Most remodeling and cleanout debris is fine. Michigan's landfill rules and the landfill itself set the limits.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy keeps certain materials out of every Michigan landfill. Scrap tires, used oil, bulk liquids, car batteries, returnable bottles and cans, and yard clippings are on that list, along with hazardous and medical waste. Grass, leaves, and brush belong at a compost site instead.
Paint, solvents, fuel, and asbestos stay out of a standard dumpster too. For household chemicals, the Macomb County Health Department runs a hazardous waste collection site at 43525 Elizabeth Road in Mount Clemens. It takes used motor oil, gasoline, pesticides, oil-based paint, and pool chemicals, but not electronics, latex paint, or car batteries. Call 586-469-5236 for details.
Latex paint has a simple fix. The county says to dry it out with cat litter or another absorbent before throwing it away.
If you're unsure about an item, ask your account manager before loading it.