The everyday yes list
If it's not hazardous and it fits through the door, it's very likely a yes:
- Furniture, mattresses, box springs, and rugs
- Appliances including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and water heaters
- Electronics, TVs, monitors, printers, and cables
- Yard waste, branches, fencing, and storm debris
- Construction debris — drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinets, tile
- Hot tubs, playsets, sheds, trampolines, and above-ground pools
- Garage clutter, boxes, clothing, and general household junk
- Scrap metal, tires (with a fee), and exercise equipment
Regulated but still fine — just tell us in advance
Some items are perfectly haulable but carry specific handling requirements and disposal fees. They're not a problem; they just need to be in the quote.
- Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units — certified refrigerant recovery is required by California law
- Mattresses — California's recycling program means they're routed to a specific facility
- Televisions, monitors, and e-waste — certified e-waste recyclers only
- Tires — accepted with a per-tire disposal fee
- Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs — small quantities, handled as universal waste
The genuine no list
These require licensed abatement or hazardous waste contractors. No reputable junk removal company will take them, and one that offers to should worry you.
- Asbestos in any form, including old flooring, insulation, and popcorn ceilings
- Lead paint waste from abatement work
- Wet paint, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals, and automotive fluids
- Fuel, propane tanks, and compressed gas cylinders
- Medical and biohazard waste, including sharps
- Ammunition, fireworks, and explosives
Where the rest goes in Placer County
Household hazardous waste — paint, chemicals, oil, batteries — is handled through Placer County's household hazardous waste program, which residents can use free of charge on scheduled days. Propane tanks are usually taken back by exchange programs at hardware stores.
For asbestos or lead, you need a licensed abatement contractor, and for most residential work the material has to be removed and manifested before any general debris hauling happens. If we spot suspected asbestos on a job, we'll stop and tell you rather than guessing.