What Items Can Junk Removal Companies Take? (The 2026 Ultimate Checklist)

You’ve finally built up the courage to tackle the basement or the backyard. You’ve got a pile of old electronics, a few tires, and those half-empty paint cans from five years ago. But before you call for a pickup, there’s one big question: Will they actually take all of this?

While junk removal companies are known for making "anything" disappear, there are strict environmental and safety regulations they have to follow.

Here is a definitive list of what a professional crew can (and cannot) haul away in 2026.

1. The "Green Light" Items (Standard Hauling)

Most household items fall into this category. If two people can carry it and it isn’t a biohazard, it’s usually good to go.

• Furniture: Couches, armoires, dining tables, and bed frames.

• Appliances: Washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers.

• Yard Waste: Branches, clippings, and old garden sheds (usually broken down).

• General Trash: Cardboard boxes, old clothes, and "garage junk."

• Construction Debris: Drywall, wood scraps, and flooring.

Pro Tip: If you have a massive amount of "Green Light" items, use a directory like JunkRemoval365 to find a company with a larger truck fleet. This can save you money by reducing the number of trips required.

2. The "Special Handling" Items

These are items that most companies can take, but they might require an extra recycling fee or specialized equipment.

Item	Why is it "Special"?
Mattresses	Many states require specialized recycling to keep them out of landfills.
Refrigerators	These contain Freon (refrigerant gas) which must be safely drained by law.
E-Waste (TVs/PCs)	Modern electronics contain lead and mercury; they cannot be tossed in the trash.
Tires	Most dumps charge a per-tire fee for recycling.
Hot Tubs	Requires "light demolition"—the crew has to cut it into pieces to move it.

3. The "No-Go" Items (What They Can't Take)

Safety is the priority here. If an item is flammable, toxic, or pressurized, a standard junk removal truck is not legally allowed to transport it.

• Open Paint Cans: Most crews can only take paint if it is completely dried out (you can use kitty litter to harden it).

• Chemicals & Solvents: Think pool chemicals, pesticides, and harsh cleaning agents.

• Gasoline & Oil: Anything highly flammable is a massive fire risk in the back of a truck.

• Propane Tanks: These are pressurized and potentially explosive.

• Asbestos: This requires a certified hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team.

What should you do with "No-Go" items? Contact your local municipal waste department. Most cities have "Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days" once or twice a year where you can dispose of these items for free or a small fee.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

The best way to ensure no items are left behind is to be specific when you call. Instead of saying "I have a lot of junk," try saying: "I have a 1/2 truckload of boxes, an old fridge, and four tires."