What Items Can and Cannot Be Removed
Your complete guide to acceptable items, prohibited materials, and safe disposal options
Items We Happily Accept
We remove a wide variety of household, commercial, and outdoor items. Here's what we can take away for you:
Household Items
- Furniture: Sofas, chairs, tables, mattresses, bed frames, dressers, cabinets
- Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, microwaves
- Electronics: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, stereos, exercise equipment
- Miscellaneous: Carpets, boxes, books, toys, clothing, linens
Commercial Items
- Office Furniture: Desks, chairs, filing cabinets, cubicles, shelving
- Equipment: Copiers, printers, phone systems, commercial appliances
- Materials: Cardboard, pallets, packaging materials, displays
Outdoor & Yard Items
- Structures: Sheds, playsets, fencing, decking materials, gazebos
- Equipment: Lawn mowers, grills, patio furniture, planters
- Debris: Branches, leaves, yard waste (limited amounts)
Not Sure If We Take It?
Give us a call and describe your items. We'll let you know right away if we can remove them.
Call (262) 784-3500Items We Cannot Accept
For safety and legal reasons, certain hazardous and regulated materials cannot be removed by junk removal services. Here's what we cannot take:
Hazardous Materials
- Paint & Chemicals: Oil-based paints, solvents, acids, pesticides, herbicides
- Automotive Fluids: Motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, gasoline, diesel
- Compressed Gases: Propane tanks, oxygen tanks, helium tanks, acetylene
- Toxic Substances: Asbestos, mercury, lead paint, contaminated materials
Medical & Biohazard Waste
- Medical Waste: Needles, syringes, medical sharps, used bandages
- Biological Materials: Blood, bodily fluids, infectious materials
- Pharmaceuticals: Prescription medications, controlled substances
- Contaminated Items: Items exposed to disease or pathogens
Construction Materials
- Heavy Debris: Concrete, bricks, stones, large amounts of dirt
- Hazardous Materials: Asbestos siding, lead pipes, contaminated insulation
- Large Volumes: Full-scale demolition debris requiring special permits
Other Restricted Items
- Weapons & Ammunition: Firearms, explosives, ammunition, fireworks
- Hazardous Equipment: Items containing PCBs, radioactive materials
- Regulated Waste: Items requiring special disposal permits
Important Safety Notice
These restrictions exist to protect our team, the environment, and comply with federal and state regulations. Improper disposal of hazardous materials can result in serious health risks and legal penalties.
Items Requiring Special Handling
Some items can be removed but require special procedures, additional fees, or advance notice. Here's what you need to know:
Pianos & Organs
Heavy musical instruments require specialized equipment and additional team members for safe removal.
- Requires advance notice
- Additional labor fee applies
- Specialized moving equipment
Hot Tubs & Spas
Large water features need to be drained and may require dismantling before removal.
- Must be completely drained
- Electrical disconnect required
- May require partial dismantling
Appliances with Freon
Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units require certified freon recovery before disposal.
- EPA-certified handling
- Additional processing fee
- Environmental compliance
Electronics & E-Waste
TVs, computers, and electronics require responsible recycling due to toxic components.
- Wisconsin e-waste regulations
- Data destruction available
- Certified recycling facilities
Large Structures
Sheds, playsets, and decks may require partial dismantling before removal can begin.
- Site inspection recommended
- May require dismantling
- Custom pricing based on size
Tires & Batteries
Limited quantities accepted with additional fees. Large quantities require special arrangements.
- Small quantities only
- Per-item disposal fee
- Environmental recycling
Safe Disposal Alternatives for Prohibited Items
If you have items we cannot accept, here are safe and legal disposal options for hazardous materials in the West Bend area:
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Washington County offers seasonal hazardous waste collection events for residents.
- Paint, solvents, and chemicals
- Automotive fluids and batteries
- Pesticides and herbicides
Pharmacy Take-Back Programs
Local pharmacies and police departments offer safe medication disposal.
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter drugs
- No questions asked disposal
E-Waste Recycling Centers
Certified facilities handle electronics recycling in compliance with Wisconsin regulations.
- Computers and monitors
- TVs and displays
- Cell phones and tablets
We can pick up e-waste for proper recycling
Propane Tank Exchange
Many retailers offer tank exchange or disposal programs for propane cylinders.
- Hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's)
- Gas stations with propane service
- Propane suppliers
Have Questions About Specific Items?
Our team can help determine the best disposal method for any item you need to remove.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Understanding the importance of responsible junk removal and recycling
Environmental Protection
Proper disposal prevents toxic materials from contaminating soil, water, and air. We divert over 60% of collected items from landfills through recycling and donation.
Health & Safety
Hazardous materials pose serious health risks if mishandled. Professional disposal ensures your family, community, and our environment stay safe.
Legal Compliance
Improper disposal of hazardous materials can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. We follow all federal, state, and local regulations.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
- Recycling First: We sort all materials and send recyclables to certified facilities
- Donation Partners: Usable items go to local charities and non-profits
- Responsible Disposal: Non-recyclable waste goes to licensed disposal facilities
- Industry Standards: We follow EPA guidelines and state regulations
Diverted from Landfills
Through recycling, donation, and responsible disposal practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take items with some hazardous materials in them?
It depends on the item. For example, we can take refrigerators that contain freon because we have the equipment and certification to handle them properly. However, we cannot take items contaminated with hazardous chemicals or materials that require special permits. Call us to discuss your specific situation.
What should I do with paint cans?
Latex paint that has been dried out completely (solidified) can often be disposed of with regular trash. However, liquid paint and oil-based paints must be taken to a household hazardous waste collection event. Contact Washington County for collection dates and locations.
Do you charge extra for special handling items?
Yes, items that require special equipment, additional labor, or certified disposal (like pianos, hot tubs, or freon appliances) may have additional fees. We'll provide a complete price quote before starting the job so there are no surprises.
Can I mix different types of junk in one removal?
Absolutely! Most junk removals include a variety of items - furniture, appliances, electronics, yard waste, and more. We'll sort everything for proper recycling and disposal. Just make sure none of the prohibited items are included.
What happens to the items you remove?
We sort all items at our facility. Usable items are donated to local charities. Recyclable materials go to certified recycling centers. E-waste is processed according to EPA standards. Only non-recyclable materials go to licensed disposal facilities. We divert over 60% of collected items from landfills.
How do I know if you can take my item?
The easiest way is to call us at (262) 784-3500 or send us photos through our contact form. Describe the item and we'll let you know immediately if we can remove it and if any special handling is required.
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Ready to Clear Out Your Unwanted Items?
We make junk removal easy with transparent pricing, professional service, and responsible disposal.