Hazardous & chemicals
- Liquid paint, stains, thinners
- Motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze
- Pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals
- Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
- Fireworks, ammunition, hot ashes
Dried-out paint in a sealed can is usually fine.
What we can't take.
A short list of stuff that can't go in your cart, dumpster, or roll-off. And where to bring it instead.
Not sure about a specific item? Call us before pickup day. Saves everyone a trip.
Electronics & appliances
- TVs, monitors, computers
- Fridges, freezers, AC units (freon)
- Microwaves, dishwashers, washers and dryers
- Rechargeable and lithium batteries
Most county transfer stations take these at no charge.
Medical & biohazard
- Needles, syringes, lancets (sharps)
- Home medical waste, IV bags
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Animal remains
- Bodily fluids or contaminated materials
Most pharmacies take back sharps and old meds for free.
Tires, car batteries & NC-banned items
- Tires (car, truck, tractor)
- Lead-acid car batteries
- Used motor oil and oil filters
- Large amounts of bagged yard waste
Tire shops and auto parts stores usually take these back. County landfills have drop-off areas too.
Everything on this page stays out of every container we offer.
Cart, commercial dumpster, or roll-off, no exceptions. For the big stuff that just won't fit in a cart, like furniture, lumber, or old drywall, a roll-off usually handles it. Call us to talk it through.
Where to take it instead.
Most of this has somewhere it should go. Here's where to start.
Household hazardous waste
Most NC counties host collection days a few times a year. Your county solid waste office has the schedule.
Electronics and appliances
NC DEQ keeps a list of certified e-waste recyclers. Most county convenience centers take appliances too, sometimes at no charge.
Old medications
Walgreens, CVS, and most local pharmacies run prescription take-back programs. Free, no questions asked.
Tires
Most tire shops will take old tires when you buy new ones. County landfills usually have a tire drop-off area too.
Rules and schedules change. Your county solid waste office has the current list for your area.
Common questions
Can I put paint cans in my trash?
Only if the paint is fully dried out and the can is sealed. Liquid paint and stains shouldn't go in the bin. Most counties take liquid paint during their household hazardous waste collection days.
What do I do with an old TV or fridge?
These can't go in a curbside bin. Most county transfer stations accept electronics and appliances, often at no charge. Call your county solid waste office for hours and any fees.
Can construction debris go in a roll-off?
Yes, in most cases. Concrete, lumber, drywall, and shingles are fine in a roll-off. A few items like tires, liquid paint, and hazardous chemicals still can't go in, even in a roll-off. If you're not sure about something, give us a call before you load it.
What about syringes and prescription medicine?
Don't put sharps or loose medications in the trash. Most pharmacies have sharps disposal containers and take-back programs for expired prescriptions. It's usually free.
Not sure about a specific item?
Call us before pickup day. It's a quick question and it saves everyone the trouble of a skipped bin.
Still not sure?
Call us before pickup day. We'd rather answer a quick question than leave a bin behind.
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
After hours? Leave a message and we'll call you back first thing.