Dumpsters located on private property are off limits to the public. This means, if you haven’t rented the dumpster yourself, you can get in major trouble for dumping items there. One of the most notorious items that is taken to dumpsters is furniture. This is due to the fact that many waste management companies can not take such items in their truck or charge fees to do so.
Let’s break this down a bit further – private property is any place NOT owned by some sort of state organization or group of non-government entities. Think apartment complexes, shopping centers, office buildings, etc. Basically, don’t pack up that ratty couch and try to dump it behind your local grocery store. It varies state by state but, if you are caught dumping items into a private dumpster, you could face fines of up to $500. Don’t assume you can avoid that by simply placing your trash NEAR the dumpster either. You will be hit with trespassing and/or littering charges.
Furniture and mattresses are considered prohibited items and can’t be tossed carelessly away. They contain harmful materials that can hurt people, animals and the environment so they need to be recycled properly. You CAN take such items to a landfill or dump station yourself but you may be charged to do so and you are putting hazardous waste out there to leak into our ground, water and air. Take them to a proper recycling center, free of charge. Contact your local township or earth911.com to find recycling programs in your area.
If your furniture or mattresses are in decent shape, see if you can donate them to friends, families or charitable organizations, such as Salvation Army, before you toss them out. Old furniture IS hard to get rid of but should be recycled responsibly
Check out the list of other prohibited items that can’t be tossed in a dumpster!
Our Dumpster Tip of the Week is Courtesy of the Palos Hills Dumpster Rental Service! Thanks, Gang!
