What You Can’t Put in a Dumpster in Grand Rapids | Neighborly Hauling Prohibited Items Guide

What You Can’t Put in a Dumpster: Prohibited Items in Kent County

Before you load your dumpster, it’s important to know what can’t go inside. Kent County and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) have strict regulations for certain hazardous or restricted materials. This guide explains exactly what’s prohibited—and where to take it instead.

Dumpster interior being cleaned with green degreaser after oil was improperly disposed inside. — A Neighborly Hauling dumpster in the process of being cleaned, with green degreaser applied to remove oil residue from the floor and walls.

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🚫 Animal Waste & Biological Material

Animal waste, carcasses, or any biologically contaminated materials cannot be placed in dumpsters. These items pose health risks and must be processed through municipal or veterinary waste systems.

Pet waste, deceased animals, or manure—not accepted
Contact your local animal control or municipal waste facility for approved disposal methods.

🔋 Batteries

Loose or rechargeable batteries are a leading cause of transfer station and landfill fires. They contain lithium, lead, and other metals that react when crushed.

Never dispose of AA, AAA, lithium-ion, car, or rechargeable batteries in your dumpster.
Take them to Kent County SafeChem drop-off sites.
Learn more from Reimagine Trash (Kent County DPW).

💥 Explosives, Ammunition & Firearms

Any item that can ignite, detonate, or discharge is strictly prohibited.

Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, and flares—not accepted
For disposal, contact your Kent County Sheriff’s Office or a licensed firearm dealer.

☣️ Hazardous Materials & Household Chemicals

Chemicals and hazardous substances can cause environmental contamination and fires. This includes everyday items that seem harmless but aren’t safe for dumpsters.

Not accepted: pesticides, fertilizers, paint thinners, propane tanks, fuel, antifreeze, solvents, or pressurized containers
Use Kent County SafeChem for free household hazardous waste drop-offs.

🧴 Household Cleaners & Chemicals

Even common cleaners can’t go in dumpsters. Many contain reactive ingredients that can release fumes or damage transfer equipment.

Not accepted: bleach, ammonia, drain cleaner, pool chemicals, or aerosol cans with liquid remaining
Accepted alternatives: Empty aerosol cans (completely depressurized) may go in the bin.

🩸 Medical Waste & Sharps

Medical or biohazardous materials require specialized disposal.

Not accepted: syringes, needles, bandages, medications, or IV bags
Use Kent County’s medical waste program for approved drop-off locations.

🚫 Sewage, Sludge & Septic Waste

Any liquid or semi-solid waste containing human or animal byproducts is not accepted under county or state law.

No sewage, septic pumpings, or graywater
Contact a licensed septic service provider for disposal.

🛢️ Used Oil, Gasoline & Fuel Products

Used oil, gasoline, diesel, or kerosene are flammable and contaminate other loads. They must be disposed of separately.

Oil leaking onto a driveway after oil was improperly dumped into a Neighborly Hauling dumpster. — Oil leaking from a dumpster onto a customer’s driveway after oil was improperly placed inside, creating a hazardous mess.

Motor oil, 2-stroke mix, hydraulic fluid, and fuel are prohibited.
Dispose through Kent County SafeChem or local auto parts stores that accept used oil.

🎨 Wet Paint & Liquid Coatings

Paint can leak and damage bin interiors, trucks, or county sorting lines. Once paint dries, it’s safe to toss.

Dumpster interior being cleaned with a pressure washer after wet paint spilled inside. — A Neighborly Hauling dumpster being pressure-washed to remove wet paint that was improperly dumped inside.

Not accepted: wet paint, oil-based paint, stains, or sealers
Accepted: dried paint cans with lids removed
Pro tip: Mix kitty litter or sawdust into leftover paint to solidify before disposal.

🧱 Concrete Washout & Slurry

Concrete washout is classified as a hazardous liquid waste—it can harden and destroy bin interiors or county processing equipment.

Not accepted: concrete slurry, washout, or uncured cement mix
Allow all concrete to harden before loading chunks or debris into a 12-yard bin (clean concrete only).

The Neighborly Difference

Responsible Disposal: Every load routed through Kent County’s transfer and waste-to-energy facilities
Transparency First: We’ll tell you what’s allowed and help route special items to SafeChem or approved facilities
Driveway-Safe & Eco-Focused: Clean, professional bins placed on HDPE pads for protection
Local Expertise: Family-owned and fully licensed in Kent County—no national chain markups

Wrap Up

Knowing what not to put in your dumpster keeps your project safe, legal, and environmentally responsible. If you’re ever unsure, we’ll help you identify the right disposal option or direct you to a certified Kent County facility.

Book Now for a dumpster that fits your project and your driveway—built for tight spaces, ready for heavy loads.