What Junk Haulers Take (and Won't Take)

Yes, we'll take it

If it isn't hazardous, there's a good chance we haul it. The most common pickups in Santa Ana:

• Furniture — sofas, sectionals, recliners, dressers, desks, tables, chairs, bookshelves, bed frames. We carry it out from wherever it sits.
• Appliances — washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, microwaves. Refrigerators and freezers too; units with refrigerants may carry an extra handling fee for certified recovery.
• Electronics and e-waste — TVs, monitors, computers, printers, stereos. These go to certified e-waste recyclers, not the landfill.
• Mattresses and box springs — one of our most requested items. California requires mattress recycling, so quotes include a recycling surcharge, disclosed upfront.
• Yard debris — branches, brush, palm fronds, fencing, sod, landscaping waste, and fallen trees (cut to manageable lengths).
• Construction and renovation debris — lumber, drywall, flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, doors, windows. Heavy materials like concrete and dirt cost more per load because of dump fees — ask when you book.
• General household junk — boxes, clutter, garage contents, storage unit leftovers, old toys, exercise equipment, hot tubs (drained and cut up), and pianos (upright models; grands need specialists).
• Office and retail junk — desks, cubicles, filing cabinets, shelving, backroom clutter, and point-of-sale fixtures.

No — and here's what to do instead

Some items are classified as hazardous waste, and no legitimate hauler can put them in a standard truck or landfill. For each one, here's the right move:

• Wet paint and paint cans — Take to Orange County's household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events or drop-off centers, which accept them free. Instead: dry out latex paint with kitty litter or paint hardener, then it can go in regular trash with the lid off.
• Chemicals, solvents, and pesticides — Same HHW program. Never pour these down drains or mix them into household trash.
• Fuels and oils — Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and propane tanks go to HHW collection. Used motor oil is accepted at most auto parts stores and quick-lube shops.
• Asbestos-containing materials — Old insulation, floor tiles, and siding in pre-1980s homes may contain asbestos. This requires a licensed asbestos abatement contractor — not a junk crew. Get it tested before any demolition.
• Batteries — Car batteries are accepted at auto parts stores; household batteries and lithium batteries go to HHW collection or battery drop-off bins. Loose lithium batteries are a fire risk in trucks.
• Medical waste — Needles, sharps, and medications go through pharmacy take-back programs and county sharps collection, never in junk loads.

Not sure about an item? Send us a photo before booking. We'd rather tell you the right disposal channel than turn the truck around at your curb.

Gray areas — call first

A few items depend on the details:

• Tires — usually accepted with a per-tire recycling fee.
• Hot tubs — accepted drained and disconnected; oversized units may need to be cut up on site.
• Safes — small safes are fine; large fire safes can exceed what two people can move safely.
• Pianos — uprights and consoles, yes. Baby grands and grands need piano specialists with the right equipment.

Frequently asked questions