One of the first questions people ask when they call Portland Junk Removals is: "Can you take this?" The answer is yes for the vast majority of household and commercial junk — but there are some materials that junk removal companies are legally prohibited from handling. Here is a complete reference list for Portland, Maine residents so you know exactly what we can and cannot haul away.
What Portland Junk Removals CAN Take
Furniture
- Sofas, sectionals, loveseats, sleeper sofas
- Beds, bed frames, headboards, box springs
- Mattresses (all sizes)
- Dressers, armoires, wardrobes
- Dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, end tables
- Desks, office chairs, bookshelves
- Recliners, ottomans, futons
Appliances
- Refrigerators and freezers (refrigerant recovery required — small additional charge may apply)
- Washing machines and dryers
- Dishwashers, stoves, ovens, ranges
- Microwaves, small kitchen appliances
- Window air conditioners (refrigerant recovery required)
- Water heaters
- Exercise equipment
Electronics
- Televisions (all types, including CRT — small e-waste fee may apply)
- Computers, laptops, monitors
- Printers, scanners, office equipment
- Stereos, speakers, entertainment equipment
Yard and Outdoor
- Branches, brush, leaves, and grass clippings
- Storm debris and fallen trees (sections)
- Outdoor furniture (patio sets, chairs, tables)
- Lawn mowers, snowblowers, outdoor power equipment (drained of fuel)
- Grills (propane tanks must be removed)
- Fencing, old decking, lumber
- Landscaping debris, sod, loose soil in reasonable quantities
Construction and Renovation Debris
- Drywall and plaster
- Lumber and framing materials
- Flooring (tile, hardwood, laminate, carpet)
- Roofing materials (shingles)
- Insulation (standard fiberglass/foam)
- Windows, doors, cabinets, countertops
- Concrete and masonry in manageable quantities (additional weight charge applies)
General Junk
- Boxes, bags, general household clutter
- Clothing, linens, books
- Toys, sporting equipment, bikes
- Tools, old equipment, hardware
- Pianos (surcharge for weight and difficulty)
- Hot tubs and swing sets (disassembly may be required)
What Portland Junk Removals CANNOT Take
These items require specialized handling and cannot be included with regular junk removal in Portland, ME:
- Paint (liquid or solid cans): All paint — even dried or empty cans — is classified as hazardous waste. Take to Cumberland County household hazardous waste events (ecomaine.org for schedule).
- Solvents, chemicals, cleaners: Turpentine, stain, varnish, paint thinner, and similar products. Hazardous waste only.
- Motor oil and gasoline: Drain outdoor equipment before we take it. Loose motor oil or gasoline containers cannot be included.
- Propane tanks: Remove from grills and other equipment before we haul. Tanks (even empty ones) require special handling.
- Asbestos: If you suspect asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, or ceiling tiles, have it tested first. Asbestos requires certified abatement — not junk removal.
- Medical waste / biohazard materials: Needles, medical equipment, biological waste. Requires specialized biohazard removal.
- Car batteries (bulk quantities): Single car batteries may be accepted — ask when you call.
Not Sure? Just Ask
If you have something not on this list, call us at (207) 560-8818 and describe it. We can usually tell you right away whether it's something we can take and give you a rough price estimate over the phone. We would rather answer a quick question than have you show up with something we cannot handle.
Ready to Schedule Junk Removal in Portland, ME?
Call us or get a free estimate online. We take almost everything.