What materials can be put in a container? The complete guide (and what is prohibited)
Wood, metal, concrete, furniture, contaminated materials: what can actually go in your rented container in Gatineau or Ottawa? Here are the rules you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises and unexpected fees. It's a question we often get asked: "Can I put this in the container?" The answer isn't always straightforward. Some common materials are prohibited, while others can be disposed of without any problem.
These rules exist primarily to ensure transport safety, comply with environmental requirements, and allow sorting centers to properly process different materials. Improper mixing can lead to additional costs, complicate load processing, or prevent the recycling of certain materials. Here is what is accepted, what is refused and the main rules to know for renting a container in Quebec and Ontario.
Materials accepted in a standard open container
Our open 10, 15, 20 and 40 yard containers accept a wide variety of dry and solid materials from construction, renovation, demolition or cleanup work.
Construction and renovation materials
You can drop off lumber, flooring, moldings, panels, drywall, plaster, metal, gutters, ducts, scrap metal, and various construction plastics. Insulation materials such as mineral wool, fiberglass, polystyrene, and rigid panels are also accepted, as are several types of exterior siding made of vinyl, aluminum, wood, or fiber cement. Doors, windows, and frames can also be placed in the container, provided there is no exposed broken glass.
Demolition materials
Several materials from demolition work can be placed in an open container, including brick, blocks, asphalt, stone, ceramic tiles, underlayment, and certain membranes. Concrete can also be accepted in moderate quantities. As it is a very heavy material, it is important to check with our team before filling a container with concrete to ensure compliance with applicable weight limits.
Roofing materials
Asphalt shingles, underlayment, wood from the roof structure, and some synthetic membranes can generally be deposited in an open container. Since roofing materials can quickly become heavy, the choice of container size should consider both weight and volume.
Furniture and bulky items
A container can also be used for major clean-ups, moving, or property cleaning. Sofas, armchairs, tables, chairs, wardrobes, shelves, bookcases, mattresses, and bed frames can all be placed in it. Some appliances are also accepted, but special conditions may apply to appliances containing refrigerants.
Organic and external materials
For landscaping projects, branches, shrubs, roots, and small quantities of stumps can be deposited. Grass clippings and soil may also be accepted in limited quantities. As these materials quickly become very heavy, it is best to check with our team if they will make up a significant portion of your load.
Cardboard and dry residue
Cardboard, non-confidential paper, and certain plastic packaging films can be placed in a container when they are part of the project's waste. Keeping cardboard clean and dry, whenever possible, facilitates its recovery and recycling.
Materials rejected from an open container
Some materials require specialized treatment and should not be placed in a standard open container. They may pose risks during transport, contaminate other materials, or require a specific treatment process.
Hazardous Material
Liquid paints, varnishes, solvents, used oils, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals, adhesives, and industrial glues must not be placed in an open container. These products should generally be taken to an eco-centre or an authorized collection point.
Explosive or flammable materials
Unpurged propane cylinders, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other flammable products are not accepted. Ammunition and fireworks also require proper disposal and should never be placed in a construction waste container.
Special electronics and household appliances
Televisions, computers, monitors, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and neon tubes should generally be directed to the appropriate recycling programs or collection points. Special attention should also be paid to refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners. Appliances still containing refrigerants must be properly treated before disposal.
Biomedical waste
Needles, syringes, soiled dressings, and other biomedical waste must not be placed in an open container. Expired medications must also be disposed of separately and can be returned to a pharmacy.
Liquid substances
Wastewater, construction site water, wet sludge, and waterlogged soil are not suitable for standard open containers. For these types of materials, we recommend specialized equipment such as sealed containers or Frac Tanks, depending on the nature and volume of the materials to be handled.
Highly regulated materials
Asbestos, tires, and heavily contaminated soil require special handling. In the case of contaminated soil and certain industrial materials, characterization may be necessary before transport and treatment. It is therefore important to contact our team before making any arrangements for their disposal.
Rules to know in Quebec
Waste management in Quebec is governed by various provincial and municipal regulations. These rules determine, among other things, how certain materials must be transported, sorted, recovered, or disposed of.
Waste material management and recovery
Quebec encourages the reduction of landfill and the recovery of materials that can be reclaimed.
Materials such as metal, clean wood and concrete can be directed to sorting or recovery facilities rather than directly to landfill.
RECYC-QUÉBEC
RECYC-QUÉBEC plays an important role in the management and recovery of residual materials in Quebec.
For an individual or a company that rents a container, the objective remains relatively simple: to deposit the right materials in the right equipment so that they can then be directed to the appropriate channel.
Municipal regulations
Municipalities can also impose their own rules regarding the installation and use of containers. In Gatineau, for example, certain situations may require authorization to install a container on public property. The requirements can vary depending on the location and nature of the project.
Before making a delivery to a street or other public space, it is therefore recommended to check the applicable municipal rules.
Hazardous Material
Household hazardous waste must be taken to designated collection points or facilities rather than left in open containers. This includes, in particular, many paints, oils, solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals.
Contaminated materials
Contaminated soils and certain industrial wastes may require characterization, specific documentation, and transport to authorized facilities. Depending on the project, traceability requirements may also apply. Our team can assist commercial clients in determining the appropriate solution based on the type of material.
Rules to know in Ontario
For our clients in Ottawa and the Ontario side of the river, the general principles are similar to those in Quebec, although the applicable regulations and responsible bodies are different.
Environmental management
Ontario regulations govern the transportation, recovery, and disposal of waste materials, as well as the management of certain hazardous materials. As in Quebec, the goal is to direct materials to facilities capable of processing them properly.
City of Ottawa Regulations
Installing a container on public property may require municipal authorization.
Requirements may vary depending on the location, duration of the installation, and type of project. It is therefore recommended to check the applicable regulations before planning a delivery on a public road.
How to increase the value of your cargo
Do you want to maximize the recovery of your materials? A few simple steps can make a big difference.
Avoid mixing liquids and dry materials.
Paint, oil, or other liquids can contaminate materials that might otherwise have been recovered. Therefore, liquids should always be handled separately.
Separate the metal when possible
The metal has excellent recovery potential. When it can be easily separated from other materials, its processing and recycling are generally simpler.
Distinguish between clean wood and treated wood
Clean wood can be used in various ways. Treated, painted, or contaminated wood may require different handling. If your project generates a large quantity of a particular type of wood, contact our team to determine the best way to manage it.
Do not deposit hazardous materials
Even a small amount of hazardous material can complicate the sorting and handling of a shipment. If you are unsure about a paint, oil, chemical, or other substance, check it before placing it in the container.
Keep the cardboard clean and dry
Clean, dry cardboard is much easier to recycle. When it is wet, soiled, or contaminated by other products, recycling options can be reduced.
What should you do if you have any doubt?
The rule is simple: if in doubt, contact us before putting the material in the container. A quick check can prevent extra charges or problems during collection. Our team regularly answers questions like, "Can I put my old barbecue in?" or "What should I do with my old paint cans?" It's always better to ask before collection than to discover that an item requires different handling once the container is full.
In conclusion
Using a container properly starts with knowing what materials can be deposited in it. Generally, dry, solid materials from construction, renovation, demolition, or cleanup work can go in an open container. Wet or contaminated materials may require a sealed container or specialized equipment, while hazardous materials must be taken to the appropriate facilities. Whether you're in Gatineau, Ottawa, or elsewhere in the Outaouais region, our team can help you choose the right container and determine the best way to manage your materials.
