1. Adhesives

Glue, epoxy, and any other type of adhesives are not allowed in dumpsters since they can adhere materials to the dumpster.

3. Contaminated Soils and Absorbents

No hazardous materials are allowed in a dumpster, the same goes for anything that is contaminated with hazardous materials — like contaminated soil, mulch, etc. — also cannot be put in a dumpster.

*To dispose of contaminated soils and absorbents, contact the EPA, your local environmental services department or look up your nearest household hazardous waste drop-off center.

Enviromental Services Resources:

Fauquier County

https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments-a-g/environmental-services

Prince William County

https://www.pwcva.gov/department/environmental-services

Culpeper County

https://web.culpepercounty.gov/environmentalservices

Stafford County

https://staffordcountyva.gov/government/departments_p-z/public_works/community_development/environmental/index.php

4. Hazardous Materials

All hazardous materials must be properly disposed of by professional hazardous waste collectors. This includes common household substances like pesticides, motor oil, automotive fluids, freon, asbestos, etc. If not properly managed, hazardous waste can pose a serious threat to both people and the environment. 

*To properly dispose of household hazardous materials, contact the EPA office and ask for the location of the nearest household hazardous waste drop-off center.

Fauquier County Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility:

https://www.fauquiercounty.gov/government/departments-a-g/environmental-services/residents/household-hazardous-waste

Virginia DEQ

https://www.deq.virginia.gov/land-waste/solid-hazardous-waste/hazardous-waste

5. Household Cleaning Products

Though empty cleaning supply bottles can be recycled, the actual chemical inside the bottle should not be thrown in a dumpster.

If you need to dispose of household cleaning fluid, first check the label for any specific disposal instructions. If none are provided, the American Cleaning Institute suggests considering the use of the chemical in question for a disposal method. For example, laundry or dish detergent are normally drained through plumbing after use, so it is generally safe to pour them down the drain combined with running water.urposes.

7. Ink & Resins

Printer ink, pen ink, and resins are not permitted in a dumpster, they can damage and stain the dumpsters and landfill equipment. We recommend checking with your local office supply stores, they usually have drop-off recycling programs for these items.

8. Medical Infectious Waste

Medical infectious waste, is any material used in medicine or anything that has come into contact with bodily fluids. including but no limited to the following:

• Animal carcasses or body parts
• Dialysis waste
• Hospital blood bags
• Human blood or blood-soaked fabrics
• Unused or expired drugs and prescriptions
• Used needles and sharps

Most medical household waste, like bandages or tools used to treat an injury that didn’t require a doctor’s care, are not considered medical infectious waste. This category is mostly pertains to healthcare facilities more so than households.

If you do find yourself in possession of legitimate medical infectious waste, you can contact the EPA or DEQ for guidance on how to properly dispose of it.

9. Non-Alkaline Batteries

Unlike household batteries, which aren't considered to be household hazardous waste, there are many other types of batteries that are toxic to the environment and should be placed into a dumpster. including but no limited to the following:

• Car batteries
• Computer batteries
• Lead-acid batteries
• Lithium ion batteries
• Rechargeable batteries
• Silver oxide batteries

You can Contact your local landfill to find out where to recycle your batteries

10. Oils, Fuels, and Propane Tanks

Any flammable material like propane tanks, gasoline, oil, or fuel absolutely cannot be thrown into a dumpster. Improper disposal of combustible materials poses a serious safety risk and is also illegal in most areas. 

Contact your local landfill to find out how to dispose of flammable items properly.

11. Paint and Lacquers

Paint, lacquer, paint thinner, and wood stain are not allowed in dumpsters because they often contain lead or mercury. Empty paint cans are allowed in dumpster as well as dry latex paint (as long as it’s wrapped in a plastic bag.)

Empty, dried paint cans can be recycled with other metals in your regular recycling bin.