January 19, 2026
How to Handle Hazardous Waste
Renting a dumpster is one of the smartest moves you can make when tackling a big cleanout or home renovation. While convenient for easy removal of debris, furniture, junk, or garbage, a dumpster rental is not a free-for-all. Some material cannot go in—and that’s not us being picky. It’s about what is safe and legal.
One of the biggest unacceptable material types? Household hazardous waste. This blog will walk you through what it is, why it matters, and how to dispose of it properly.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste is anything that poses a threat to people, property, or the environment. It includes materials that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, poisonous, or contain heavy metals.
Here are some of the usual suspects you might find in your garage, basement, or under the sink:
- Paints & Solvents: Oil-based paints, varnishes, and thinners are flammable and contain harmful chemicals.
- Cleaning Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners can be reactive and dangerous when mixed.
- Pesticides & Herbicide: These contain toxic substances that can leach into the soil or water supply, harming plants, animals, and humans.
- Automotive Fluids: Oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid are flammable and toxic to wildlife and waterways.
- Batteries (Car & Household): Batteries contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
- Electronics: TVs, monitors, and devices can leach hazardous metals if crushed or burned.
These materials, and others like them, can harm the environment, expose sanitation workers to risk, cause fires or explosions, and contaminate water.
What Items Are Unacceptable in a Dumpster?
We keep it EZ around here. But when it comes to what can and cannot be tossed in our dumpsters, there are safety and environmental regulations we have to follow. Putting restricted items in a dumpster can result in extra fees, delays in pickup, or even the entire load being rejected at the landfill. A little caution upfront can save you lots of time, money, and stress.
Here’s a list of unacceptable items you should never toss in a Dumpster Dudez of Northern Illinois dumpster:
- Oil
- Tires
- Asbestos
- Chemicals
- Explosives
- Volatile Materials
- Electronic Devices
- Bio-Medical Waste
- Liquids of Any Kind
- Solvents of Any Kind
- Radioactive Materials
- Toxic or Hazardous Materials
- Highly Flammable Liquids or Materials
These materials are commonly found in home cleanouts, garage decluttering, or renovation projects, so make sure to plan ahead and separate any hazardous waste before loading your dumpster.
Not sure what’s acceptable? Check out our Acceptable Items Guide , or contact your local Dumpster Dudez for clarification.
How to Handle Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Properly
If you have household hazardous waste on hand, follow these tips for safe and legal disposal:
- Read the Label: Many products come with disposal instructions and guidance on proper disposal.
- Store Safely: Keep hazardous materials in original containers, away from heat, moisture, or children. Never mix chemicals.
- Find Your Local HHW Facility: Most counties offer Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection sites. Check with your local solid waste district or health department.
- Look for Community Collection Events: Cities often host annual free disposal events for items like electronics, chemicals, and tires.
- Use Retail Take-Back Programs: Stores like Home Depot, AutoZone, and Best Buy often accept items like used batteries, old paint, and electronics for recycling or proper disposal.
Disposal Done Safely and Smartly
At the end of the day, not all waste is created equal. Some materials have special disposal requirements, and tossing hazardous items into a dumpster can be dangerous and costly.
Luckily, Dumpster Dudez of Northern Illinois is always here to help! If you’ve got questions about what can and can’t go in, just give us a call. We’re here to make household hazardous waste disposal the easiest part of your project.
