You Can’t Just Dump That: What’s Not Allowed in Your Roll-Off (And Why It Matters)

Avoid fines and landfill rejections. Learn what materials are banned from roll-off dumpsters and how to educate your customers before it costs you.

If you’ve ever picked up a bin and smelled paint, saw tires sticking out the top, or heard the unmistakable slosh of mystery liquid — you already know: not every load is a clean one.
But here’s the kicker — most customers don’t know the rules, and that ignorance can cost you real money.

Let’s break it down.

❌ What You Can’t Dump — Most Common Offenders

Every landfill’s different, but most won’t accept:

Paint cans and liquids (still full? Even worse.)
Tires (extra fees or total rejection)
Freon units (fridges, ACs, freezers — all need certified disposal)
Car batteries (lead-acid = hazardous waste)
Chemicals or oils
Full propane tanks (seriously — don’t risk it)

🚨 These aren’t just rules — they’re environmental regs. If your load violates them, you get the fine, not the customer.

🧾 Why It Matters (To You)

If a bad load makes it into your truck, here’s what you’re risking:

Hefty fines or rejected loads at the landfill
Wasted time — drivers stuck re-routing or unloading
Frustrated staff or damaged equipment
Bad rep with disposal sites (which can cost you future business)

🛠️ How to Stop It Before It Starts

You’re not just running bins — you’re running expectations. Here’s how to make sure customers play by the rules:

📋 Include a “Do Not Load” list with every rental
🧷 Tape it to the dumpster itself (on the inside of the lid or rear wall)
📷 Post photos of what NOT to dump on your website and social
🗣️ Train your drivers to report problem bins on arrival
💰 Include a “non-compliant load” fee clause in your agreement

Don’t assume customers know the rules. Most of them don’t.

💡 Bottom Line

The best load is one that gets in, gets dumped, and gets paid — no surprises.
Take 5 minutes to educate the customer up front and save hours of cleanup, rework, and frustration later.

📣 Got a Dumpster Horror Story?

We want to hear it.
📧 Send it to stories@builtonwaste.com
Or tag us with #BuiltOnWaste and we might feature it next week.