Wisconsin bans electronics, major appliances, tires, lead-acid batteries, used oil and oil filters, yard waste, and many recyclables from landfills. Hazardous items like wet paint, chemicals, propane tanks, and asbestos also cannot go in a rental dumpster. Putting them in can cause a refused load or extra fees. This guide lists what is banned and where to take each item in the Green Bay area. It is part of our dumpster rental problems guide.
Items That Cannot Go in a Dumpster in Wisconsin
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Electronics | TVs, computers, monitors, laptops, tablets, printers, fax machines, DVD players, and cell phones are banned from landfills. Households can recycle them through E-Cycle Wisconsin. Businesses are not eligible for that program. |
| Major appliances | Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, and air conditioners are banned. Refrigerators and air conditioners contain refrigerants. |
| Tires | Waste tires are banned from landfills. |
| Batteries | Lead-acid batteries (car, truck, boat) are banned. Other batteries do not belong in a dumpster either. |
| Oil and oil filters | Used motor oil and used oil filters are banned. Antifreeze and other automotive fluids also need special disposal. |
| Paint and chemicals | Wet paint, oil-based paint, stains, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals, and cleaners are hazardous waste. |
| Yard waste | Grass clippings, leaves, garden debris, and brush under six inches in diameter are banned from landfills. |
| Recyclables | Corrugated cardboard, glass containers, aluminum and steel cans, newspapers, office paper, and plastic containers #1 and #2 are banned from landfills. |
| Flammables and pressurized tanks | Gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid, and aerosol cans are fire and explosion risks. Ammunition and explosives need special handling. |
| Asbestos | Asbestos materials, such as some old insulation and siding, cannot go in a standard dumpster. They need a licensed professional. |
| Medical waste | Sharps and biological or infectious waste cannot go in a dumpster. |
This list follows the Wisconsin DNR list of items banned from landfills, which is based on state law. Your hauler may restrict other items too, so ask before you load anything you are unsure about.
Why Does Wisconsin Ban These Items?
Banned items can leak into soil and groundwater, start fires, or damage landfill equipment. Many of them also can be recycled or reused, which is why the state requires it. The rule applies to everyone: homeowners, businesses, schools, and governments.
Where to Take Banned Items in Green Bay
- Chemicals, paint, batteries, oil, propane, and fluorescent lights: the Brown County Hazardous Material Recovery Facility at 2561 S. Broadway, phone (920) 492-4950. Brown County residents can drop off on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and some items such as batteries and small appliances have a fee. The facility does not accept explosives, ammunition, sharps, or infectious waste, so call first. See the Ashwaubenon hazardous waste page for current hours and accepted items.
- Electronics: households can use E-Cycle Wisconsin collection sites at no cost. Find one on the DNR E-Cycle page.
- Large appliances: the Brown County site sends large appliances to the Solid Waste Transfer Station on West Mason Street. Call to confirm.
- Yard waste: take it to a compost or yard waste site, or use your city or village collection.
What Can Go in a Dumpster?
Most rental dumpsters accept these items:
- Household junk, furniture, and carpet
- Wood, drywall, and remodel debris
- Roofing shingles and decking
- Concrete, brick, and dirt (these are heavy and often need a smaller dumpster or special pricing)
Heavy items like concrete and shingles count toward your weight limit fast. See our concrete and heavy debris dumpsters, and read how overweight fees work before you load them.
Tricky Items: Ask First
- Latex paint: the DNR says dried-out water-based latex paint can go in the trash. Wet or oil-based paint cannot. Let latex paint dry solid and tell us before you throw it in.
- Mattresses and furniture: mattresses are not on Wisconsin’s landfill ban list, but some haulers limit them. Ask us first.
- Small amounts of yard debris: the ban covers leaves, grass, and small brush, so keep them out unless we confirm.
What Happens if Banned Items Are in Your Dumpster?
A load with banned items can be refused or sorted at your expense, and you may be charged extra. The fix is easy: remove the item before pickup or call us to plan for it.
Tips to Avoid Problems
- Sort your items before delivery into allowed, banned, and unsure.
- Take electronics, chemicals, batteries, and appliances to the right drop-off site first.
- Keep recyclables out of the dumpster.
- Tell us about heavy materials like concrete or shingles when you book.
- Call us if you are unsure. You can find more answers in our dumpster rental FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a TV in a dumpster in Wisconsin?
No. Televisions, computers, and monitors are banned from landfills. Households can recycle them for free through E-Cycle Wisconsin.
Can I throw a refrigerator in a dumpster?
No. Refrigerators are banned major appliances and contain refrigerants. Take them to an approved drop-off site.
Can I put paint in a dumpster?
Only dried-out latex paint. Wet paint and oil-based paint are hazardous waste and go to a collection site.
Can I put yard waste in a dumpster?
No. Grass clippings, leaves, garden debris, and brush under six inches are banned from Wisconsin landfills. Ask us if you have a mixed load.
Are tires allowed in a dumpster?
No. Waste tires are banned from landfills and need to go to a tire recycler.