill Central Oklahoma, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, EARC Thrift, City Rescue Mission.

Oklahoma-Specific Disposal Regulations

Oklahoma has specific regulations governing waste disposal. Here’s what you need to know:

State Hazardous Waste Laws

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) prohibits disposal of hazardous materials in landfills. Violations can result in fines for both the customer and disposal company.

Electronic Waste Recycling

While Oklahoma doesn’t mandate e-waste recycling, responsible disposal is encouraged. We accept electronics and ensure they’re processed properly.

Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos-containing materials require special handling and licensed removal. If your renovation involves older homes (pre-1980s), test for asbestos before disposal. We cannot accept asbestos in our dumpsters.

Local Ordinances

Edmond, Oklahoma City, and surrounding municipalities may have additional restrictions. We stay current on local regulations to ensure compliant disposal.

How to Handle Prohibited Items

If you have items that can’t go in a dumpster, here are your options:

Hazardous Waste Collection Events

Oklahoma City and surrounding areas host periodic hazardous waste collection events where residents can safely dispose of chemicals, paint, and other prohibited materials. Check your city’s website for schedules.

Retail Take-Back Programs

Paint: Many paint retailers accept unused paint for recycling
Batteries: Auto parts stores, hardware stores, and electronics retailers accept batteries
Electronics: Best Buy, Staples, and other retailers offer e-waste recycling
Propane tanks: Exchange or return to propane suppliers

Specialized Disposal Services

For large quantities of hazardous materials or specialized items, contact licensed hazardous waste disposal companies in the Oklahoma City area.

Junk Platoon Full-Service Removal

Not sure what to do with mixed items? Our full-service junk removal team handles sorting, donation, recycling, and proper disposal for you. We separate prohibited items and direct them to appropriate facilities.

Tips for Loading Your Dumpster Properly

Knowing what you can put in your dumpster is half the battle. Here’s how to load it efficiently and safely:

1. Break Down Large Items

Disassemble furniture, flatten boxes, and break down bulky items to maximize space. This also helps distribute weight evenly.

2. Load Heavy Items First

Place heavy materials like appliances and construction debris on the bottom. Lighter items like boxes and bags go on top.

3. Distribute Weight Evenly

Avoid loading all heavy items on one side. Even weight distribution prevents tipping and makes pickup safer.

4. Don’t Overfill

Keep debris level with the top of the dumpster. Overfilled dumpsters are unsafe to transport and may incur additional fees.

5. Separate Donatable Items

If you’re mixing junk with donatable goods, keep donation items separate and let us know. We can coordinate pickup or direct you to drop-off locations.

6. Ask Before Loading Questionable Items

When in doubt, call us. We’d rather answer questions upfront than deal with prohibited items at pickup.

What Happens If You Put Prohibited Items in the Dumpster?

Accidentally loading prohibited items can cause problems:

Disposal facility rejection: Landfills refuse loads containing hazardous materials
Additional fees: Special disposal of prohibited items incurs extra charges
Pickup delays: We may need to return to remove prohibited items before disposal
Safety risks: Hazardous materials endanger our crew and the public
Legal consequences: Improper disposal of hazardous waste can result in fines

Our policy: If we discover prohibited items at pickup, we’ll contact you to arrange proper removal. We’re here to help, not penalize, but we must comply with regulations for everyone’s safety.

Common Questions About Dumpster Contents

Can I throw away old paint cans?

Yes, if the paint is completely dry. Wet or liquid paint is prohibited. To dry paint, remove the lid and let it sit until solid, or mix with cat litter or sawdust to absorb liquid. Once dry, the can is acceptable.

What about construction debris with nails?

Yes, acceptable. Construction debris with nails, screws, and small metal pieces is fine. Just load carefully to avoid injury.

Can I put a refrigerator in the dumpster?

Yes, but refrigerants must be removed first. This requires a licensed technician. Our full-service junk removal handles this for you, or you can arrange removal before loading.

Are mattresses allowed?

Yes. Mattresses and box springs are acceptable in our dumpsters.

Can I dispose of yard waste and construction debris together?

Yes. You can mix different types of acceptable materials in the same dumpster.

What if I have a small amount of concrete?

Small amounts are okay. A few broken concrete pieces from a walkway or patio are fine. Large quantities (full driveways, foundations) require special arrangements due to weight.

Can I throw away old tires?

Generally no. Tires require specialized disposal. Contact tire shops or waste management for proper disposal options.

What about hot tub chemicals?

No. Pool and hot tub chemicals are hazardous waste. Dispose of them through hazardous waste collection events or retail take-back programs.

Choosing Between Dumpster Rental and Full-Service Removal

If you’re dealing with mixed materials, unsure about what’s acceptable, or want to maximize donation, consider our full-service junk removal instead of a dumpster rental. Here’s when full-service makes sense:

You have items requiring sorting (donations, recyclables, trash)
You’re unsure what’s acceptable or prohibited
You can’t do the physical work of loading
You want items donated instead of landfilled
You have appliances requiring refrigerant removal
Your project includes heavy items needing special handling

With full-service removal, our crew handles everything: loading, sorting, donation, recycling, and proper disposal. You point, we haul.

Our Commitment to Responsible Disposal

At Junk Platoon, we don’t just haul junk. We’re committed to responsible, environmentally conscious disposal:

20 to 30% donated: Usable items go to local charities
10 to 20% recycled: Metals, electronics, and recyclables processed properly
50 to 70% disposed: Only true waste goes to landfills

This donation-first approach reduces landfill waste, supports our Oklahoma community, and aligns with our veteran values of service and stewardship.

Ready to Book Your Dumpster?

Now that you know what you can and can’t put in your dumpster, you’re ready to tackle your project with confidence. Junk Platoon serves Edmond, Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, The Village, Moore, Midwest City, Yukon, Mustang, Guthrie, Choctaw, and surrounding areas.

Book Your Dumpster Rental Today

Book Online Now or call us with questions about acceptable materials. Our team is here to help you plan your project, choose the right dumpster size, and ensure compliant, responsible disposal. We make junk removal stress-free from start to finish.

Not Sure What You Need?

Special Offers

$25 off your first dumpster rental
10% off for military, teachers, and first responders

Let’s get your project done right. Junk Platoon is ready to serve you with the same integrity, reliability, and excellence we learned in the U.S. Air Force.