What Can't Be Hauled Away? Junk Removal Restrictions

While junk removal services can haul away most household items, there are some things we simply can't take for safety and legal reasons. Understanding these restrictions before your appointment saves time and frustration.

Here's a comprehensive guide to what can't be hauled away and what to do with those items instead.

❌ Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials pose safety risks during transport and disposal. These items cannot be taken by junk removal companies:

• Paint (wet or liquid) – Dried paint cans are usually okay
• Chemicals – Pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, cleaning solvents
• Motor oil and automotive fluids – Oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid
• Gasoline and fuels – Gas cans, kerosene, propane tanks (unless empty)
• Asbestos – Requires specialized hazmat removal
• Industrial waste – Medical waste, biological materials, toxic substances

What to do instead:

Contact your local hazardous waste facility or county recycling center. Many cities offer free hazardous waste collection days for residents.

📍 Atlanta area residents: Check with Fulton County, Gwinnett County, or Cobb County for household hazardous waste drop-off locations.

⚠️ Batteries and Electronics with Lithium Batteries

While we can haul away most electronics, lithium batteries are a fire hazard:

• Car batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries (phones, laptops, power tools)
• Some rechargeable battery packs

What to do instead:

Take batteries to a recycling center or battery drop-off location. Many retail stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy) offer free battery recycling.

🔥 Flammable or Explosive Materials

Items that can ignite or explode cannot be transported safely:

• Fireworks
• Ammunition
• Propane tanks (unless completely empty)
• Compressed gas cylinders

What to do instead:

Contact your local fire department or police department for safe disposal options. Some fire stations accept propane tanks and ammunition.

🧱 Certain Construction Materials

While we handle most construction debris, some materials require special disposal:

• Asbestos-containing materials – Tiles, insulation, roofing (pre-1980s homes)
• Lead-based paint debris – From homes built before 1978
• Railroad ties – Treated with creosote, a hazardous chemical
• Concrete and dirt (large amounts) – Some companies accept this, but not all

What to do instead:

Hire a specialized contractor for asbestos or lead abatement. For concrete and dirt, contact a local dump or material recycling facility.

🌿 Yard Waste with Restrictions

We take most yard waste, but there are limits:

• Stumps and large tree trunks – May require tree removal service
• Soil and dirt (large amounts) – Check with your junk removal company first
• Diseased plant material – May not be accepted for composting

What to do instead:

For stumps, hire a tree service with stump grinding equipment. Large amounts of soil can go to a landscaping supply company or landfill.

💡 Items That Require Special Handling

These items may or may not be accepted — always ask your junk removal company first:

• Tires – Some companies take them, some don't (tire shops often recycle for free)
• Pianos – Very heavy and difficult to move (we do take these at Debris Dusters!)
• Hot tubs – Require disassembly and special equipment (we handle these too)
• Safes – Extremely heavy and may need specialized equipment
• Medical equipment – Wheelchairs, hospital beds (usually okay), but NOT sharps or biohazard materials

✅ What We CAN Take

To make it easier, here's a quick list of common items we definitely can haul away:

• Furniture (couches, tables, chairs, dressers, mattresses)
• Appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers)
• Electronics (TVs, computers, printers, stereos)
• Mattresses and box springs
• Yard waste (branches, leaves, brush)
• Construction debris (drywall, wood, flooring, cabinets)
• Garage and shed cleanouts
• Storage unit cleanouts
• Estate cleanouts
• Exercise equipment
• Office furniture

See our full list of services for more details.

♻️ Eco-Friendly Disposal Alternatives

Even if we can't take something, you still have options:

• Donation centers – Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Recycling centers – Electronics, metals, batteries
• Hazardous waste drop-off – Paint, chemicals, automotive fluids
• Manufacturer take-back programs – Some companies accept their products for recycling
• Scrap metal yards – Pay you for metal appliances and equipment

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📞 Questions? We're Here to Help

If you're unsure whether we can take something, just ask! We're happy to help you figure out the best disposal option for any item.