The most common surprise on cleanout day isn't the price — it's the paint cans. Every legitimate junk removal company in Florida works under the same disposal regulations, and knowing them in advance saves you an awkward driveway conversation. Here's the honest list.
Yes — Almost Always Accepted
- Furniture: sofas, dressers, tables, mattresses, box springs
- Appliances: fridges, washers, dryers, microwaves, water heaters (refrigerant units go to certified recyclers)
- Electronics: TVs, computers, printers, stereos — routed to e-waste recycling
- General clutter: boxes, bins, clothes, toys, books, décor
- Sports and outdoor gear: bikes, treadmills, patio sets, grills (propane tank removed)
- Yard tools and equipment (fuel drained)
- Scrap wood, metal, and light DIY debris
No — Regulated or Hazardous (Nobody Legal Takes These)
- Paint, stains, solvents — liquid paint is regulated household hazardous waste in all three South Florida counties
- Chemicals and pesticides — pool chlorine, fertilizer, weed killer
- Fuels and pressurized tanks — gasoline, propane, butane, fire extinguishers
- Wet-cell batteries — car and marine batteries (though auto parts stores take them free, often with a credit)
- Tires — county-regulated; small fees at drop-off
- Asbestos, medical waste, biohazards — specialist-only
A company that shrugs and throws paint cans on the truck is telling you something about where the rest of your load is going, too.
Where the "No" Items Go (Free for Residents)
All three counties run household hazardous waste programs, free for residents: Miami-Dade's Home Chemical Collection Centers, Broward's household hazardous waste events and drop-offs, and Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority's home chemical facilities. Check your county's site for current locations and hours. Pro tip: dried-out latex paint (leave the lid off with kitty litter mixed in) becomes ordinary garbage — legally.
The Gray Zone: Ask First
- Pianos and safes — accepted with heavy-item planning and usually a surcharge
- Construction debris — light DIY leftovers usually OK; full-renovation volume needs a dumpster
- Anything with a title (cars, boats, trailers) — different industry, we'll refer you
At Sort Squad, the can't-take items don't get abandoned in your garage: the crew consolidates them into one labeled spot and hands you the exact county drop-off details — usually one free 20-minute errand. Everything else rides the truck. See how our haul-away works.
About Sort Squad: garage cleaning and organization — two pros, one truck, two hours, $699 flat, everywhere in South Florida. Doors up. Junk gone. Book online here.