Items You Shouldn’t Throw in the Dumpster

The dumpster is often the go-to option for various types of waste. It is the choice for swift waste disposal that often results in cluttered items inside. What makes the dumpster even more convenient is this: somebody collects and handles the dumpster afterwards, making it easier to just toss trash and walk away.

Certain things don’t belong in the dumpster despite the convenience it brings. Practising waste management methods include classifying and sorting waste. No matter the sheer size of your waste or the absence of somebody guarding the dumpster, it’s important to exercise segregation and recycling ways.

The dumpster is not home to all types of waste. Prevent dumping these items in dumpsters to keep your surroundings safer.

In this article, Kurt’s Rubbish Removal, a leading rubbish removal company in Sydney has provided us with their expertise on specifically what items can or can not be disposed of in a dumpster.

Hazardous or hazard-containing materials

Hazardous materials present the obvious. When you leave them in the dumpster, they can cause potential harm to whoever collects the dumpster. Since many products and goods contain hazardous components or substances, it’s best to check the package label of these items before throwing them out.

Non-alkaline batteries

Non-alkaline batteries are considered toxic waste. The eventual disposal of these batteries can lead to soil or water contamination. Only alkaline batteries are allowed for dumpster disposal as they don’t contain substances that can cause potential pollution to the surroundings.

Examples: car batteries and lithium-ion batteries

Flammables

Flammable materials are easily combustible and fire-prone. Any accident with garbage collection or disposal, in general, can lead to tragic instances. A simple lit match can cause rapid successions of flames fueled by flammables. There is a special method of disposing of this kind of waste. Don’t put them in the dumpster.

Examples: gasoline tanks and fuel

Asbestos

Asbestos is usually part of construction. As such, many consider it as construction and demolition debris that can go with the C&D waste types. Don’t make the mistake of placing asbestos in the dumpster. This material poses health risks and promotes illness upon exposure. Make waste collection a safer practice for all people involved.

Lightbulbs

Lightbulbs are universal objects for daily use. However, because of its components, it doesn’t belong to the dumpster. It can cause harm when it breaks in the dumpster. Despite the controlled and small amounts of mercury in some CFLs, it’s best to dispose of them through valid waste centres.

Biomedical waste

Biomedical waste mostly comes from hospitals and healthcare institutions. Still, many items in our homes are considered biomedical waste. Not only is this type hazardous, dumping it is unhygienic and negatively affects individuals.

Expired medications

Expired medication is harmful because it promotes potential contamination. If you have expired medicine in your cupboard, it’s best to separate them from common household waste. Many medicines and treatments turn unstable upon expiry. You shouldn’t place them in environments like dumpsters, that increase their deterioration.

Infectious waste

Infectious waste is a potential carrier of pathogens. If you place them in a dumpster, they might start breeding strains of surviving microorganisms that can easily infect whoever collects the container. This type of waste has a special collection service, so don’t mix them with items in the dumpster.

Examples: blood and blood-soaked fabrics, medical treatment waste

Sharps

For many types of waste, sharps present the most immediate harm to the surroundings. Any sharp needle or syringe sticking out can cause accidents to random people. These items aren’t easy to spot with the eye. Sharps typically need a lot of other packaging and safe-keeping before disposal. You can’t just wrap it with paper and toss it in the dumpster.

Examples: needles, syringes and blades

Recyclables

Lastly, recyclables don’t have a place in the dumpster. As part of Sydney’s promotion for sustainability and proper waste management, practise recycling. You can always start with your methods and practices at home to transform recyclables into more useful items.

Support Sydney in practising recycling methods. All it takes is a little more effort than usual from throwing them out directly. If you have items in good condition that don’t serve you anymore, they can belong to the marketplace and not the dumpster.

If you have food scraps, placing them in dumpsters can spiral into infestations and vermin issues. You can dispose of them via composting or other more suitable methods.

Jennifer Lee is a Content Strategist based in Sydney, Australia. She has over 5 years experience in creating engaging content for the home improvement, sustainability and eco-friendly sector.