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What Items Can a Junk Removal Company Take? The Complete List

One of the most common questions we hear at Demo Diego is "Can you take this?" The answer is almost always yes, but there are some important exceptions. This guide provides a comprehensive list of what professional junk removal companies can and cannot haul away in San Diego, along with alternatives for items that require special disposal.

Items Junk Removal Companies Can Take

Furniture

Sofas, couches, loveseats, recliners, dining tables, chairs, dressers, nightstands, desks, office chairs, bookshelves, entertainment centers, bed frames, headboards, futons, ottomans, coffee tables, end tables, patio furniture, and outdoor dining sets. Essentially any piece of household or office furniture can be hauled away. Items in good condition are donated to local San Diego charities whenever possible. Check our list of San Diego donation centers if you prefer to donate directly.

Mattresses and Bedding

Mattresses, box springs, adjustable bed bases, and futon pads of all sizes. California law requires mattress recycling, and professional junk removal companies ensure your old mattress goes to an approved recycling facility rather than the landfill. In San Diego, mattresses cannot be left at the curb for regular trash pickup, making professional removal the easiest option.

Appliances

Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, microwaves, water heaters, garbage disposals, window air conditioning units, and portable heaters. Appliances containing refrigerants (fridges, freezers, AC units) require proper Freon recovery before disposal, which licensed junk removal companies handle as part of the service. Working appliances in good condition are often donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore in San Diego.

Electronics and E-Waste

Televisions (including old CRT models), computer monitors, desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners, stereo equipment, speakers, game consoles, cable boxes, routers, and small electronics. California has strict e-waste recycling laws, and junk removal companies take these items to certified e-waste recyclers. You should wipe personal data from devices before disposal. Demo Diego ensures all electronics are properly recycled in compliance with California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act.

Yard Waste and Green Waste

Tree branches, shrub trimmings, leaves, grass clippings, palm fronds, small stumps, sod, dirt (clean fill only), and general yard debris. San Diego has ample green waste recycling facilities, and yard waste is typically diverted from landfills. Large tree removal projects may require a separate tree service, but the resulting debris can be hauled by a junk removal crew.

Construction and Renovation Debris

Drywall, lumber, plywood, tile, carpet, carpet padding, vinyl flooring, cabinetry, countertops, bathroom fixtures (sinks, tubs, toilets), doors, windows, roofing materials, and general construction waste. If you are doing a home renovation or demolition project in San Diego, Demo Diego can haul away all the debris as part of the job or as a standalone junk removal service.

Concrete, Brick, and Masonry

Broken concrete, bricks, pavers, cinder blocks, stone, and stucco. These materials are heavy and may incur a weight surcharge, but they can absolutely be removed. Most concrete is taken to recycling facilities where it is crushed and reused. For large concrete removal projects, see our concrete removal pricing guide.

Miscellaneous Items

Hot tubs and spas, swing sets and playground equipment, trampolines, exercise equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, weight benches), pianos and organs, pool tables, storage sheds (small to medium), fencing and gates, old water tanks, and general household clutter. If you can point to it, chances are we can take it. Visit our junk removal services page for details on what Demo Diego removes.

Items Junk Removal Companies Cannot Take

Certain items are classified as hazardous waste under California and federal law and cannot be transported by standard junk removal companies. These require specialized disposal through licensed hazardous waste haulers or designated drop-off facilities.

Chemicals and Solvents

Paint (liquid, not dried), paint thinner, turpentine, pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, automotive fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze), solvents, and cleaning agents marked as hazardous. San Diego residents can drop these off for free at the Miramar Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Flammable and Explosive Materials

Propane tanks (unless empty and valve removed), gasoline, kerosene, fireworks, ammunition, flares, and any pressurized containers. Contact the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for guidance on disposing of explosives or ammunition. Empty propane tanks can sometimes be accepted by junk removal companies; check with your provider.

Biological and Medical Waste

Needles, syringes, sharps, pharmaceuticals, medical devices contaminated with bodily fluids, and biohazard materials. San Diego County offers pharmaceutical take-back programs at many local pharmacies. Sharps containers can be dropped off at designated collection sites.

Asbestos-Containing Materials

Materials known or suspected to contain asbestos (old floor tiles, pipe insulation, popcorn ceiling texture from pre-1980 homes) require licensed asbestos abatement contractors. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) regulates asbestos handling and disposal. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself.

What Happens to Your Junk After Pickup?

At Demo Diego, we do not simply dump everything in the landfill. Our process prioritizes reuse, donation, and recycling in that order. After picking up your items in San Diego, our crew sorts everything at our staging area. Items in good, usable condition are donated to local charities including Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, and Father Joe's Villages. Electronics go to certified e-waste recyclers. Metals, concrete, wood, and cardboard are taken to recycling facilities. Only items that truly cannot be reused or recycled go to the landfill.

This approach aligns with California's AB 341 and SB 1383 requirements, which mandate significant diversion of waste from landfills. It also means that a portion of your junk removal may benefit San Diego families in need. We estimate that we divert 60 to 70 percent of the items we collect from the landfill through donation and recycling.

If eco-friendly disposal is important to you, choosing a junk removal company that actively donates and recycles makes a real difference. When you hire Demo Diego, you can feel good knowing your unwanted items are being handled responsibly. For a full breakdown of pricing, see our junk removal cost guide for San Diego.

Tips to Prepare for Your Junk Removal Appointment

  • 1.Separate hazardous items. Set aside anything you know is hazardous (paint, chemicals, batteries) so the crew can identify them quickly. These items will need alternative disposal.
  • 2.Gather items in one area if possible. Consolidating your junk in the garage, driveway, or one room makes the pickup faster and more efficient. The crew will still handle items from multiple rooms if needed.
  • 3.Clear a path for large items. If bulky items like couches or refrigerators need to come through hallways or doorways, clear the path to prevent damage and speed up the process.
  • 4.Wipe personal data from electronics. Factory reset phones, computers, and tablets before handing them over. Remove SIM cards and external storage devices.
  • 5.Know your donation preferences. If you want certain items donated to a specific organization, let the crew know. We are happy to accommodate requests when possible.

Need Junk Removed in San Diego?

Demo Diego removes almost anything from your home, office, or property. Call us for a free, no-obligation quote. Same-day service available throughout San Diego County.

Call 760-860-8080

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