What Junk Removal Companies Can Take
If you’re planning a cleanup in Seattle, Tacoma, or anywhere in the Puget Sound region, you’re likely wondering: “What will a junk removal company actually take?”
Washington State has some of the strictest disposal rules in the country, especially around hazardous waste, electronics, and environmentally regulated materials. Knowing what’s allowed (and what isn’t) helps you avoid surprise fees, wasted trips, or items left behind on junk removal day.
As a professional junk removal company serving King, Pierce, and Snohomish County, JC Junk Solutions created this 2025 guide to break down exactly what junk removal companies can and cannot accept.
What Junk Removal Companies Can Take in Washington State
Most homeowners are surprised by how much a junk removal company can legally haul away. In Washington, these items typically fall under normal solid waste disposal rules.
Furniture & Household Items
These are always accepted and disposed of at local transfer stations:
- Couches & sofas
- Dressers & tables
- Bookcases
- Bed frames
- Chairs & recliners
This is the easiest category for junk removal companies to handle.
Mattresses & Box Springs
Yes, junk removal companies can take:
- Mattresses
- Box springs
- Memory foam beds
Many transfer stations charge a recycling fee, which is why companies sometimes add a small surcharge.
Appliances (With Some Rules)
Most appliances can be hauled away, including:
- Refrigerators*
- Freezers*
- Washers & dryers
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
* Refrigerators and freezers require refrigerant removal fees at many Washington disposal facilities.
Learn more: Appliance Removal📌
Electronics (E-Cycle Program)
Washington’s recycling laws allow junk removal companies to take:
- TVs
- Computers
- Printers
- Monitors
- Speakers
Most facilities require these to be separated or recycled through specific programs.
Construction & Renovation Debris
Common contractor and DIY materials include:
- Wood
- Drywall
- Tile
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Sinks, toilets, bathtubs
Heavy debris is typically charged by the cubic yard or ton.
📌 Related service:
Construction Debris Removal
Yard Waste & Green Debris
Accepted items include:
- Branches
- Leaf bags
- Bush trimmings
- Sod
- Small logs
Very large logs may require special disposal depending on the facility.
Scrap Metal & Equipment
Many metal items are accepted, such as:
- Grills
- Metal shelves
- Bicycles
- Metal bed frames
- Small machinery (non-hazardous)
Propane tanks and pressurized containers are restricted (covered below).
Items Junk Removal Companies Cannot Take in Washington State
Washington State’s Department of Ecology has strict regulations on hazardous materials. These items are not allowed in junk removal trucks or landfills.
Paints, Chemicals & Hazardous Waste
Not accepted:
- Paint thinner
- Fuel or diesel
- Motor oil
- Pesticides
- Pool chemicals
- Cleaning agents in bulk
- Car or lithium batteries
These must be taken to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Propane Tanks & Pressurized Containers
Not allowed due to explosion risk:
- Propane tanks
- Oxygen tanks
- Fire extinguishers (unless depressurized)
These require specialized disposal.
Asbestos or Suspected Asbestos Materials
This includes:
- Popcorn ceilings
- Old insulation
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Pipe insulation
Only certified abatement contractors may legally remove asbestos in Washington.
Biohazard or Medical Waste
Not accepted:
- Sharps
- Needles
- Contaminated materials
- Medical fluids
These fall under biohazard disposal regulations.
Auto-Related Items
Restricted:
- Gasoline
- Transmission fluid
- Motor oil
- Oil filters
- Car batteries
Tires are accepted at some facilities with an added fee.
Wet Paint (Uncured)
Dry paint = allowed
Wet paint = NOT allowed
Liquid paint must be dried or taken to a PaintCare drop-off location.
How JC Junk Solutions Handles “Restricted Items”
Some items fall into a gray zone — allowed, but with special handling fees.
JC Junk Solutions safely manages:
- Refrigerators & freezers
- TVs & electronics
- Tires (fee applies)
- Mattresses
- Heavy construction debris
- Large or oversized items
If you’re unsure whether something can be taken, text us a photo for a fast answer.
Washington Junk Disposal Rules (Quick Chart)
| Item Type | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | ✔ Yes | Always accepted |
| Appliances | ✔ Yes | Refrigerant fees apply |
| Electronics | ✔ Yes | Recycled separately |
| Construction debris | ✔ Yes | Weight/volume fees apply |
| Yard debris | ✔ Yes | Some log size restrictions |
| Wet paint | ❌ No | Must dry or recycle |
| Chemicals | ❌ No | Hazardous waste |
| Propane tanks | ❌ No | Specialized disposal |
| Tires | ✔ Limited | Extra fee |
| Biohazards | ❌ No | Not accepted |
Need Fast Junk Removal in Seattle? We Handle It All.
JC Junk Solutions proudly serves:
- King County
- Snohomish County
- Pierce County
We offer:
- Same-day service
- Fair, volume-based pricing
- Full home cleanouts
- Appliance removal
- Construction debris hauling
- Free text-based estimates
📞 Call or text 206-745-2293 to get your free quote today.
Or visit:
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