The world as a whole produces a massive amount of waste. However, the United States generates the most according to Dumpsters, with over 268 trillion tons of garbage produced annually. When you have a scheduled pickup, there are certain items they refuse to take. Read on to see what types of refuse waste management companies don't accept.

Medical Waste

Medical waste is considered a biohazard as it often contains bodily fluids. Bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or tissue can spread disease very quickly. That's why hospitals have specific containers to put your used syringes and gauges in. Be mindful if you use similar items at home, such as needles, to inject insulin or other medication. When it's time to replace them with new ones, don’t place them in your regular garbage container, and instead dispose of them properly.

Tires

Your tires may see a lot of wear and tear. However, just because you have a flat tire you can no longer use, it doesn't mean you should just put it in the trash. After all, tires are large, made of rubber, and can be a pain for typical garbage removal companies to get rid of. If your tire has reached its lifespan or is damaged, take it in for your next auto servicing for recycling.

Ink and Paints

Some paints have strong solvents with hazardous fumes that are flammable. Your hauler may not know if your paint is economically safe or hazardous, so you should avoid putting it in your trash unless the container is visibly empty. You should also be aware of ink, as ink can stain the inside of a bin or any machines used in processing. If you make the mistake of staining a container, you may have to pay for the damage.

Construction Debris

While it is debris that needs to be disposed of, most waste management companies cannot process rubble from construction sites. This includes bricks, concrete, tile, mulch, dirt, or any other heavy material used in construction. While some in lower quantities may be okay, larger amounts quickly become too heavy for machines to deal with. You should instead rent a dumpster for all construction debris, or take it to the landfill or other processing center yourself.

Moldy Items

Mold can be hazardous to health. After all, a mold infestation in a home can create upper respiratory infections, asthma, and allergic reactions. Plus, black mold itself is toxic.

Therefore, some companies won't take materials, such as moldy drywall or other items. Check ahead to see if a particular local trash hauler has the facilities to dispose of items with mold. A mold remediation service may be able to help.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a highly dangerous material once used for insulation before the 1980s. It has been linked to cases of lung cancer. However, there may be some homes and buildings built before it was outlawed that may still have this material within their walls. If you think you've encountered asbestos, you should never touch it yourself! Make sure you call a professional who can handle asbestos removal and disposal.

Household Cleaners

Many garbage contractors also prefer not to take household cleaners. Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that aren't suitable to be placed in a landfill or processed with other forms of garbage. However, if the bottles are empty, the trash haulers will likely take them.

Flammable Items

For obvious reasons, most garbage companies can't take anything flammable like gasoline. A flammable substance could ignite the rest of the trash and create a massive safety hazard. If you have any flammable substances you wish to get rid of, you should contact a professional for assistance.

Waste is a big business in the United States. However, that doesn't mean you can throw just anything in your bin. Even when you schedule refuse removal services, you need to be aware of what is allowed. Whether you’re doing a big spring cleaning, need container rentals for an event, or are moving, make sure your waste management company can take it all.

For experienced trash-hauling professionals, contact our team at Trash Rangers. We're proud to offer customers reliable weekly service with text reminders, all without hidden fees. We look forward to assisting you with your waste removal needs.