Restricted items
What can't go in a dumpster, and where it goes instead
Roll-off loads go to a landfill or transfer station that screens them. Some things are refused because they can leak, burn or harm workers. Here's where they go in the Roanoke Valley.
Answered Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–8 p.m. · Sun 8 a.m.–1 p.m. ET
Item by item
The usual list
- Liquid paint
- Up to five gallons of latex paint per visit at either RVRA transfer station. Oil-based paint, stain and thinner go to the monthly hazardous waste day.
- Chemicals
- Pesticides, weed killers, pool chemicals and strong cleaners: the monthly hazardous waste day at Tinker Creek, third Saturday from 10am. Register by noon the Friday before, online or at 540-857-5050.
- Batteries
- Car batteries at the transfer stations. Lithium and rechargeable batteries never go in trash or a dumpster; they can catch fire when crushed. RVRA battery guide.
- Tires
- Four passenger tires per trip at the transfer stations, off the rim. Vinton and Roanoke County also collect a few at the curb.
- Fridges, freezers, AC units
- They hold refrigerant, which dumpster companies usually refuse. RVRA's transfer stations list appliances among the household items they accept.
- TVs and computers
- The city's e-cycling page points to retail and manufacturer take-back programs.
- Propane cylinders
- Small cylinders go to the hazardous waste day. For a large tank, call your gas supplier.
- Asbestos
- Call RVRA for disposal help, as its residential page asks.
Ask about the gray areas
Mattresses, railroad ties, and large amounts of yard waste are accepted by some companies and charged extra or refused by others. Mention them on the call so the quote matches what you'll actually load.
Get a roll-off quote for your Roanoke address
Have three answers handy: what's going in, which patch of driveway or curb it can occupy, and the day you'd like to start. The rental company comes back with a container size, an open drop-off day and a figure for the whole job. Nothing gets scheduled unless you say yes.
Answered Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–8 p.m. · Sun 8 a.m.–1 p.m. ET
Phone conversations can be recorded for quality and billing (how referrals work, privacy). Trash carts, recycling and curbside bulk pickup belong to City of Roanoke Solid Waste, not this number.