Accepted items
Almost everything. Here's the actual list.
The rule of thumb: if two people can carry it and it's legal to dispose of, it goes in the truck. The exceptions are all regulated materials, and they're listed below too.
Yes
What we take
Furniture
Couches, sectionals, recliners, mattresses, box springs, bed frames, dressers, wardrobes, dining sets, desks, office chairs, bookcases, patio furniture.
Appliances
Fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, water heaters, softeners, air conditioners, dehumidifiers.
Electronics
TVs, monitors, computers, printers, stereo equipment, cabling, small office equipment.
Construction debris
Drywall, lumber, trim, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, doors, windows, fixtures, siding, decking, fencing.
Yard and outdoor
Branches, green waste, sheds, playsets, trampolines, hot tubs, fencing, planters, garden equipment.
Household general
Boxes, clothing, kitchenware, toys, books, exercise equipment, carpet and underlay, general clutter.
Scrap metal
Appliance carcasses, bed frames, bicycle frames, piping, racking, general ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.
Commercial
Office furniture, cubicles, filing cabinets, retail fixtures, pallets, warehouse racking, equipment.
Heavy material
Concrete, brick, dirt, sod, asphalt, roofing, paving. Taken, but priced by weight rather than volume.
No
What we can't take, and where it goes instead
These aren't preferences. They're regulated waste streams, and mixing them into a general load is how people get hurt and companies get fined.
Household hazardous waste
Paint, stains, solvents, thinners, pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, automotive fluids, motor oil, antifreeze, batteries. These go to a designated household hazardous waste facility. Most metro counties run drop-off programmes — some free to residents, some by appointment. Check your county's site for current arrangements.
Asbestos-containing material
Requires licensed abatement before any demolition or removal. If a property predates the 1980s and you're pulling out popcorn ceiling, pipe lagging, old floor tile or certain insulation, get it tested first. We'd rather lose a job than move that material.
Propane tanks and pressurised cylinders
Including barbecue tanks. Many exchange programmes and some retailers take these back.
Tyres
Usually handled through dedicated recycling programmes rather than general waste. Many tyre retailers accept them for a small fee.
Medical waste and sharps
Needs a dedicated disposal route. Pharmacies often have take-back arrangements for sharps containers.
Ammunition, explosives and firearms
Contact local law enforcement, who run disposal programmes for these.
Not sure what's in the pile?
It's an extremely common question, especially on garage and estate cleanouts where nobody's certain what's at the back. Describe what you can see when you call — we'll tell you what's fine and what needs setting aside, and we'll set aside anything questionable we find on the day rather than take it and hope.
Got something unusual?
Ask. We've said yes to stranger things than whatever you're about to describe.