Most household and construction debris can go right in. The exceptions come from California rules and from what local facilities accept.
California treats household batteries, fluorescent tubes, items with mercury, and electronics as universal waste. None of it can go in the regular trash, and that includes your container. Pull TVs, computers, and monitors out before you load.
Hazardous waste, liquids, paint, solvents, fuel, and asbestos don't belong in a standard dumpster either. The transfer station in town takes ordinary solid waste only and turns hazardous material away.
For those items, the City points residents to the S.A.F.E. Collection Center at 1400 N. Gaffey Street in San Pedro, open Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its phone number is 800-988-6942, according to the City's solid waste page.
Tires and mattresses are handled through separate state recycling programs, so mention them when you book. Ask your account manager about any item you're not sure of.