Disposal Guide
What Can't Go in a Dumpster in Texas (and Where It Goes Instead)
Almost everything from a cleanout or remodel can go in. Here is the short list that can't, why, and the local drop-off options around Denton, Frisco, Plano and McKinney.
The Short Version
Texas landfills are regulated by the TCEQ, and they refuse a handful of things at the gate. Our trucks dump at those landfills, so the same rules apply to your dumpster. If a prohibited item turns up in a load, the landfill can reject it or charge a handling fee, and that cost gets passed along. Keeping these items out is easy once you know the list.
| Not Allowed | Why | Where It Goes Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid paint, stain, solvents | Liquids are banned at every Texas landfill | Your city's household chemical program (see below). Latex paint that is fully dried out in the can is fine to toss. |
| Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze | Liquid and flammable | Household chemical drop-off, or most auto parts stores take used oil for free |
| Car and marine batteries | Lead-acid batteries are banned from Texas landfills | Any auto parts store, usually with a credit back |
| Tires | Whole tires are banned from Texas landfills | Tire shops take them for a few dollars each when you buy, or as a drop-off |
| Fridges, freezers, AC units | Refrigerant has to be recovered first | City bulk pickup or collection center (some charge a Freon fee), or a scrap metal recycler |
| Pesticides, pool chemicals, cleaners | Hazardous | Household chemical program |
| Propane tanks, fuel cans with fuel | Explosion risk in the truck and at the landfill | Propane exchange for tanks, household chemical program for fuel |
| Asbestos, medical waste | Needs a licensed handler | Licensed abatement or medical waste contractor |
Things People Worry About That Are Actually Fine
- Mattresses and box springs: fine. Lay them flat along the bottom or stand them against the wall of the container.
- Couches, recliners, dressers: fine. Break down what you can so it packs tighter.
- Carpet, padding, tile, drywall, cabinets, doors: all normal remodel debris.
- Yard waste, fence boards, deck lumber: fine, and treated lumber is accepted too.
- Dried paint cans: fine once the paint is solid. Pour in kitty litter or sawdust and leave the lid off until it hardens.
- Small electronics, TVs, computers: allowed in most loads, but every city around here recycles them for free, which is the better move.
- Empty aerosol cans and empty fuel cans: fine when they are truly empty.
Heavy Stuff: Allowed, but Call First
Concrete, brick, dirt, rock, tile and roofing shingles are all allowed. The catch is weight. A few wheelbarrows of concrete can use up a full ton, and every rental has a weight allowance (1 ton for the 11 yard, 1.5 tons for the 15 yard, 2 tons for the 20 yard) with extra weight billed at $80 per ton, prorated. If your project is mostly heavy material, text us at (469) 678-6560 before booking so we can plan the load, and see our roofing guide if you are tearing off shingles.
Where to Take Household Chemicals Near You
Each city runs its own program, and most are free for residents with a utility bill and matching ID. Hours change, so check the city page before you drive over.
- Denton: Home Chemical Collection at the City of Denton Landfill, 1527 S. Mayhill Rd., Building 300. Open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Denton residents. You can also schedule a curbside chemical pickup by calling (940) 349-8700. The landfill itself takes bulky trash and electronics, but not liquids, batteries or tires.
- Frisco: Environmental Collection Center, 6616 Walnut St. Household chemicals and electronics are accepted Tuesday through Saturday during posted hours (Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Frisco water bill and matching ID required.
- Plano: No drop-off. Plano picks up household chemicals from your curb by appointment. Call (972) 769-4150 or schedule online.
- McKinney: Curbside household hazardous waste pickup on your regular collection day by request. Check the city's HHW page for limits and how to schedule.
- Smaller towns (Celina, Prosper, Aubrey, Anna, Melissa, Pilot Point, Van Alstyne): most contract with a hauler that offers one or two household chemical pickups a year. Call your city's utility billing line and ask about HHW collection.
What Happens If Something Slips In
A single can of old paint buried in a load of junk is not the end of the world, but we do have to pull it out if we spot it, and the landfill charges for anything they have to handle separately. Appliances with Freon and tires are the two that cause the most trouble, since the landfill will turn the whole load away. If you are not sure about an item, send us a photo by text and we will tell you yes or no in a minute.
Everything Else? Load It Up.
Furniture, remodel debris, yard waste and household junk all go. Flat rates with drop-off, pickup and disposal included.