Top 10 Items Junk Removal Companies Won’t Take (And What to Do Instead)

When you're decluttering your home or cleaning up a renovation site, it's tempting to call a junk removal company and expect them to haul away everything. But not so fast—there are certain items junk removal services won’t touch, no matter how much you’re willing to pay.

Whether due to safety risks, environmental regulations, or local disposal laws, understanding what can’t be picked up saves you time, avoids surprise charges, and helps you find the right disposal solutions. This guide dives into the top 10 items junk removal companies won’t take in 2025, and what you can do about each one.

A nostalgic collection of vintage electronics and furniture is stacked against an urban building wall, capturing the essence of bygone eras with classic television sets, a retro cabinet, and assorted worn boxes.

Why Do Junk Removal Companies Refuse Certain Items?

Junk removal companies are limited by:

• Local waste bylaws and hazardous waste regulations

• Environmental risks or contamination

• Equipment limitations

• Legal or safety liabilities

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, improperly disposed hazardous waste contributes to over 30% of landfill groundwater contamination—a stat that’s shaping stricter disposal policies across the country.

Top 10 Items Most Junk Removal Companies Won’t Take

1. Paints, Solvents, and Flammable Liquids

Why not? These are classified as hazardous household waste and pose fire, health, and environmental risks.

What to do instead:

Take them to your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility. In Toronto, you can use the City of Toronto Drop-Off Depots.

2. Gasoline, Propane Tanks, and Oil

Pressurized and combustible materials can’t be safely transported or stored by junk removal trucks.

What to do instead:

Return propane tanks to gas stations or retailers like Home Depot. Used oil can often be dropped at automotive recycling centers.

A collection of vintage paint bottles in various colors on a shelf, evoking a sense of nostalgia and creativity in an artist's studio.

3. Batteries (Especially Lithium-Ion)

Batteries are fire hazards—especially lithium-ion—and must be handled separately from general waste.

What to do instead:

Use designated recycling drop-offs like Call2Recycle Canada.

4. Asbestos and Construction Materials with Mold

Companies won’t remove asbestos-laden drywall, insulation, or mold-contaminated materials due to severe health risks and regulatory requirements.

What to do instead:

Hire licensed abatement specialists. In Ontario, you must follow Ministry of Labour guidelines.

5. Medical Waste and Pharmaceuticals

Used needles, expired medications, and biological waste are strictly regulated for health and safety.

What to do instead:

Return medications to pharmacies and contact your local health department for sharps disposal kits.

6. Pressurized or Explosive Items

This includes fireworks, aerosol cans, oxygen tanks, and extinguishers.

What to do instead:

Contact your fire department or hazardous waste facility for safe disposal instructions.

7. Wet Paint, Cement, or Liquids in Containers

Heavy, messy, and potentially hazardous—these items can leak during transit or solidify and damage equipment.

What to do instead:

Let paint dry completely before disposal. Cement must be broken down and taken to a construction waste drop-off.

8. Tires

Tires are not accepted due to disposal surcharges and recycling rules.

What to do instead:

Return them to a tire retailer or recycling center. Use the Ontario Tire Stewardship Program to find a location.

9. Vehicles and Large Auto Parts

You can't toss that old car or engine block in with your broken sofa.

What to do instead:

Contact a local auto recycling yard or metal scrap yard. Some even pay you for parts.

A rusted vintage car sits abandoned in a junkyard under a bright blue sky, surrounded by scattered car parts and a backdrop of fluffy clouds, evoking a sense of nostalgia and decay.

10. Dead Animals or Animal Waste

Due to biohazard concerns, these require special removal and sanitation services.

What to do instead:

Call your municipal animal services department or a biohazard remediation team.

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Will junk removal companies take hazardous items for an extra fee?

Typically, no. Most are not licensed or insured to handle regulated hazardous waste.

💬 Can I hide restricted items inside my junk pile?

Absolutely not. If discovered, they may refuse the entire load, charge you extra, or even report illegal dumping attempts.

💬 Is there a difference between residential and commercial restrictions?

Yes—some companies are more flexible with commercial contracts, especially for renovation debris, but regulated items are almost always excluded.

Conclusion

So, what junk can’t you throw away? The truth is, not all junk is created equal. Knowing what junk removal companies won’t take is just as important as knowing what they will—especially when you’re planning a major cleanout.

By understanding these restrictions and using the right local resources, you can safely, legally, and responsibly handle the trickiest items while avoiding fines and frustration.

Need help clearing out everything except the items on this list? Book a junk removal service with Junk Twins and we’ll make sure what can go—goes fast.