What Junk Removal Companies Can and Cannot Take
Before you book a junk removal service in Chicago, it helps to know what can and can’t go in the truck. Some items have special disposal requirements. Some are simply prohibited. Here’s the definitive guide.
What Junk Removal Companies CAN Take
The following items are accepted by professional junk removal companies, including junkMOOvers:
Furniture
✓ Sofas, loveseats, sectionals
✓ Beds, bed frames, headboards
✓ Dressers, wardrobes, armoires
✓ Dining tables and chairs
✓ Desks and office furniture
✓ Bookshelves and entertainment units
Appliances
✓ Refrigerators and freezers (freon recovery required - see below)
✓ Washers and dryers
✓ Dishwashers
✓ Stoves and ovens (gas and electric)
✓ Microwaves
✓ Window air conditioners (freon recovery required)
Electronics
✓ TVs and monitors (all sizes)
✓ Desktop computers and towers
✓ Printers and scanners
✓ Stereo equipment
Construction Materials
✓ Drywall and plaster
✓ Lumber and framing scraps
✓ Flooring (hardwood, laminate, tile)
✓ Carpet
✓ Doors and windows
Miscellaneous
✓ Boxes and bagged clutter
✓ Exercise equipment
✓ Yard and patio furniture
✓ Bicycles
✓ Books, clothing, and household goods
What Junk Removal Companies CANNOT Take
The following items are generally not accepted because they require special disposal:
Hazardous Materials
✗ Paint (liquid, wet, or semi-dry)
✗ Household chemicals (bleach, solvents, pesticides)
✗ Pool chemicals
✗ Propane tanks (full or partially full)
✗ Motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze
✗ Asbestos-containing materials
Medical and Biological Waste
✗ Medical sharps, syringes, or medical waste
✗ Biological or human waste
Explosives and Weapons
✗ Ammunition
✗ Fireworks
✗ Any explosive material
Special Items
✗ Radioactive materials
✗ Active car batteries (some companies accept drained batteries with notice)
Items That Require Special Handling (But Can Still Be Removed)
Some items can be removed but require specific handling:
Appliances with refrigerants (fridges, window ACs, dehumidifiers):
EPA regulations require refrigerant to be recovered before disposal. Certified companies like junkMOOvers work with refrigerant recovery specialists to do this properly.
CRT televisions (old tube TVs):
Illinois e-waste law requires certified recycling. We route these to certified recyclers.
Mattresses:
Chicago rules require mattresses to be bagged before curbside placement. When we remove them, we handle proper containment.
What to Do With Items That Can’t Be Removed
For items we can’t take, here are Chicago disposal resources:
- Household chemicals: Chicago Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling (HHCR) - check the Chicago city website for drop-off dates
- Propane tanks: Home Depot, Walmart, or your local hardware store tank exchange program
- Motor oil: AutoZone, O’Reilly, and most auto parts stores accept used motor oil for free
- Medical waste: CVS, Walgreens, and many pharmacies have sharps disposal programs
Not sure if we can take your specific item? Call us at (773) 377-4148 and we’ll tell you in 60 seconds.