What They'll Almost Always Take
The vast majority of household and commercial junk is acceptable:
- Furniture (sofas, beds, dressers, tables, chairs)
- Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves) — often with a small add-on fee for refrigerants
- Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors) — often with an e-waste fee
- Mattresses and box springs — typically $25–$75 extra for recycling
- Yard waste (branches, leaves, lawn trimmings)
- Construction debris (drywall, lumber, tile, flooring) — check volume limits
- Cardboard, paper, general household clutter
- Exercise equipment
- Hot tubs (with equipment and advance notice)
- Pianos (requires specialized crew)
Items That Require Special Handling (Confirm Before Booking)
- Large appliances with refrigerants: Fridges, AC units, and dehumidifiers contain freon, which must be extracted by certified technicians. Most junk companies can handle this but charge a surcharge.
- Tires: Some companies take them, others don't. Tire disposal fees apply.
- Soil, concrete, and gravel: Extremely heavy — most companies have weight limits. Get a custom quote.
- Medical equipment: Depends on the item. Mobility devices usually fine; sharps or medical waste — never.
What They WON'T Take
These items require licensed hazmat disposal — no standard junk removal company will accept them:
- Paint (latex or oil-based)
- Propane tanks (even empty ones)
- Asbestos
- Chemicals, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals
- Motor oil or automotive fluids
- Medical/biohazardous waste
- Radioactive materials
- Explosives or ammunition
For these items, search for your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility — most municipalities have free drop-off days.
Before You Book
Send photos or provide a detailed list to the junk removal company before they arrive. Good companies will flag any problematic items in advance and adjust the quote, rather than showing up and refusing items after you've paid a deposit.