If it's not on the hazardous list below, we can almost certainly haul it.
We cannot take hazardous materials. Not sure about an item? Call and we will tell you in 30 seconds.
Wet or liquid paint, latex or oil-based, is classified as household hazardous waste in Maryland. It cannot ride in a junk truck or go out with the regular trash.
Where to take it: Maryland runs a statewide paint recycling program (PaintCare) with free drop-off at participating paint and hardware retailers and local government sites. Fully dried, hardened paint left in the can is no longer a liquid hazard and can go with a normal load.
Gasoline, kerosene and other flammable fuels cannot be transported in a standard junk removal truck, including old fuel containers with residue still in them.
Where to take it: A county household hazardous waste drop-off is the right place for leftover fuel. An empty, cleaned fuel can is fine for metal recycling.
Used motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and antifreeze are hazardous liquids that need a dedicated recycling stream, not a junk truck.
Where to take it: Frederick County's household recycling drop-off accepts used motor oil and filters, and Montgomery County residents can bring these fluids to the county's household hazardous waste drop-off. Many auto parts stores also offer free used-oil recycling; call ahead to confirm.
Cleaning chemicals, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and industrial solvents require hazardous waste handling, and mixing unknown chemicals during loading is a safety risk.
Where to take it: Frederick County holds free household hazardous waste drop-off days each spring and fall. Montgomery County residents can use the household hazardous waste drop-off at the county's Shady Grove facility in Derwood, open weekday mornings.
Full or partially full propane tanks are a fire and explosion risk in an enclosed truck. We can't load pressurized tanks of any size.
Where to take it: Propane exchange programs at hardware and home improvement stores will take an old tank, often for a small fee, and swap it for a full one.
Asbestos is a regulated hazardous material in Maryland. Removal, transport and disposal require a state-licensed abatement contractor, not a hauling crew. This includes older floor tile, roofing felt, pipe insulation and joint compound.
Where to take it: The Maryland Department of the Environment licenses asbestos abatement contractors. A licensed contractor handles safe removal and disposal.
Needles, syringes and other sharps need specialized disposal to prevent injury and exposure. Contaminated drug paraphernalia falls into the same category and needs the same handling.
Where to take it: Many pharmacies run sharps take-back programs, and hospitals have sharps disposal boxes in restrooms. For a larger cleanup involving sharps or contaminated materials, a licensed biohazard remediation contractor is the right call.
Responsible Disposal
Not everything that leaves your house belongs in a landfill. When items are still in good shape, we donate and recycle where possible instead of hauling them straight to the dump.
