Please keep your dumpster free from the following items:
Toxic or Hazardous Materials
This includes most chemical products, including household cleaning agents. Check the label on the item in question. If you find any of these symbols check the Salt Lake Valley Health Department Household Hazardous Waste website for proper disposal locations.
Tires
Tires of any kind are not allowed in the landfill due to the damage they can cause when decomposing. Waste tire fires release toxic fumes that are detrimental to air quality. Tire piles are also a breeding ground for disease carrying mosquitoes and rodents. Tires should be left with local recyclers or reclamation companies. Check the SLCO website for recycling locations.
Batteries
Car batteries are particularly hazardous due to their lead-acid composition. These batteries contain high levels of lead and other heavy metals that cannot be mixed with other wastes. Anytime you find yourself with a dead car battery, take it to an auto parts store or authorized recycling center.
Railroad Ties
Railroad ties are pieces of creosote-treated lumber used in the construction of railroad tracks. Railroad ties fall under prohibited items because of their creosote content, a substance derived from pitch tar that can be harmful when handled improperly. They are generally not accepted by landfills and should be disposed of according to local, state, and federal guidelines. It is not advised to burn or mulch railroad ties as their creosote coating can release harmful chemicals into the air.
Paints & Lacquers
Paints and lacquers are prohibited due to their potential for containing harmful elements such as lead or mercury, especially those manufactured prior to the 1990’s. They can also damage or permanently stain equipment such as garbage trucks and dumpsters.
Oils
Prohibited oils include those used in automobiles and those used as general industrial lubricants. Used motor oil can be recycled through a number of nationwide retailers, as well as most auto parts and mechanic shops.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a flame retardant material found in older homes and various industrial products. It is considered to be a carcinogen in most US states and is therefore banned from most landfills. Removing asbestos-containing materials from homes or offices is highly dangerous and should only be done by licensed contractors.
Infectious Waste
Infectious waste consists of materials used in medicine or that have come into contact with bodily fluids. Items such as hypodermic needles and used bandages should be disposed of through waste haulers that are licensed to handle, transport, and dispose of medical waste.
Contaminated Soils & Absorbents
Contaminated soils and absorbents that are mixed with hazardous substances cannot be disposed of through normal MSW haulers. Contaminated soils must either be treated or contained per federal superfund guidelines. Contaminated absorbents must likewise be treated or disposed of via hazardous waste processors.
Industrial Drums
Industrial drums are used to contain the byproducts of a number of different industrial processes. Often, these substances are considered hazardous and should be disposed of through licensed haulers and industry participants. Clean drums can be recycled as scrap metal.
Fuel
All fuel types are banned from landfills, and therefore, our dumpsters. Gasoline/petroleum is highly flammable and should only be disposed of if it can no longer be used as a fuel source. Disposal should only be handled by hazardous waste disposal centers. Consult your local fire department or recycling center to find hazardous waste disposal centers near you.
Adhesives
Adhesives such as glue or epoxy should be disposed of with regular household trash or recycling, rather than a dumpster. Loose adhesives can damage the container or cause waste items to become entangled and hard to remove.
Refrigerants
Items containing refrigerant must be evacuated according to federal disposal guidelines. This is to ensure that no hazardous chemicals are introduced into the environment. Properly drained refrigerators can be disposed of using regular dumpsters in some cases, contact us to determine if we can accept your refrigerator.