What Items Can’t Be Picked Up by Junk Removal Services?
Hiring a junk removal service is a quick, stress-free way to clear clutter—but not everything can (or should) be tossed into a truck. Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, renovating your home, or preparing to move, it’s important to know what your junk removal team can legally and safely haul—and which items are restricted by law or safety protocols.
At Rhino Demolition & Disposal Services, we’re fully licensed and committed to safe, eco-friendly disposal practices across Metro Vancouver. In this post, we’ll explain which items we can’t pick up—and what you should do with them instead.
1. Hazardous Waste & Toxic Materials
Most junk removal companies—including ours—cannot accept hazardous materials due to provincial regulations and environmental safety concerns.
Common restricted hazardous waste includes:
- Paint (unless dried out)
- Solvents and thinners
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Automotive fluids (oil, antifreeze, brake fluid)
- Gasoline or propane tanks
- Household cleaners with corrosive/toxic labels
What to do instead:
You can find your nearest designated hazardous waste drop-off site in Metro Vancouver. Many depots allow free drop-off for residential
2. Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
If your property was built before 1990, materials like drywall, insulation, or ceiling tiles could contain asbestos. These require certified handling.
We do not collect asbestos materials unless they’ve been tested and cleared or removed by licensed professionals.
What to do instead:
Book an asbestos inspection. If abatement is required, Rhino is licensed in BC to coordinate or conduct certified asbestos removal.
3. Lithium-Ion Batteries & Electronic Hazards
Electronics with lithium-ion batteries can catch fire in landfills or during transport.
Restricted items include:
- E-bikes and scooters
- Laptops
- Rechargeable power tools
- Car batteries
What to do instead:
Drop them off at Recycle BC or a local electronics recycling depot. Most stores (e.g., Home Depot, Staples) offer battery recycling programs.
4. Explosives, Firearms & Ammunition
No junk removal service will take:
- Firearms or firearm components
- Ammunition
- Fireworks
- Flammable or explosive devices
What to do instead:
Contact your local police department for proper surrender and disposal instructions. Most have programs for safe firearm/ammo return.
5. Medical or Biohazardous Waste
For safety and compliance, we do not accept:
- Used needles or syringes
- Expired or open medications
- Soiled PPE or clothing with bodily fluids
- Contaminated bedding or sanitary products
What to do instead:
Ask your pharmacy or health authority about medical waste drop-off. Most cities in Metro Vancouver offer public collection bins for sharps and medications.
So, What Can We Take?
Here are some of the items we can take out for you:
- Household junk and furniture
- Renovation debris (drywall, tile, flooring)
- Appliances (fridges, ovens, washers)
- Yard waste (soil, branches, fencing)
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Electronics (TVs, printers—minus lithium-ion)
- Retail and office junk
Check the full list of items here.
If you’re still not sure whether we can take something, just ask us! We’re happy to guide you or connect you to the right facility.
FAQs
What items will junk removal not take?
Most junk removal services won’t take hazardous materials, asbestos, lithium-ion batteries, medical waste, or firearms due to legal and safety regulations. These items require specialized disposal through certified facilities or government programs.
Why can’t junk removal companies take hazardous waste?
Junk removal companies are not licensed to handle hazardous waste because of provincial and federal environmental regulations. Items like paint, chemicals, gasoline, and pesticides must be taken to approved hazardous waste depots for safe and legal disposal.
Can junk removal services take old paint or solvents?
Only dried-out paint cans may be accepted by some junk removal providers. Wet paint, solvents, and thinners are considered hazardous and must be dropped off at a local hazardous waste facility or recycling center.
What should I do with asbestos-containing materials?
If your home has materials that may contain asbestos, like old drywall or insulation, do not try to dispose of them yourself. Hire a licensed abatement company to test and remove the material safely before any junk removal is scheduled.
