Unauthorized Uses of Dumpsters

• A dumpster is a large receptacle that holds trash from houses, businesses or buildings until a garbage truck removes the trash. Dumpsters range from large containers without wheels to smaller, wheeled receptacles. Every city and town has different regulations for dumpsters and rules, but unauthorized use follows similar patterns.

Throwing Trash From Different Buildings

• A dumpster at any building or business is permitted for only the business or building which it serves. Anyone throwing trash from other buildings into the dumpster is an unauthorized user of the dumpster and is committing a misdemeanor. The only exception is throwing away litter, such as a piece of trash found on the ground nearby. Any building that provides a dumpster must also have a license or permit for the dumpster. If the building does not have a license or permit, it must obtain one. The dumpster guidelines for obtaining a permit or license differ by state and town based on the community's needs.

Dumpster Rules

• Tenants or those who work in a specific building are authorized users of the dumpster, but only certain items may be disposed of. In most cases, unauthorized objects, most often large items, electronics or chemicals, are listed on a sign posted by the dumpster. Any dumping of unauthorized items constitutes unauthorized use, and can result in vaying fines (posted on the sign).

Improper Placement

• Dumpsters located in inappropriate or improper locations are not authorized. When a permit or license is obtained, the building owner who is obtaining the license or permit must describe where the dumpster is located, the building it serves and the nearby buildings. Appropriate locations differ for each town and city, but usually the dumpster is placed in a specific spot such as an alley or a fenced-in area of a parking lot. Dumpsters must be located in spots near enough to the building that are out of the way and unlikely to attract insects and mice.

Recycling Dumpsters

• When a building provides two dumpsters for recycling and a dumpster for trash, the dumpsters are usually marked for easy identification. Using the recycling dumpster to dispose of regular trash is an unauthorized use of the dumpster and may result in a fine.