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You can toss most everyday, non-hazardous waste into your TriCounty Trash dumpster. Whether you’re cleaning out the house, tackling a renovation, working on a landscaping project, or getting rid of general clutter, we’re here to make cleanup easier.
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Some of the most common materials we can accept include:
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Household Junk:Â Furniture, boxes, clothing, toys, household clutter, and other unwanted items.
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Construction Debris:Â Drywall, wood and lumber, flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, doors, trim, and similar renovation materials.
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Yard Waste:Â Tree branches, leaves, grass clippings, bushes, shrubs, and other small landscaping debris.
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Light Demolition Materials:Â Siding, roofing shingles, insulation, and other materials from smaller demolition or remodeling projects.
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We can also handle certain heavier materials, such as concrete, brick, and dirt. Because these materials can add a lot of weight quickly, please let us know about them before your dumpster is delivered. This allows us to make sure the dumpster is appropriate for the material and that weight limits and disposal requirements are properly planned for.
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Not sure if something can go in your dumpster? Just ask! We’re happy to help you figure it out before you start loading.
Most everyday household, construction, and yard waste can go right into your TriCounty Trash dumpster, but there are some materials we can’t accept. Certain items require special handling, recycling, or disposal at a facility specifically equipped to handle them.
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To help keep your project safe and make sure everything is disposed of properly, please do not place the following items in your dumpster:
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Hazardous Waste:Â Paints, paint thinners, solvents, pesticides, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. These items can be harmful to people, the environment, and disposal equipment and need to be handled separately.
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Liquids:Â Oil, gasoline, fuel, wet paint, cleaning solutions, and other liquids are not allowed. Dumpsters are designed for solid materials, and liquids can leak, create safety concerns, or cause problems during transportation and disposal.
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Flammable or Explosive Materials:Â Propane tanks, gasoline, fireworks, and other flammable or explosive materials require special handling and should never be placed in a dumpster.
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Medical or Biohazardous Waste:Â Needles, syringes, sharps, prescription medications, and other medical or biohazardous materials cannot go in a dumpster. These items should be taken to an appropriate collection or disposal program.
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Electronics & Certain Appliances:Â TVs, computer monitors, computers, and some larger appliances may contain components that require specialized recycling or disposal. This category can also include refrigerators, air conditioners, washers, dryers, and water heaters depending on local disposal requirements.
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Tires & Automotive Parts:Â Tires, large car parts, batteries, and similar automotive materials may require separate recycling or disposal. Please check with us before including these items in your cleanup.
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Other Special-Handling Items:Â Certain mattresses, oversized items, and materials with special disposal requirements may also have restrictions depending on the disposal facility.
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We know it can be hard to remember what can and can’t go in a dumpster—and we’re happy to help. If you’re unsure about one specific item or a whole pile of debris, just give us a call or send us a message before tossing it in. We can help you figure out the best way to handle it.
Most of the things you clean out during a home project can go right into your dumpster, but some materials need a little extra care. Certain items can create fires, release harmful chemicals, contaminate soil or water, or put our drivers and disposal facility workers at risk.
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Here are some of the most common items that should never be placed in your dumpster and why:
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Batteries
Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries can cause fires or explosions if they are damaged, crushed, or exposed to heat. Fires involving batteries can spread quickly and are especially difficult to extinguish, creating serious risks for workers, drivers, first responders, and disposal facilities. Batteries should always be taken to a proper recycling or collection location.
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Paints & Solvents
Paint, paint thinner, and solvents can release harmful fumes, are often flammable, and can cause environmental contamination if they leak or are disposed of improperly. Many communities have household hazardous waste programs that accept these materials.
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Pesticides & Herbicides
Products used to kill weeds, insects, or other pests contain chemicals that can be harmful to people, pets, wildlife, and aquatic life. They can also contaminate soil and water if they are not disposed of properly.
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Household Cleaners
Strong cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, and certain solvents can be corrosive and may cause chemical burns or release harmful fumes. Keeping these products out of the dumpster helps protect everyone who handles your waste.
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Motor Oil & Automotive Fluids
Motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, and other automotive fluids can contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Even a small spill can contaminate soil and water, so these materials require proper collection and disposal.
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Electronics
Items such as televisions, computer monitors, computers, and other electronic equipment can contain materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Recycling or specialized e-waste programs can help recover valuable materials while keeping potentially harmful substances out of landfills.
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Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and should be handled carefully, especially if one breaks. Mercury can be harmful to people and the environment, so these bulbs should be taken to an appropriate recycling or hazardous-waste collection location.
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Medications & Pharmaceuticals
Unused or expired medications should not be placed in a dumpster or flushed down the drain. Special medication take-back programs provide a safer way to dispose of these products and help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, and contamination of water supplies.
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Asbestos
Asbestos-containing materials require special handling because damaged materials can release tiny fibers into the air. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause serious long-term health problems. If you suspect a material contains asbestos, contact a qualified professional for proper testing, removal, and disposal.
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Propane Tanks
Propane tanks can remain pressurized even when they appear to be empty. If they are crushed or exposed to certain conditions, they can create a serious fire or explosion hazard. Propane tanks should be taken to a facility or program that specifically accepts them.
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Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans can contain flammable propellants and may still be pressurized. Crushing or puncturing them can cause them to rupture or explode, so they should be handled through an appropriate disposal program.
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Fertilizers
Fertilizers contain concentrated chemicals that can be harmful if released into the environment. Improper disposal can allow these chemicals to enter soil and groundwater, so leftover fertilizer should be handled according to local disposal guidelines.
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Not Sure What to Do With Something?
We understand that figuring out how to dispose of certain items can be confusing. When in doubt, just ask us before putting it in the dumpster. We’re happy to help you determine whether an item is accepted or point you toward the appropriate disposal option.
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For batteries and other household items that require special handling, you can also check Battery Network, Earth911,  New Hanover HAZWAGON, and  Brunswick Hazardous Waste. Pender County does not have a hazardous waste program. Other options for recycling and disposal can be found at some hardware stores and electronic retailers.