Most items we haul are covered entirely by the truck-size flat rate. A handful of items cost more to dispose of responsibly, regardless of which company hauls them, because they require special handling under state or federal rules. We disclose every add-on in your quote up front — nothing shows up as a surprise on the invoice.
Why these items cost extra
The add-on isn't profit padding — it reflects the actual extra cost of disposing of the item correctly instead of just landfilling it. Some items are landfill-banned in California outright; others require certified recyclers or hazard-recovery steps before they can be processed.
| Item | Add-on | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress / box spring | +$30 each | California PSI program recycling fee; recyclers strip springs, foam, and fabric separately |
| TV / monitor | +$25 each | DTSC-certified e-waste fee — leaded glass (CRT) or hazardous components |
| Refrigerator / freezer / AC unit | +$50 each | EPA-mandated Freon recovery before crushing or recycling |
| Tires | +$15 each | Cal/EPA tire disposal fee; tires are landfill-banned in California |
| Hot tub | +$300 | Disassembly labor plus hazmat handling of treated water and fiberglass |
| Piano (upright) | Quoted per visit | Specialty equipment, multiple crew members, and landfill restrictions on certain components |
Mattresses & box springs
California's mattress recycling program (managed through the Bye Bye Mattress initiative) means mattresses can't just be tossed whole — certified recyclers break them down into steel springs, foam, and fabric for separate processing. The fee covers that certified handling.
TVs & monitors
Older CRT-style TVs and monitors contain leaded glass; newer flat-screens contain other regulated components. Either way, e-waste has to route through a DTSC-certified recycler rather than standard trash, which is what the add-on covers.
Refrigerators, freezers & AC units
These units contain refrigerant (Freon or its modern equivalents), and EPA rules require certified recovery of that refrigerant before the unit can be crushed or recycled. This is a federal requirement, not a company policy choice.
Tires
Tires are banned from California landfills outright. They have to be routed through certified tire-disposal processors, which is a flat per-tire fee under Cal/EPA rules.
Hot tubs & pianos
Hot tubs require disassembly, draining of treated water, and hazmat-aware handling of fiberglass shells — a bigger labor lift than most single items. Pianos (especially uprights) need specialty equipment and extra crew, and certain components face landfill restrictions, so we quote these per visit after seeing the specific piece.
What we can't take at all
Some materials aren't just an add-on — we can't legally haul them at all: paint, motor oil, solvents, asbestos, propane, and ammunition. El Monte residents can drop household hazmat off free at 3990 Arden Drive (call 626-580-2250 first to confirm hours).
Not sure if your items carry an add-on?
Text a photo to (626) 605-3596. We'll confirm what applies before you book — no surprises on the invoice.
Frequent questions
Are these fees negotiable?
They reflect fixed disposal-program costs, so no — but they're always disclosed in your quote before we start, never added after the fact.
Do add-ons apply on top of the truck-size rate?
Yes. The truck-size rate covers labor, hauling, and standard disposal; add-ons apply only to the specific items listed above.
What if I only have one mattress and nothing else?
A single-item pickup still applies — our ⅛-truck rate plus the mattress add-on, whichever is smaller than a full-tier load.
About this guide: Written by the crew at Junk Removal Pros, El Monte, CA. Questions or corrections? Text us at (626) 605-3596.