Junk removal crews can take almost everything: furniture, appliances, mattresses, electronics, yard debris, and general clutter. But there is a short list of items that no reputable hauler should put in their truck, because they are dangerous, regulated, or both. Knowing the list ahead of time saves a surprise on pickup day.
Items we cannot haul
Paint and solvents
Liquid oil-based paint, paint thinner, stains, varnish, and solvents are flammable and cannot go in regular disposal. Tip: Latex paint that has completely dried out is often treated differently from liquid paint. Check your local program's rules for current guidance.
Automotive fluids
Motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and gasoline. Many auto parts stores accept used motor oil for recycling. Call ahead.
Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders
Grill propane tanks, helium tanks, and fire extinguishers can explode when crushed. Many propane exchange locations will take old grill tanks.
Pesticides, herbicides, and pool chemicals
Old weed killer, insect spray, fertilizer with pesticide, and chlorine are toxic and reactive. Never mix them together, even in a trash bag.
Asbestos
Older homes may have asbestos in pipe insulation, some floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, and siding. If you suspect asbestos, do not disturb it. Have it tested and removed by a licensed abatement contractor.
Medical waste
Needles, sharps, and biohazards need specific disposal. Unused medications can often go to a pharmacy take-back program or a police department drop box.
Ammunition and explosives
Contact your local police department's non-emergency line for guidance on old ammunition, fireworks, or anything explosive.
Where these items go instead
Most counties and cities in North Carolina run a household hazardous waste (HHW) program with a drop-off site or collection events for paint, chemicals, fluids, and similar items. Forsyth County, Guilford County, and the cities of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point all have information about hazardous waste disposal. Search your city or county's website for "household hazardous waste" to find current locations, hours, and accepted items, since these details change.
Items people think we can't take, but we can
- Refrigerators and freezers: we haul them, and the refrigerant is handled properly at recycling.
- TVs and computers: yes, and electronics are recycled where possible.
- Mattresses with bed bugs: yes, if sealed in plastic first.
- Lawn mowers: yes, once the gas and oil are drained.
- Empty paint cans: yes, if they are completely dry and empty.
- Construction debris: yes, including drywall, lumber, cabinets, and flooring.
Cleaning out a garage or estate with chemicals in it?
This comes up constantly in garage and estate cleanouts. Here is the simple way to handle it:
- Before the crew arrives, pull hazardous items into one spot, away from everything else.
- Keep products in their original containers with labels on.
- Show the crew that spot so they know to leave it.
- Take those items to your county's HHW drop-off when convenient.
Everything else, we take.
We serve Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and the whole Triad.