What Can (and Can't) You Put in a Dumpster in New York?
One of the most important things to understand before renting a dumpster is what you can and cannot put inside. In New York, certain materials are prohibited from landfills and roll-off containers for safety and environmental reasons. Disposing of prohibited materials can result in significant fines — both for you and for Albany Dumpster Rental Pros.
This guide will give you a complete picture of what's accepted, what's prohibited, and what to do with those prohibited materials instead.
What You CAN Put in a Dumpster
The vast majority of common household and construction debris is perfectly acceptable in our roll-off containers:
General Household Junk
- Furniture (couches, chairs, tables, dressers, beds)
- Clothing, textiles, and soft goods
- Toys, sporting goods, and general clutter
- Books, paper, and cardboard (broken down flat is preferred)
- Dishes, cookware, and non-electronic kitchenware
Construction & Renovation Debris
- Drywall and plaster
- Lumber and wood products
- Flooring (hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile)
- Roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing)
- Cabinets and fixtures
- Insulation (non-asbestos)
- Windows and doors (glass removed or taped)
- Concrete, brick, and masonry (weight limits apply — call us)
Yard Waste
- Branches and brush
- Grass clippings and leaves
- Soil and dirt (weight limits apply)
- Sod and root masses
What You CANNOT Put in a Dumpster
The following items are strictly prohibited from our roll-off containers:
Hazardous Materials
- Paints and solvents — latex paint (dry/solid only OK), oil-based paint prohibited
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Automotive fluids — motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid
- Propane tanks and gas cylinders
- Asbestos-containing materials — requires licensed abatement
Electronics (E-Waste)
- Televisions and monitors
- Computers, laptops, and tablets
- Printers and fax machines
- Cell phones and small electronics
Appliances With Refrigerants
- Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners — must have refrigerants removed first
Batteries
- Lead-acid batteries (car batteries)
- Lithium batteries (large format)
Medical & Biological Waste
- Sharps, needles, and medical equipment
- Biological waste of any kind
Where to Dispose of Prohibited Items in Albany
Albany County residents have several options for safely disposing of prohibited materials:
- Albany County Household Hazardous Waste Program — annual collection events for paints, chemicals, and electronics
- Albany County Recycling Center — accepts electronics, batteries, and some appliances
- Best Buy, Staples, and other retailers — accept electronics for recycling
- Auto parts stores — accept motor oil and batteries