What Goes In
Roll-off dumpsters take almost everything a typical cleanout or construction project produces, but some materials can't go to the landfill. Loading a prohibited item can mean extra fees or a container that can't be hauled. Here's what to know before you start loading.
What you can put in a dumpster
- Household junk: furniture, mattresses, toys, clothing, boxes, general trash
- Appliances without refrigerant (washers, dryers, stoves), doors removed
- Construction debris: drywall, lumber, plywood, siding, trim, cabinets, countertops, fixtures
- Flooring: carpet, padding, tile, laminate, hardwood
- Roofing shingles (see our roofing guide for weight tips)
- Yard waste: branches, brush, shrubs, leaves
- Concrete, brick, and dirt, with weight limits (see heavy debris guide)
What you can't put in a dumpster
- Hazardous waste: chemicals, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals
- Paint in liquid form, plus stains and thinners
- Motor oil, fuel, and antifreeze
- Batteries, especially car (lead-acid) batteries
- Tires
- Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units that still contain refrigerant
- Electronics such as TVs, monitors, and computers
- Asbestos and medical waste
Where to take items we can't accept
Most prohibited items have an easy disposal route in Southwest Georgia:
- Car batteries and motor oil: most auto parts stores accept them for recycling.
- Tires: tire retailers typically take old tires for a small fee when you buy new ones; Georgia regulates scrap tire disposal, so they can't go in household trash or dumpsters.
- Latex paint: leave the lid off and let it dry out completely (or mix in kitty litter). Fully dried latex paint is generally treated as solid waste. Oil-based paint needs a household hazardous waste collection.
- Electronics and household hazardous waste: check with Dougherty County or your local solid waste office about collection days and drop-off sites.
- Refrigerant appliances: a licensed technician or appliance retailer can recover the refrigerant first.
Rules and drop-off locations change, so call your county solid waste office to confirm before you haul anything.
Loading tips
- Keep everything below the top edge. Overfilled containers can't be hauled safely.
- Put heavy items on the bottom and spread weight evenly.
- Use the rear swing door to walk furniture and heavy pieces in.
- Don't burn anything in or near the container.
Not sure about an item?
Call (229) 394-2965 before you toss it. It takes 30 seconds and can save you an extra charge.