One of the most frequent questions we field at Coastal Junk Pros is a simple one: “Can you take this?”
The answer really depends on the specific item in question.
Most household and commercial junk is easy to haul, but safety regulations and environmental laws dictate how we handle certain materials.
This guide clarifies exactly what our residential junk removal team can and cannot take so you can plan your project effectively.
Items We Can Haul Away
The vast majority of items homeowners want to remove are things we can easily load onto our trucks.
We accept a wide variety of household and commercial goods.
Furniture and Household Items
Furniture removal is the core of our daily operations.
We handle everything from sectional sofas and recliners to dining sets, heavy dressers, bed frames, and mattresses.
The condition of the furniture does not matter to our crew.
Stained, broken, or outdated pieces are all acceptable.
The “Soft” Item Rule: While we take mattresses and upholstered furniture, we cannot accept items known to be infested with bed bugs due to contamination risks. If you suspect an infestation, you must have the items treated and wrapped by a pest control professional first.
Other common household goods we collect include:
- Lamps and light fixtures
- Area rugs and rolled carpets
- Mirrors and picture frames
- Storage bins and shelving units
- General decorative clutter
If an item fits through the door and into our truck, we can usually take it.
Appliances and Refrigerant Disposal
We remove nearly every type of home appliance, including refrigerators, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers.
Handling appliances often involves more than just heavy lifting.
Why Professional Removal Matters: Refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and window AC units contain refrigerants like Freon that require special handling under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Venting these chemicals is illegal and harmful.
Our team ensures these units go to facilities where certified technicians safely recover the refrigerant before recycling the metal.
Please ensure gas appliances are disconnected by a qualified professional before our arrival.
Electronics (E-Waste)
Old televisions, desktop towers, monitors, laptops, printers, and gaming consoles are all items we collect daily.
Electronic waste requires a specific disposal chain to prevent environmental damage.
Devices like CRT monitors and older circuit boards often contain lead, mercury, and cadmium.
We route these items to certified Savannah-area e-waste recycling partners rather than standard landfills.
Data Security Tip: Before handing over computers or smart devices, we recommend performing a factory reset or physically drilling through the hard drive to protect your personal data.
Yard and Outdoor Items
Our team handles outdoor projects ranging from storm debris cleanup to dismantling old equipment.
We take patio furniture, grills (without the tank), swing sets, trampolines, and even dismantle small sheds or hot tubs.
General yard waste such as branches, brush, and bagged soil is also accepted in manageable quantities.
Construction and Renovation Debris
Post-renovation cleanup is a major part of our service offering for local contractors and DIYers.
We haul drywall, lumber, flooring, tile, cabinets, and old fixtures.
The Pre-1978 Caution: If your home was built before 1978, be aware that painted debris may contain lead. While we can haul this debris, we recommend keeping it separate from general trash to ensure safe handling at the transfer station.
Items We Cannot Haul Away
Federal and state regulations strictly prohibit us from transporting certain materials that pose health or environmental risks.
These items require specialized disposal methods that standard junk removal trucks are not equipped to handle.
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
We cannot accept liquids or chemicals that might spill during transport or contaminate groundwater.
This exclusion list includes:
- Oil-based paints and stains
- Solvents and thinners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Motor oil and transmission fluid
- Pool chemicals
Disposal Solution: Residents can take these items to the Chatham County Resource Conservation Education Center (often located on Eisenhower Drive). Check their website for current drop-off hours and limits.
Asbestos-Containing Materials
Homes built before the 1980s often contain asbestos in popcorn ceilings, vinyl floor tiles, and pipe insulation.
Disturbing these materials releases fibers that are highly carcinogenic.
Our insurance and licensing do not cover asbestos abatement.
You must hire a licensed abatement specialist to remove and dispose of these materials safely in accordance with NESHAP standards.
Medical and Biohazard Waste
We are not licensed to transport medical waste, which includes needles, syringes, or any materials soaked in bodily fluids.
This is a strict safety protocol to protect our crew and the public.
Safe Disposal Option: For sharps and pharmaceutical waste, look for FDA-cleared disposal containers or check with local pharmacies in Savannah that offer take-back programs.
Certain Electronics and Batteries
While consumer electronics are fine, we cannot take industrial-grade batteries or loose lithium-ion battery packs.
Lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk if crushed in a truck compactor.
Automotive batteries are also best handled elsewhere.
Retailers like AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts typically accept car batteries for free to support lead-acid recycling efforts.
Propane Tanks and Compressed Gas
We cannot transport pressurized tanks, including propane tanks, oxygen cylinders, or fire extinguishers.
These items present an explosion hazard in the event of a traffic accident or compaction.
Exchange these tanks at a local hardware store or return them to the original supplier.
Gray Area Items: The “It Depends” List
Some items fall into a middle ground where acceptance depends on the specific condition of the material.
The following table breaks down common “gray area” items and how to prepare them for pickup.
| Item | Condition for Pickup | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Latex Paint | Must be completely dried out (solid). | Liquid paint is a spill hazard; dried latex is considered solid waste. |
| Tires | Limited quantity (usually 2-4) without rims. | Landfills charge high fees for tires; rims interfere with shredders. |
| Heavy Material | Small amounts (a wheelbarrow full). | Excessive weight (concrete/brick) can damage standard trucks. |
| Pianos | Uprights only; crew must be notified. | Pianos are extremely heavy and require a specialized dolly and ramp. |
When in doubt about a specific item, give us a call at (912) 555-0247 to clarify.
Our Commitment to Responsible Disposal
Hauling items away is only the first step in our process.
The destination of your junk matters just as much as getting it out of your house.
We maintain a 60% diversion rate, which means more than half of what we collect avoids the local landfill.
Where Your Stuff Goes:
- Donation: Usable furniture and housewares go to local charities like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or local shelters.
- Recycling: Scrap metal, cardboard, and electronics are routed to specific processing centers.
- Energy: Some non-recyclable wood and debris can be converted into energy at specialized facilities.
This commitment is fundamental to our identity as a veteran-owned business.
We live in this community, so protecting the local ecosystem is a priority for us.
Plan Your Cleanout With Confidence
Understanding exactly what can and cannot be hauled eliminates the guesswork from your project.
Whether you are clearing out a garage, managing a renovation, or handling a sensitive estate cleanout, Coastal Junk Pros simplifies the logistics.
Call us today at (912) 555-0247 for a free quote.
Our team is ready to handle the heavy lifting while ensuring your items are disposed of responsibly.
