Most construction and household debris can go straight in. California's rules set the limits, and they're stricter than in most states.
CalRecycle says it's illegal to put hazardous waste in the garbage. The state's banned list includes batteries of every size, fluorescent lamps and tubes, TVs, monitors, laptops, and cell phones, latex and oil-based paint, aerosol cans that aren't empty, solvents, motor oil and filters, antifreeze, pesticides, propane and other gas cylinders, asbestos, treated wood, and tires.
For a standard dumpster, that means no hazardous waste, liquids, paint, solvents, fuel, or asbestos. Anything pulled out of a load at the facility can come back as an extra charge.
The Sanitation Districts also can't accept disaster-related waste, such as fire debris, at Puente Hills without the right paperwork, and they charge at least $500 when it shows up anyway, as their fee page notes.
Not sure about an item? Your account manager can check before it goes in the container.