Most of what fills a garage or shed — furniture, boxes, old toys, scrap metal — can go straight into a regular junk removal pickup. A smaller category of items needs a separate disposal path because of what's inside them.
What counts as household hazardous waste
- Paint, solvents, and stains — especially oil-based products
- Automotive fluids like motor oil, antifreeze, and old batteries
- Pesticides, herbicides, and pool chemicals
- Propane tanks and other pressurized canisters
- Fluorescent bulbs and other items containing mercury
Where it needs to go
Los Angeles County runs household hazardous waste collection events and permanent drop-off locations specifically for these categories, separate from regular trash and bulky-item pickup. These programs exist because hazardous materials require different handling than a standard landfill or transfer station accepts — checking the current LA County household hazardous waste schedule before a cleanout is worth doing if you know you have any of these items on hand.
What we can and can't take
We handle general household, garage, and estate junk — furniture, appliances, electronics, yard waste, and construction debris among it. Items in the household hazardous waste category above fall outside what a standard junk removal pickup can take, so we'll flag anything like that during a walkthrough rather than load it with the rest of a job.
Not sure if something counts as hazardous?
Text a photo to (626) 605-3596 and we'll tell you what we can take and what needs a separate drop-off.
Frequent questions
Can you take an old propane tank with the rest of my junk?
No — pressurized canisters fall into the hazardous category and need a separate disposal path.
What about electronics like old TVs and computers?
Electronics (e-waste) are handled separately from general hazardous waste and are something we can typically take — ask when you book if you're not sure a specific item qualifies.
Is it illegal to put hazardous items in regular trash?
Yes, household hazardous waste isn't accepted in regular trash or bulky-item pickup in LA County, which is why dedicated collection programs exist for it.
About this guide: Written by the crew at Junk Removal Pros, El Monte, CA. Questions or corrections? Text us at (626) 605-3596.