What Can You Put in a Dumpster?
Most household junk and construction debris can go in. Paint, chemicals and batteries cannot. Mattresses, tires and Freon appliances cost $50 each. Here is the full list and where banned items go instead.
What can you put in a dumpster?
You can put most household junk and construction debris in a Knox Bros dumpster: furniture, boxes, clothing, carpet, drywall, lumber, cabinets, flooring, roofing shingles and yard debris. Concrete, dirt, brick and rock are allowed only in 10 and 15-yard dumpsters, loaded halfway.
- Furniture, couches, tables and toys
- Drywall, lumber, cabinets, counters, tile and flooring
- Carpet and pad
- Asphalt roofing shingles and felt
- Branches, brush and yard debris
- Concrete, dirt, brick, rock (10 and 15-yard only, half full)
What can't go in a dumpster?
Hazardous chemicals, wet paint and batteries are strictly prohibited in every Knox Bros dumpster. Mattresses, tires and appliances holding Freon are allowed for $50 each, because the disposal facility processes them separately. Anything above the top rim also cannot be hauled.
Not allowed in any dumpster
- Paint that is still wet, and paint cans with liquid
- Household chemicals, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals
- Batteries of any kind, including car batteries
- Motor oil, fuel, propane tanks
- Asbestos and other regulated waste
Allowed for $50 per item
- Mattresses and box springs
- Car and truck tires
- Refrigerators, freezers, window and wall AC units (Freon appliances)
These items need special handling at the disposal facility, so each one carries a $50 fee on your final invoice.
Refrigerators, freezers and window AC units hold refrigerant that federal rules require be recovered before disposal (EPA, 40 CFR 82.155). Paint, solvents, pesticides and batteries belong at household hazardous waste collection (EPA household hazardous waste).
Where do banned items go instead in the Killeen area?
In the Killeen area, banned items go to household hazardous waste collection days, and tires and Freon appliances go to the Killeen Transfer Station for a fee. Temple's free collection day on Saturday, October 24, 2026 is open to Bell, Coryell and Lampasas county residents and takes paint, batteries, chemicals and tires.
- Paint, chemicals, batteries: Temple's free collection day, Sat. Oct. 24, 2026, open to Bell, Coryell and Lampasas county residents (City of Temple).
- Tires and Freon appliances: Killeen Transfer Station, 12200 State Hwy 195, for a per-item fee (City of Killeen).
Fees, hours and the full list are in where to take mattresses, tires and paint in Killeen. Checked October 21, 2026.
Confirm hours and accepted items with the facility before you drive there.
Can I put paint in a dumpster?
Wet paint cannot go in a Knox Bros dumpster. Liquid paint can leak in the truck and at the landfill. Latex paint that has dried completely solid in an open can is ordinary trash in most places. Oil-based paint and stains go to household hazardous waste collection.
To dry latex paint, leave a small amount open in a ventilated spot or mix in cat litter or a paint hardener. Confirm the rule with your city before you toss it.
Prohibited item questions
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
Can I put tires in a dumpster?
Can I put a refrigerator in a dumpster?
What happens if a banned item is found in my dumpster?
Talk to the yard, not a call center
Not sure about an item?
Call and ask before you load it. It takes 30 seconds.