What Items Won't Junk Removal Take?

Liquid paint, propane tanks, motor oil, tires, and asbestos-containing materials are the main items junk removal companies won't haul in Colorado Springs because Colorado's CDPHE classifies them as household hazardous waste.

Key Takeaways

• Liquid paint, propane tanks, motor oil, tires, and chemicals are household hazardous waste — not accepted
• El Paso County's free HHW facility at 3255 Akers Drive accepts paint, chemicals, and automotive fluids
• Refrigerators and AC units with refrigerants can be taken by properly equipped companies — confirm when booking
• Older homes (pre-1980) may have asbestos requiring licensed abatement, not junk removal

Most of the time, if you have something bulky that's taking up space, a junk removal crew can get rid of it. But there's a category of items that no legitimate junk removal company will load onto their truck, and it's important to know what those are before your appointment.

This is not about convenience. Many of these items are regulated by the EPA and Colorado's CDPHE. Putting them in a standard junk truck is illegal, and disposing of them improperly can cause serious environmental harm.

Here's what can't go with a junk removal crew, and where it can go instead.

Will Junk Removal Take Liquid Paint?

Cans of paint with liquid still inside are classified as household hazardous waste in Colorado. This applies to both oil-based paint and latex paint that has not fully dried out.

Oil-based paint is the stricter category: it contains flammable solvents and toxic pigments, and it's illegal to throw in the trash regardless of the amount.

Latex paint is a bit different. Once it's completely dried and solidified, small amounts can go in the regular trash. But if there's any liquid left, it needs to go to a proper facility.

Where to take it in Colorado Springs: El Paso County runs a free Household Hazardous Waste facility at 3255 Akers Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80922. It's open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Call 719-520-7878 for current hours.

Will Junk Removal Take Propane Tanks?

Propane tanks, whether small camping cylinders or full backyard grill tanks, are not accepted. Even a tank that feels empty can still contain residual gas and pose a safety risk during loading, transport, and disposal.

Some hardware stores and propane suppliers will exchange or accept old tanks. The El Paso County hazardous waste facility listed above also accepts them.

Will Junk Removal Take Motor Oil and Automotive Fluids?

Used motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and brake fluid are all regulated materials. Many auto parts stores including AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts accept used motor oil and antifreeze for recycling at no charge.

Will Junk Removal Take Tires?

Loose tires are not accepted by most junk removal companies. They require a separate disposal stream and often carry fees at landfill facilities. Tire shops and some auto service centers will take old tires, sometimes for a small fee.

Will Junk Removal Take Chemicals and Pesticides?

Lawn care products, weed killers, insecticides, pool chemicals, solvents, and industrial cleaners are all household hazardous waste. These can't go in the junk truck or the regular trash. The El Paso County facility accepts all of these.

Will Junk Removal Take Medical Waste and Sharps?

Needles, syringes, and other medical sharps require certified disposal. Many pharmacies offer sharps collection programs. This is a strict category with no exceptions.

Will Junk Removal Take Asbestos-Containing Materials?

Older homes in Colorado Springs, particularly those built before 1980, may have insulation, floor tiles, or ceiling textures that contain asbestos. Once suspected materials are disturbed, they become a serious health hazard and require a licensed abatement contractor. This is not a junk removal job.

What Items Are in a Gray Area for Junk Removal?

A few items depend on condition or company policy:

Refrigerators and AC units contain refrigerants that must be properly recovered before the unit can be hauled. Some companies are equipped to handle this. Ask when you book rather than assuming.

CRT televisions (the old boxy ones) contain leaded glass and fall under e-waste regulations. Many companies will take them but route them to certified e-waste facilities rather than the landfill.

Batteries in large quantities may require special handling. Single household batteries usually aren't an issue, but car batteries and large battery banks are another story.

What Should You Do With Items Junk Removal Won't Haul?

If you're in Fountain or Security-Widefield and you've got a mix of regular junk and hazardous materials in your cleanout, here's a practical approach: set the hazardous items aside and schedule a separate trip to the El Paso County facility. We handle the furniture, appliances, and debris. The county facility handles the rest.

If you're not sure whether something qualifies as hazardous, call us and describe it. We'll tell you honestly whether we can take it, and point you in the right direction if we can't.

Call (719) 628-5910 or get a free quote.