What Junk Removal Companies Won’t Take (and What to Do Instead)

Junk removal crews take almost anything two people can lift, from couches and appliances to yard waste and construction debris. Still, there are some items haulers usually can’t accept, mostly for safety and legal reasons. Here’s what junk removal companies won’t take and where those items should go instead.

Why Some Items Are Off Limits

Certain materials can leak, catch fire or harm workers. In addition, landfills and transfer stations often ban them from regular loads. So a responsible hauler can’t just toss them in with your furniture.

Items Most Haulers Don’t Accept

• Paint, stains and solvents (in most cases)
• Pool chemicals, pesticides and cleaners
• Motor oil, gasoline and other fuels
• Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
• Needles, sharps and medical waste
• Asbestos and other hazardous building materials
• Car batteries and certain other batteries

Policies vary by company. Therefore, if you’re not sure, ask before your appointment.

Where to Take Them in Orange County

Orange County residents can drop off many household hazardous materials for free at the county’s household hazardous waste collection centers. These centers are in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano. For leftover paint, see our paint disposal guide.

Items That Need Extra Care, but Usually Can Go

Some items aren’t banned but require special handling. For example, refrigerators need refrigerant recovery, TVs and computers go to e-waste recyclers, and tires need a separate recycling path. Most junk removal companies handle these, though some charge more.

How to Prepare

First, set hazardous items aside in a separate, clearly marked spot. Next, keep them away from the junk pile so they don’t get loaded by mistake. Finally, tell the crew about anything unusual when you request a quote. See our full what we take page for details.