Disposing of unwanted materials in Orlando requires more than just tossing them into a dumpster. Florida state law and Orange County regulations strictly prohibit certain items from being placed in roll-off containers—especially those considered hazardous, bulky, or difficult to process. Whether you’re managing a home renovation or a commercial cleanout, knowing how to dispose of restricted materials properly can help you avoid fines, protect the environment, and ensure your project runs smoothly. This guide breaks down what you can’t toss into a roll-off dumpster in Orlando—and what to do instead.
Legally Prohibited Items in Orlando Roll-Off Dumpsters
• Hazardous chemicals (cleaners, solvents, acids, corrosives)
• Wet paint and paint thinners
• Batteries (lithium-ion, car batteries, rechargeable)
• Tires
• Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors, etc.)
• Medical waste (sharps, biohazards)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Automotive fluids (oil, antifreeze, fuel)
• Fluorescent bulbs and mercury-containing items
• Explosives and flammables (fireworks, ammo, gas)
• Radioactive materials (e.g., smoke detectors)
• Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
What Defines Hazardous Waste in Florida?
In Florida, hazardous waste is any material that is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic—posing a threat to public health or the environment. Common examples include solvents, chemicals, wet paint, batteries, pesticides, and medical waste. These materials are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and enforced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). If a substance can catch fire, corrode metal, react explosively, or leach harmful toxins into soil or water, it’s considered hazardous—and strictly prohibited from disposal in roll-off dumpsters.
Understanding how to dispose of hazardous waste correctly isn’t just about compliance—it protects landfill safety, worker health, and surrounding ecosystems.
Statewide Restrictions Applied in Orange County
Florida’s hazardous waste rules apply uniformly across all counties, including Orange County. This means that materials like paints, automotive fluids, electronics, medical waste, and asbestos are illegal to place in any roll-off container, regardless of the provider. Orange County enforces these rules through its Solid Waste Division and offers dedicated drop-off locations for household hazardous waste (HHW).
Additionally, the county bans tires and batteries from landfills due to environmental risks like methane buildup and heavy metal contamination. Residents and contractors should consult the Orange County Landfill and Transfer Stations website for updated lists and facility hours before attempting disposal.
Failing to follow these rules can result in fines, service refusals, or environmental penalties, so always confirm whether your item qualifies as hazardous before using a roll-off dumpster.
Items Commonly Refused by Orlando Dumpster Rental Companies
In addition to legal restrictions, dumpster rental companies can impose theier own rules on what items are permitted in their dumpsters, to protect their employees, the public and the environment.
Appliances, Electronics
Even if not classified as hazardous, many dumpster rental companies in Orlando refuse items that are difficult to handle or require special processing. Large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are often rejected due to their size, weight, and refrigerant content. Similarly, electronics such as TVs, computers, and microwaves contain heavy metals and circuit components that complicate disposal.
Food Waste and Organic Materials
Although it might seem harmless, food waste is typically not accepted in roll-off dumpsters. Organic materials can attract pests, generate foul odors, and lead to contamination issues at sorting facilities.
For residents wondering how to dispose of food waste in Orlando, Orange County provides composting resources and green waste collection options through local transfer stations and community drop-off programs.
Gas Cylinders, Explosives, and Radioactive Waste
Dumpster companies strictly prohibit anything that poses a combustion or contamination risk. This includes:
Propane tanks and gas cylinders (pressurized containers)
Fireworks and ammunition
Flares or any form of explosive material
Radioactive waste, including smoke detectors or medical isotopes
These materials are not only dangerous during transport but can ignite, explode, or leak toxins during crushing or landfill compaction. Dumpster providers will not accept these under any circumstances, and attempting to dispose of them can result in immediate service cancellation or legal consequences.
For safety and compliance, ask our team at Elgins Dumpsters Orlando for a list of prohibited items, or contact Orange County Solid Waste for approved disposal alternatives.
Orange County Waste Disposal Guidelines
Local Drop-Off Facilities for Hazardous Waste
If you’re wondering how to dispose of hazardous waste safely in Orlando, Orange County operates several dedicated drop-off sites. These facilities accept materials that are strictly prohibited in roll-off dumpsters, including:
Household chemicals and cleaners
Paints and solvents
Automotive fluids (oil, antifreeze, brake fluid)
Fluorescent bulbs and batteries
Pesticides and herbicides
The primary collection site is the Orange County Landfill Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at:
12100 Young Pine Road, Orlando, FL 32829
Residents can bring accepted items during designated hours, typically without a fee. Proof of Orange County residency is required. Commercial and contractor-generated hazardous waste may require separate handling or third-party disposal services.
Special Considerations for Tires, Paint, and Batteries
Tires, paint, and batteries each present unique disposal challenges and are not permitted in roll-off dumpsters under either state or county regulations.
Tires: Due to the risk of methane buildup in landfills, tires must be dropped off at approved recycling locations or tire retailers. Most landfills do not accept them, even with a fee.
Paint: Wet paint is considered hazardous. Dried paint cans (with lids removed) may be accepted as solid waste, but residents are encouraged to bring liquid paint to HHW drop-off sites.
Batteries: Non-alkaline batteries (lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-cadmium) are classified as hazardous. These should be taken to HHW facilities or electronics recycling events.
Proper sorting not only keeps your dumpster rental compliant—it supports safer, more sustainable waste management across the county.
Orlando Mattress and Bulk Item Rules
In Orange County, mattresses and other bulky items aren’t universally banned from roll-off dumpsters—but they are subject to rental company policies. Some providers charge additional fees due to space, weight, or special handling requirements. Others may refuse these items outright.
For residential disposal, Orange County offers curbside bulk collection on scheduled pickup days. Items like mattresses, box springs, and large furniture must be placed neatly at the curb and may require advance notice or scheduling through your waste service provider.
Before placing any bulk items in a dumpster, check with both your rental provider and Orange County Utilities Solid Waste Division to avoid service disruptions or extra fees.
What to Do With Items You Can’t Throw in a Dumpster
Local Alternatives for Proper Disposal
When you come across something that can’t go into a roll-off dumpster in Orlando, don’t risk fines or service interruptions—use the county’s disposal resources instead. Orange County offers several convenient, eco-responsible options:
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off
For paints, chemicals, batteries, and pesticides, visit the Young Pine Road HHW Facility. These services are free for residents and open during set hours each week.
Electronic Waste Recycling
Old TVs, computers, and small electronics can be dropped off during special e-waste events or at designated recycling locations.
Curbside Bulk Collection
For mattresses, furniture, and large non-hazardous items, schedule a pickup through your municipal waste provider. Guidelines vary by service area.
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Many local stores accept used batteries, light bulbs, tires, or appliances for recycling—especially if you’re replacing them with new purchases.
Not sure where to start? Begin with your city or county waste management department—they’ll direct you to the right facility for each item.
Contact Information for Orange County Solid Waste Division
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including disposal schedules, restrictions, and facility hours, contact the Orange County Solid Waste Division:
📍 Address: 5901 Young Pine Road, Orlando, FL 32829
☎️ Phone: 407-836-6601
🌐 Website: https://orangecountyfl.net/watergarbagerecycling
Whether you’re managing a home project or coordinating commercial waste removal, the county’s team can help you understand how to dispose of restricted items the right way—legally, safely, and responsibly.
