So, you have a lot to get rid of around the house. You’ve heard renting a dumpster will help. You throw it in and they haul it away. Seems easy enough, but then you read the contract of what can go into a dumpster and realize not everything is accepted.
These prohibited items are not made up by dumpster rental service companies. Some laws and regulations deem what trash can go where to protect our communities.
Thankfully, we have done the legwork for you. Below you can find a comprehensive list of what can and cannot go into a dumpster. Be sure to also check at the bottom for a quick reference comparison sheet of where to take items in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties.
What Can Go Into A Dumpster
Household Waste
In other words, garbage. Anything you would throw away in your household garbage can go into a dumpster.
Furniture
Any furniture pieces that fit, can go into a dumpster. Broken couches, tables, and chairs are all good to go.
Appliances
All appliances, except ones with freon in them (think air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and freezers) can go into dumpsters.
Yard Waste
Dumpsters are great for landscaping projects. Stumps and other yard debris can go into dumpsters.
Construction Debris
Drywall, cabinets, tile, bathtubs, toilets, wood, countertops, carpet, etc. are all okay to put into a dumpster.
What Can Not Go Into A Dumpster
Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste such as chemical products, herbicides & pesticides, solvents flammable liquids, aerosol cans, propane tanks, motor oil, transmission fluid, oil filters, contaminated oils (mixed with solvents, gasoline, etc.), antifreeze, lead paint chips, medical waste, and car batteries cannot go into landfills. These items need to be taken to special facilities for disposal.
Asbestos
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) state that Asbestos demolition, waste handling, and disposal are subject to a federal National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). Debris with Asbestos is not appropriate to put in a dumpster.
Paint
Liquid latex paint can be toxic and hazardous to the environment. However, dried latex paint is not considered hazardous. Paint can be dried by air or by using drying agents such as cat litter, plaster of Paris, or sawdust.
Tires
Tires are a challenge for landfills. According to the EPA, They emit gas causing them to rise through debris often tearing through landfill liners. Tires are actually banned in all Michigan Landfills.
Appliances With Freon
According to the EPA, most refrigerators and freezers manufactured since 1995 and window air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers manufactured since 2010 contain ozone-friendly hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. However, these refrigerants still need to be carefully handled because they are greenhouse gases.
Where To Dispose Toxic Waste
Washtenaw county
The Washtenaw County Home Toxics Center
The Home Toxics Center takes many of the above-mentioned toxic materials. These include aerosols, automotive fluids, batteries, flammable liquids, paint, medical sharps, and propane tanks. They are open Monday- Friday and the first three Saturdays of the month. Appointments are required for more than ten gallons or two milk crates of material. They do not accept explosives, asbestos, fertilizer, electronic waste, etc.
Drop Off Station and Recovery Yard
The Ann Arbor Recovery Yard is open Monday-Friday. They take appliances (including freon), general waste, and tires. They do not accept yard waste, liquids, paints, or fertilizers. Check out their price sheet here.
Washtenaw County Clean-Up Day Events
Washtenaw County Clean-Up Day Events are open to Washtenaw county residents only. The event dates and locations are posted on their website. These events are run by volunteers and are free but accept donations. While events generally accept the same items, it’s best to check the site a month before the event to double-check for specifics. Generally accepted items include appliances (some take freon), household hazardous wastes, electronics, scrap metal, and tires.
ERG Environmental Services
ERG Environmental Services provides a Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off in Livonia. For residents outside of Livonia, standard pricing is $0.75 per pound with a $20 minimum. They accept batteries, paint, electronic waste, herbicides, pesticides, antifreeze, etc. They do not accept appliances, styrofoam, radioactive waste, tires, and explosives.
City Of Chelsea Solid Waste Transfer Station
The City of Chelsea Transfer Station use to be a landfill. However, they now transfer waste to local landfills. They accept paint, florescent bulbs, and appliances.
Ypsilanti Township Compost Site
The Ypsilanti Township Compost Site accepts freon appliances and batteries. They accept residents from all over but have cheaper rates for residents of Ypsilanti Township, Superior Township, and the City of Ypsilanti.
Livingston County
Livingston County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
The Livingston County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events is free for residents of Livingston County and happen several times a year. Appointments are required and scheduling starts in April. They accept batteries, automotive liquids, aerosol cans, herbicides, and pesticides. They do not accept latex paint, tires, or explosives. Check here for a complete list.
Recycle Livingston
Recycle Livingston accepts electronics, freon appliances, latex paint, and batteries. Click here for a full list of accepted materials.
Livingston County Guide To Waste Removal
Livingston County has provided a complete guide to Re-use, Re-duce, Re-cycle & Safe Disposal around Livingston County and surrounding areas. If you did not find the answer to your question above, you might be able to find it here.
Other Options For Appliance Disposal
Best Buy will haul away two large items (including TVs, refrigerators, stoves, etc.) for $199.99.
Home Depot will remove your old appliances if you are purchasing a new one through them for an additional $40. Lowes offers removals to Pro Rewards members only.
Consumer’s Energy will take your working refrigerator or freezer for $50 and will give you $15 for each eligible room air conditioner or dehumidifier.
DTE will potentially pay you $20 for your small fridge or freezer, room air conditioner, or dehumidifier and you’ll receive an additional $20. They offer $50 for refrigerators and freezers that are 10 to 30 cubic feet in size. Refrigerators and freezers must be clean and working.
Salvation Army offers a tax write-off for electronics. They are currently not offering pick-up services. The Brighton location does not accept refrigerators or freezers.
The Habitat for Humanity Reuse Store Brighton takes working and sellable appliances, electronics, and paint that might also qualify for a tax deduction.
The Habitat for Humanity Reuse Store Huron Valley offers pick-up and drop-off appliances that might also qualify for a tax deduction.
Ammunition And Explosives
Disposing of ammunition in your regular trash puts your solid waste handlers at risk. Call your local Law Enforcement Department to make arrangements for a drop-off.
Livingston County Sheriff’s Dept.- Will accept some unused ammunition for use in range. No explosives or flares. Call first. Phone: 517-546-2440
State Police Post – Brighton- Will take unused ammunition, explosives, and flares. Call first. Phone: 810-227-1051
Washtenaw County Sherriff’s Dept.- Will take some unused ammunition. Call first. Phone: 734-971-8400
Conclusion
I hope this guide for where to dispose of your waste was helpful. If you’re looking for a dumpster and are in Southeast Michigan, check us out at Dignified Dumpsters.