To make things simple, here’s a straightforward guide to what you can and cannot place in a dumpster here in Rhode Island — along with specific solutions we offer at DumpstersRI.com for tricky items like mattresses and TVs.
Mattresses & Box Springs: Allowed, But Not Inside the Dumpster
In Rhode Island, you generally cannot throw mattresses or box springs inside a dumpster. Landfills won’t accept them because of the materials they contain and how they break down.
However, at Dumpsters RI, we do accept mattresses — with a few guidelines:
✔ Place mattresses and box springs BESIDE the dumpster
Not inside. Our drivers will load them safely during pickup.
✔ Recycling fees apply:
- $75 each — if recyclable/clean enough for mattress recovery
- $100–$150 — if not recyclable
This ensures your mattress is handled properly, without illegal dumping or landfill issues. You can view the full details in our Dumpster Rental Agreement here:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
TVs: Not Allowed in the Dumpster (But We Can Take Them)
Televisions — including flat screens, tubes, smart TVs, and monitors — cannot be placed inside a dumpster in Rhode Island. They contain electronics, metals, and components that must be recycled properly.
But we can take TVs if you leave them next to the dumpster for pickup.
TV Recycling Fees:
- Flat Screen TVs — $50 each
- Older CRT/tube TVs — quoted individually due to variable disposal costs
If you prefer full-service removal, TVs can also be picked up through our junk removal service.
More details available here:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
Appliances: Some Are Allowed, Some Are Not
Good news — many household appliances are allowed in a dumpster, including:
✔ Acceptable in the dumpster:
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Blenders
- Coffee makers
- Small kitchen appliances
- Vacuums (minus bags)
- Fans & small electric heaters
- Lamps without bulbs
These are considered “non-freon, non-hazardous” items and can go directly into your 15-yard dumpster.
❌ Not allowed inside the dumpster:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Air conditioners
- Dehumidifiers
- Anything containing freon
These require special handling due to refrigerants and environmental rules.
E-Waste, Laptops, and Computers
Electronics are another category that often confuses customers. While you can’t toss them in the dumpster, we can take them for proper e-waste recycling if placed beside the dumpster.
✔ Accepted beside the dumpster (for a small fee):
- Laptops
- Desktops
- Monitors
- Keyboards & peripherals
- Printers
- Small electronics
- Chargers, cables, routers
- Gaming systems
- Tablets
E-waste disposal varies by component type, so pricing is based on volume. You can review the rules for electronics in our agreement:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
Why So Many Restrictions?
Rhode Island has strict landfill and recycling regulations. Items like mattresses, TVs, and appliances contain:
- Metal components
- Wood frames
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Plastics
- Recyclable materials
- Hazardous components
Dumping these inside a general waste dumpster violates state regulations — and in some cases, can result in fines if hauled by the wrong company.
At Dumpsters RI, we never dump illegally. We:
- Recycle when possible
- Donate usable items
- Dispose of materials safely
- Follow all Rhode Island disposal laws
- Keep your project compliant and stress-free
Final Word: When in Doubt, Ask
If you’re unsure about an item, just ask us. We’re here to make your cleanout easy — and legal — without the guesswork. Our team can tell you instantly whether something can go in the dumpster or needs to be placed beside it.
Before renting, check our full list of prohibited items and fees here:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
If you’re getting ready for a cleanout or renovation project in Rhode Island, you’re probably wondering what you can — and can’t — toss into a dumpster. This is one of the top questions we get from customers, and the rules aren’t always obvious. Some items are perfectly fine, while others require special handling due to recycling laws, landfill restrictions, or environmental regulations.
To make things simple, here’s a straightforward guide to what you can and cannot place in a dumpster here in Rhode Island — along with specific solutions we offer at DumpstersRI.com for tricky items like mattresses and TVs.
Mattresses & Box Springs: Allowed, But Not Inside the Dumpster
In Rhode Island, you generally cannot throw mattresses or box springs inside a dumpster. Landfills won’t accept them because of the materials they contain and how they break down.
However, at Dumpsters RI, we do accept mattresses — with a few guidelines:
✔ Place mattresses and box springs BESIDE the dumpster
Not inside. Our drivers will load them safely during pickup.
✔ Recycling fees apply:
- $75 each — if recyclable/clean enough for mattress recovery
- $100–$150 — if not recyclable
This ensures your mattress is handled properly, without illegal dumping or landfill issues. You can view the full details in our Dumpster Rental Agreement here:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
TVs: Not Allowed in the Dumpster (But We Can Take Them)
Televisions — including flat screens, tubes, smart TVs, and monitors — cannot be placed inside a dumpster in Rhode Island. They contain electronics, metals, and components that must be recycled properly.
But we can take TVs if you leave them next to the dumpster for pickup.
TV Recycling Fees:
- Flat Screen TVs — $50 each
- Older CRT/tube TVs — quoted individually due to variable disposal costs
If you prefer full-service removal, TVs can also be picked up through our junk removal service.
More details available here:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
Appliances: Some Are Allowed, Some Are Not
Good news — many household appliances are allowed in a dumpster, including:
✔ Acceptable in the dumpster:
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Blenders
- Coffee makers
- Small kitchen appliances
- Vacuums (minus bags)
- Fans & small electric heaters
- Lamps without bulbs
These are considered “non-freon, non-hazardous” items and can go directly into your 15-yard dumpster.
❌ Not allowed inside the dumpster:
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Air conditioners
- Dehumidifiers
- Anything containing freon
These require special handling due to refrigerants and environmental rules.
E-Waste, Laptops, and Computers
Electronics are another category that often confuses customers. While you can’t toss them in the dumpster, we can take them for proper e-waste recycling if placed beside the dumpster.
✔ Accepted beside the dumpster (for a small fee):
- Laptops
- Desktops
- Monitors
- Keyboards & peripherals
- Printers
- Small electronics
- Chargers, cables, routers
- Gaming systems
- Tablets
E-waste disposal varies by component type, so pricing is based on volume. You can review the rules for electronics in our agreement:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/
Why So Many Restrictions?
Rhode Island has strict landfill and recycling regulations. Items like mattresses, TVs, and appliances contain:
- Metal components
- Wood frames
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Plastics
- Recyclable materials
- Hazardous components
Dumping these inside a general waste dumpster violates state regulations — and in some cases, can result in fines if hauled by the wrong company.
At Dumpsters RI, we never dump illegally. We:
- Recycle when possible
- Donate usable items
- Dispose of materials safely
- Follow all Rhode Island disposal laws
- Keep your project compliant and stress-free
Final Word: When in Doubt, Ask
If you’re unsure about an item, just ask us. We’re here to make your cleanout easy — and legal — without the guesswork. Our team can tell you instantly whether something can go in the dumpster or needs to be placed beside it.
Before renting, check our full list of prohibited items and fees here:
👉 https://dumpstersri.com/dumpster-rental-agreement/