Worn out appliances, water-damaged furniture, large amounts of trash–it can be confusing figuring out how exactly you should dispose of large waste items. Depending on where you live, you have several options. Read on to learn more about large household item removal.
Call Your Local Junkyard
There are both public and private junkyards. Some of them are free of charge, and some charge you a fee for pickup or delivery.
City or Municipality Large Trash Pickup Services
Many cities and towns offer this service to their citizens. It’s always a good idea to check first with your city–for example by going to its website and checking public service listings. Usually, all you have to do is put in an order for pickup online or on the phone in order to get your bulk items removed from your property. Make sure to follow all rules on the size and type of objects accepted so you don’t end up with your items being left on the curb!
Common Large Items that can be Picked Up
The following are some commonly acceptable items for bulk trash pickup:
- Mattresses
- Beds
- Grills
- Furniture (sofas, armoires, hutches, shelving, etc.)
- Heavy appliances
- Large tools
- Children’s pools
- Lawn furniture
- Carpeting
- Carpet padding
- Rugs
- Trampolines
- Old bicycles
- Water heaters
Commonly unacceptable items include:
- 55-gallon drums
- Blocks
- Bricks
- Building materials
- Insulation
- Lumber
- Concrete
- Crossties
- Tires
- Tile
- Garbage
- Dit
- Liquids
- Large fans
- Car batteries
These types of services are usually not offered to businesses, apartment complexes, or landlords and typically you or a relative must live at the address requesting the service. Materials must not be mixed with household garbage, railroad ties, treated wood, or brush. There is typically a limit to the number of objects and the weight or dimensions, so be sure to check the service’s requirements before putting your stuff out for pick-up. Do not approach collection trucks while they are servicing, as this could be dangerous.
Private Large Trash Pickup Services
If your municipality doesn’t offer free bulk trash pickup, your best option may be to hire a private bulk item pickup company. This can be pricey depending on the type and size of the items you’re disposing of, so make sure to check with the company first before ordering the service to make sure you can afford it.
Recycle It!
Depending on what your item is, it may be possible to recycle it. Call your local recycling center or check out their website to see what is recyclable and what isn’t.
One thing to remember is that you are not allowed to recycle dirty plastic, so if your bulk item is plastic and recyclable, make sure it’s clean and dry.
Contact a Junk Removal Service
If the item would be difficult for you to dispose of yourself, you can always contact a professional junk removal company that hauls away large household items like refrigerators or stoves.
Temporary Dumpster
Another option to get rid of your larger options is to rent a temporary dumpster. The company will then pick up your items placed inside and dispose of them for you.
Drop-off Locations
Your city may also have handy trash drop-off locations that are conveniently located where you can take your trash to yourself using a truck or trailer.
Sell Your Unwanted Items in a Yard Sale
This is a great way to make some extra pocket change, give something to someone who wants your items, and be greener by putting your items in the hands of a neighbor and out of a landfill.
Repurpose Them!
Think outside of the box and create something new and usual or decorative with your unwanted items.
Donate Them to your Local Thrift Shop
Many thrift stores are more than happy to accept your bulk items. Just make sure that appliances are not broken, and that any furniture or other large items and in good condition. No one wants broken furniture.
Also, don’t forget that you can get a tax write-off for donating items!
Donate to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore
This is another great option, especially if your items are permanent home structures or can be used as building materials for a home or business. But they will also happily accept furniture if it is in decent condition.
Free Furniture Pickup with Delivery
If you are ordering something new–like a new furniture set, sometimes the delivery service will offer free pickup of the old furniture you’re purchasing. Check with them first if you’re buying new furniture or appliances.
Sell It Online
Anyone who’s been to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can tell you that people will sell almost anything. So if you’ve got an old dingy sofa, or an ancient TV, it never hurts to list the items on market places like above or even newspapers. You never know who might want your old stuff. You might as well make a profit of getting rid of your old junk!
Put it on the Curb with a “Free” Sign on It
This has worked for a lof people. People love free stuff and if they can just pick it up off the curb, one person’s trash is another one’s treasure! You’d be surprised how quickly your stuff will disappear off the curb. Just make sure to check the weather first so it doesn’t get wet and unusable out there!
Give your Old Stuff Away to a Friend or Family Member
Ask around your friend and family circle. You may find that someone is in as much need of something as you are of getting rid of it!
Get a Free Quote from a Professional Junk Removal Company in New Jersey
It can be frustrating trying to figure out what to do with your big old stuff, but don’t worry – we can help! At Junk-A-Haulics, we’re happy to haul away your unwanted large household items. Contact us today for a quote.