Materials prohibited in our dumpsters

For safety, legal compliance, and disposal facility requirements, do not place any of the following items in a PNW Site Services dumpster. This list applies unless we specifically approve an exception in writing before delivery. Acceptance rules may differ by service area, container type, and disposal facility.

1. Hazardous chemicals, liquids and contaminated waste

Paint, stains, varnish, paint thinner, solvents, adhesives, resins, fuels, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, motor oil, cooking oil in bulk, hydraulic fluid, antifreeze, degreasers, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers containing hazardous chemicals, acids, caustics, corrosives, toxic cleaners, chemical containers with residue, hazardous industrial waste, contaminated absorbents, oily rags, and any free-flowing liquids or unidentified substances.

2. Batteries, electronics and mercury-containing products

Lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and other batteries; power banks and battery packs; computers, televisions, monitors and CRT screens; electronic circuit boards; capacitors, transformers and ballasts that may contain PCBs; fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs; mercury thermometers, thermostats and switches; and other mercury-containing devices. Electronics and batteries must go through appropriate recycling channels.

3. Pressurized containers, gases and explosives

Propane cylinders, oxygen and acetylene tanks, compressed-gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, aerosol cans with contents or pressure, sealed drums, closed tanks, fireworks, flares, explosives, blasting caps, ammunition and live rounds, gunpowder, and any reactive or potentially explosive material. Do not cut, puncture or drain containers into a dumpster.

4. Asbestos, regulated building materials and insulation

Asbestos and suspected asbestos-containing materials, including some older floor tiles, pipe insulation, siding, roofing and textured finishes; vermiculite insulation of unknown origin; contaminated insulation; hazardous dusts; and regulated demolition materials. Suspected asbestos must be assessed and handled by qualified professionals. Fiberglass and ordinary insulation may also require advance approval depending on the disposal facility.

5. Refrigerants, appliances and mechanical equipment

Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pumps and other equipment containing refrigerants (Freon/CFC/HCFC/HFC) unless specifically approved and properly processed. Also excluded without approval: vehicle engines or parts containing fluids, fuel tanks, oil filters, airbags, hydraulic cylinders and machinery containing oil or hazardous components. Never cut refrigerant lines or vent refrigerants.

6. Medical, biological and sanitary waste

Needles, sharps, syringes, infectious or biohazardous waste, blood-contaminated items, pharmaceuticals, medical isotopes, pathological waste, human or animal remains, sewage, septic waste, sludge, liquid human waste and other regulated medical or biological materials.

7. Fire hazards, hot materials and radioactive waste

Hot ashes, embers, charcoal, smoldering debris, burning materials, fireworks, reactive metals or chemicals, flammable liquids, radioactive sources, industrial gauges and any radioactive or potentially radioactive materials. Ashes must never be loaded while hot or potentially active.

8. Tires and other items requiring special recycling

Vehicle tires, tire piles, automotive batteries, large electronic devices, fluorescent lamps, oil filters and other materials subject to special collection or recycling requirements are not accepted unless expressly authorized. Disposal or recycling options vary by location.

9. Heavy materials and loads requiring a dedicated container

Concrete, dirt, soil, sand, gravel, rocks, brick, masonry, asphalt, sod and similar dense materials are not necessarily prohibited, but they require advance approval and often a dedicated heavy-material dumpster. Do not mix them into general debris without permission. Container size, weight limits and material separation requirements apply; exceeding limits can create serious hauling hazards and additional charges.

10. Other restricted or unacceptable loads

Unidentified drums or containers, leaking equipment, liquid-filled vessels, waste bearing hazardous labels, contaminated soil, industrial process residues, loads with strong chemical odors, items prohibited by applicable law, and materials rejected by the receiving transfer station or recycling facility. Mattresses, upholstered furniture, treated wood, railroad ties, stumps and large bulky items may require advance approval or separate handling depending on location.

When in doubt, ask before loading

If you are unsure whether an item is accepted, stop and contact PNW Site Services before placing it in the dumpster. We can review the material, identify whether a separate container is appropriate, and explain available disposal options. Prohibited items may cause load rejection, return trips, cleanup charges, special handling fees or other costs under the rental agreement.

Call or text (253) 499-8840, or email info@pnwsiteservices.com. These guidelines are not an authorization to dispose of hazardous or regulated waste. Final acceptance is subject to PNW Site Services approval and the receiving facility's rules.

Additional reference information

Industry references reviewed: R.S. Davis Recycling — Items We Cannot Accept; Metro Metals NW — Accepted Materials; WM — Dumpster Materials FAQ. Recycler-specific restrictions do not necessarily apply to ordinary mixed-waste dumpsters; PNW Site Services requirements above are intentionally conservative pending location-specific confirmation.