Think Before You Toss: How to Handle Prohibited Waste the Right Way
- BIG
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
At BIG, we’re committed to helping our customers keep their neighborhoods clean and safe. One of the best ways to do that is by knowing what does—and doesn’t—belong in your curbside bin.
Tossing the wrong items can cause truck fires, worker injuries, equipment damage, and environmental contamination. That’s why it’s important to follow proper disposal methods for certain household and construction items that are considered hazardous or inappropriate for curbside collection.
Here’s what you need to know:
Renovation & Construction Waste
Items like bricks, lumber, drywall, and tile don’t belong in your residential trash bin. These materials are too heavy and bulky for curbside collection and can damage garbage trucks.
Instead, bring your construction waste to the BVR Recycling Center and Collection Station—a safe, convenient place to dispose of renovation debris properly. For larger projects, contact us about roll-off dumpster rentals to keep your site clean and compliant.
Paints, Chemicals & Hazardous Waste
Hazardous items like wet paint, automotive fluids, fuel containers, and cleaning chemicals are not accepted in your household trash or recycling bins. These materials can pose serious health and fire risks.
Disposal tip:
Dry out leftover paint with kitty litter or a paint hardener before disposal (only dried paint cans can go in the trash).
Dispose of hazardous waste properly at Twin Oaks Landfill, which hosts Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events twice a year.
More info: twinoakslandfill.com/hhw.asp
Batteries & Electronics – Especially Lithium Batteries
Batteries—especially lithium batteries—can cause fires when compacted in garbage or recycling trucks. Tossing them in the bin is dangerous and prohibited.
Safely recycle batteries and electronics at:
Home Depot or Lowe’s (many locations have drop boxes for lithium and household batteries)
TIP: Always tape the terminals of lithium batteries before recycling and store them in a cool, dry place until drop-off.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
If you’re ever unsure about whether something belongs in your bin, give us a call. Our team is happy to help guide you to the right disposal solution. You can also visit our website to review the full list of prohibited items and recommended disposal resources.
Together, we can protect our environment, our drivers, and our community—one smart toss at a time.
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