Can I throw paint in the dump?

Most landfills refuse liquid paint. Oil-based paint goes to household hazardous waste collection. Rules for latex paint differ by state; California treats it as hazardous. In PaintCare states, paint stores and drop-off sites take both kinds.

Will the landfill take an old refrigerator?

Many will, usually for an extra fee. Federal rules require the refrigerant to be recovered, so the site either removes it or asks for a signed statement saying who removed it and when.

Where do I take a propane tank?

Return it to the propane exchange or supplier, or ask your local household hazardous waste program. Most landfills do not accept pressurized cylinders in the trash.

Can I take asbestos to the dump myself?

EPA advises homeowners to hire accredited professionals to remove asbestos. Removed material must be sealed in labeled heavy-duty bags, and only certain landfills accept it. Your state agency can tell you the local rules.

What Not to Take to the Dump (and Where It Goes Instead)

Updated 2026-10-23

Every landfill and transfer station keeps a list of items it refuses. The details vary by state and county, but the same groups show up almost everywhere. Sort these out before you load up and you will not have to drive anything back home.

Household hazardous waste

EPA calls leftover products that are flammable, corrosive, reactive or toxic household hazardous waste (HHW). That covers paint thinner, oil-based paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, drain cleaner, used motor oil and many cleaners. EPA warns that these products can injure sanitation workers and contaminate septic systems and wastewater plants when they go in the trash or down a drain.

Keep each product in its original container with the label on. Never mix leftovers. EPA notes that mixed chemicals can react, ignite or explode. If a container is corroded, call your fire department or local hazardous materials office before you move it. Find a permanent site or a collection day on our hazardous waste page.

Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries cause fires at waste facilities when trucks or sorting equipment crush them. EPA says they should not go in household trash or recycling bins. Car batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid and go back to the retailer. Most communities still allow alkaline batteries in the trash. Details are in our guide on where to take batteries.

Tires

Many landfills refuse whole tires or take them only for a per-tire fee. EPA lists tire retailers, recycling facilities, transfer stations and local tire amnesty days as the main outlets. See tire disposal and our guide on old tires.

Refrigerators, freezers and window AC units

These appliances usually still hold refrigerant when they reach the dump. Under EPA's Section 608 rules, the last site in the disposal chain, such as a landfill or scrap recycler, must make sure the refrigerant is recovered. If the refrigerant has already been removed, the site must keep a signed statement naming who recovered it and when. EPA does not accept a sticker as proof. Expect an extra appliance fee, a separate drop-off area or a request for paperwork. A scrap metal yard may also take them.

Electronics

Some states ban TVs, computers and monitors from landfills. Others allow them in the trash. Old devices often contain batteries that you cannot remove. EPA directs those to certified electronics recyclers, retailer take-back programs or local HHW programs. Find a drop-off on our electronics recycling page.

Liquids

Landfills generally refuse free liquids, including full paint cans, buckets of used oil and drums of anything. Used motor oil often goes to auto parts stores or garages. EPA mentions garages as one place that may take it. Latex and oil-based paint are covered in our paint guide.

Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders

A propane cylinder can explode when it is compacted or run through a shredder, so most sites will not take one in the trash. Return tanks to the propane exchange or supplier, or ask your HHW program. Small camping cylinders often go to HHW collection.

Asbestos

Older floor tiles, pipe insulation, siding and popcorn ceilings can contain asbestos. EPA tells homeowners to leave suspect material alone and hire accredited professionals to test it and remove it. Do not sand, saw, scrape or sweep it yourself. Contractors must seal removed material in labeled, heavy-duty plastic bags, and only certain landfills accept it. Your state agency keeps lists of accredited firms and knows the local rules.

Items that often need a separate area

Yard waste: many sites keep brush, leaves and grass out of the trash pit. See yard waste.
Construction debris: drywall, shingles and concrete often go to a separate pile or a C&D facility. See construction debris.
Mattresses: often allowed for a bulky item fee. See our mattress guide.

Check the site before you go

Each site sets its own list, and some charge for items others take for free. Open the listing on the map, read the accepted items and compare fees. If something is not listed, call the scale house before you load it.

Sources: EPA: Household Hazardous Waste, EPA: Section 608 Safe Disposal Requirements, EPA: Used Lithium-Ion Batteries, EPA: Protect Your Family from Asbestos