What Junk Removal Companies Take (and Don't Take)
Published June 18, 2026 · Updated September 28, 2026
Paint, solvents, pool chemicals and other liquids, tires, car batteries, propane tanks, refrigerators or A/C units that still hold refrigerant, medical waste and asbestos can't go in a dumpster in Florida. Almost everything else from a cleanout or a remodel can: furniture, mattresses, drywall, wood, flooring, roofing and yard waste. Concrete and dirt go in too if you tell the company first, because they are limited by weight. A junk removal crew can take some of the banned items, like tires and old refrigerators, on a separate haul.
What can't go in a dumpster in Florida
- Florida law keeps lead-acid batteries, used motor oil and whole tires out of landfills, and appliances have to have their refrigerant recovered by a certified technician before they are scrapped. Disposal sites in Miami-Dade and Broward also turn away hazardous and medical waste.
- A container with any of these in it can be rejected at the scale, which costs you a day and a second trip. If you have one of them, tell us when you book and we plan a separate haul or point you to the right drop-off.
| Item | In a dumpster? | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture, mattresses, boxes, clothing | Yes | |
| Drywall, wood, cabinets, doors, flooring | Yes | |
| Roof shingles and tile | Yes | Tell us the roof type; tile is sized by weight |
| Yard waste, branches, palm fronds, sod | Yes | |
| Concrete, block, brick, dirt | Yes, if you tell us first | Loaded partway and sized by weight |
| Paint, solvents, pool chemicals, motor oil | No | Miami-Dade household hazardous waste drop-off |
| Tires | No | Separate haul to a tire recycler |
| Car and marine batteries | No | Return to a battery or auto parts store |
| Propane tanks and fuel cans | No | Exchange or return to a propane dealer |
| Refrigerators and A/C units with refrigerant | No | Separate haul so the refrigerant is recovered first |
| Medical waste and sharps | No | Licensed medical waste service |
| Asbestos | No | Licensed abatement contractor |
What we take
- Furniture: couches, mattresses, bed frames, desks, tables, chairs, dressers, bookshelves. Condition does not matter.
- Appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, water heaters. We handle disconnection from the wall but not from plumbing or gas lines.
- Electronics: TVs, monitors, computers, printers, old stereo equipment. Florida law requires e-waste to be recycled, and we take it to certified facilities.
- Yard waste: branches, brush, sod, soil, tree stumps (under 12 inches diameter). Large tree removal is a different service.
- Construction debris: drywall, lumber, tile, carpet, cabinetry, fixtures, windows, doors.
- General junk: boxes, clothing, toys, sports equipment, holiday decorations, tools, old paint cans (dried/empty only).
What we do NOT take
- Hazardous waste: pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, solvents, oil-based paints, motor oil, antifreeze. Miami-Dade runs free HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) collection events and has a permanent drop-off at 8831 NW 58th St. Use those instead.
- Medical waste: needles, sharps, biohazard materials. These require a licensed medical waste hauler.
- Asbestos: common in older Miami homes (popcorn ceilings, floor tiles, pipe insulation in pre-1980 buildings). Asbestos requires a licensed abatement contractor. We cannot touch it.
- Propane tanks that are not empty. If you can confirm a tank is fully purged, we can take it. Otherwise, exchange it at any Home Depot or Lowe's.
- Wet paint. Latex paint must be dried out first (mix in cat litter, let it harden). Oil-based paint goes to HHW collection.
Special items with extra fees
- Refrigerators and AC units: contain refrigerant (Freon) that must be recovered by a certified tech before disposal. This adds a separate recovery fee, which we include in your estimate up front.
- Tires: disposal facilities charge per tire. We pass that cost through at what the facility charges, and it is in your estimate before we start. Rims included at no extra charge.
- CRT TVs and monitors: the old tube-style screens contain lead. Recycling facilities charge a per-unit fee for these, and we include it in your estimate.
- Hot tubs: require on-site dismantling. Priced based on size and access, not a flat add-on.
Donation and recycling
We sort every load. Usable furniture and appliances go to local donation partners. Metal goes to scrap. Electronics go to certified e-waste recyclers. About 65% of what we haul stays out of the landfill. If you have items in good condition, mention it when you call. Donatable items can reduce your cost because we pay less in disposal fees.
FAQ
What can't go in a dumpster in Florida?
In Florida, paint, solvents, pool chemicals, motor oil and other liquids, tires, car and marine batteries, propane tanks, refrigerators and A/C units that still hold refrigerant, medical waste and asbestos can't go in a dumpster. Florida law keeps lead-acid batteries, used oil and whole tires out of landfills, and disposal sites turn away hazardous and medical waste. Furniture, mattresses, drywall, wood, flooring, roofing and yard waste are fine, and concrete or dirt can go in if you tell the company first.
Can you take a riding lawnmower?
Yes, as long as the fuel tank is empty or nearly empty. Drain the gas first or run it dry. We will handle the rest.
Do you take concrete and pavers?
Yes, but concrete, stone, and pavers are priced by weight because they are extremely heavy. A small patio tear-out (a few hundred pounds) is fine on a regular haul. A full driveway demo is better suited for a dumpster rental with a heavy-debris rate.
What about a full hoarder cleanout?
We do them regularly. Hoarder cleanouts take longer because of sorting, volume, and sometimes access issues. We estimate these after an in-person walkthrough, not from photos alone. Everything is handled with discretion.
Will you take apart furniture or a shed?
Yes. Light disassembly (bed frames, desks, shelving units) is included. Larger structures like sheds, decks, or fences are estimated separately as demolition work, but we do that too.
Get Your Free, No-Pressure Estimate
Call or text a photo of your junk to (305) 986-0692. We estimate it straight, you decide.
