What Items Can (and Can’t) Be Hauled Away?

When it comes to junk removal, most people are surprised by how much can actually be hauled away in a single visit. At the same time, there are a few important restrictions that protect you, the crew, and the environment.

If you’re planning a cleanout in the Ankeny or Des Moines area, here’s a simple breakdown of what we can and can’t take.

Items We Can Haul Away

We handle most non-hazardous items from homes, garages, rentals, and job sites. If it’s cluttering your space, there’s a good chance we can remove it.

Household Junk

• Furniture (couches, chairs, tables, dressers)

• Mattresses and box springs

• TVs and electronics (TVs, monitors, small e-waste)

• Clothing, toys, and general clutter

• Boxes from storage cleanouts

Appliances

• Refrigerators and freezers

• Washers and dryers

• Stoves and ovens

• Microwaves and small kitchen appliances

Garage, Basement & Storage Cleanouts

• Old tools and equipment

• Shelving and storage units

• Holiday decorations

• Broken or unused household items

Yard & Outdoor Debris

• Branches, brush, and yard waste (non-bagged preferred)

• Old patio furniture

• Broken grills

• Fencing and light construction debris

Construction & Demo Debris (light-to-moderate loads)

• Drywall

• Wood scraps

• Flooring and carpet

• Small renovation debris

Items We Typically Cannot Haul

Some materials require special handling, licensing, or disposal methods. These are generally restricted for safety and environmental reasons.

Hazardous Materials

• Paint, stain, and solvents (liquid form)

• Gasoline, oil, and fuels

• Propane tanks

• Pesticides and chemicals

• Asbestos-containing materials

Biohazard or Medical Waste

• Needles or sharps

• Contaminated medical waste

• Human or animal waste cleanup situations

Large Restricted Items (case-by-case)

• Large amounts of concrete, dirt, or rock

• Certain roofing materials (depending on quantity and disposal rules)

• Commercial-scale industrial waste

If you’re unsure about something, it’s always worth asking. In some cases, we can still help depending on volume, condition, and disposal requirements.

Items That May Require Special Handling

These aren’t always “no,” but they may change pricing or require extra steps:

• Paint cans (if dried out vs. liquid)

• Tires

• Refrigerators with refrigerant still inside

• Large construction tear-outs

• Hoarder or biohazard-level cleanouts

We’ll always be upfront if something falls into this category before starting the job.

Why Some Items Can’t Be Taken

This usually comes down to three things:

• Safety: Some materials are dangerous to transport or handle without special equipment

• Legal disposal rules: Landfills and transfer stations have strict guidelines

• Environmental impact: Certain chemicals and materials require proper processing

We don’t just haul junk—we make sure it’s disposed of responsibly.

Not Sure If We Can Take It?

If you’re unsure about an item, don’t guess. Just send a photo or quick description and we’ll let you know right away.

Most cleanouts end up being more straightforward than people expect.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a garage cleanup, rental turnover, or a full property cleanout, knowing what can and can’t be hauled away helps things go smoother and faster.

If you’re in Ankeny or the surrounding Des Moines area, we’re here to make the process simple—show us what you’ve got, and we’ll handle the heavy lifting.