Junk Removal Restricted Items | Hazardous Waste Policy
Items we cannot remove and where you can safely dispose of them
Understanding junk removal restricted items helps ensure a smooth pickup experience. While Junk Hubris removes almost everything—furniture, appliances, yard debris, and general household junk—certain items have legal restrictions or safety concerns that prevent us from hauling them.
Specifically, Oregon law and EPA regulations prohibit certain materials from being transported through standard junk removal services. As a result, these restricted items require specialized handling, licensing, or disposal methods that we cannot provide.
Therefore, please review this policy before your appointment. If you’re unsure whether an item qualifies as a junk removal restricted item, simply contact us—we’re happy to clarify.
⚠️ Why Junk Removal Has Restricted Items
Junk Hubris is committed to responsible disposal and the safety of our crew, customers, and community. Because of this commitment, the junk removal restricted items listed below require specialized handling that we are not licensed or equipped to provide.
Consequently, we reserve the right to refuse any item that poses a safety risk or violates disposal regulations.
Junk Removal Restricted Items We Cannot Haul
🚫 Asbestos & Asbestos-Containing Materials
We are NOT licensed for asbestos abatement. In fact, asbestos is one of the most serious junk removal restricted items. Oregon law requires professional testing and licensed removal for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). For example, common ACMs include:
- Popcorn ceilings and textured coatings (pre-1980)
- Floor tiles and sheet vinyl (9×9 tiles especially)
- Insulation such as vermiculite, pipe wrap, and duct insulation
- Roofing materials and siding
- Certain drywall and joint compounds
Important: If ACMs are discovered after loading, the customer becomes financially responsible for all disposal, decontamination, and regulatory costs ($2,000-$10,000+).
📄 For more information, read our full Asbestos Policy which includes detailed guidelines and testing resources.
🧪 Hazardous Chemicals – Restricted Items
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Pool chemicals
- Acids and corrosives
- Solvents and thinners
- Antifreeze
- Bleach (large quantities)
- Ammonia
- Drain cleaners
- Unknown/unlabeled chemicals
- Laboratory chemicals
🔥 Flammables & Explosives – Restricted Items
- Propane tanks (all sizes)
- Gasoline and fuel
- Kerosene
- Lighter fluid
- Fireworks
- Ammunition
- Flares
- Oxygen tanks
- Aerosol cans (full/pressurized)
- Compressed gas cylinders
🚗 Automotive Fluids & Batteries – Restricted Items
- Motor oil
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Car batteries
- Motorcycle batteries
- Boat batteries
- Industrial batteries
Note: Most auto parts stores accept used oil and batteries for free recycling.
🎨 Paint – Restricted Items for Junk Removal
We cannot remove:
- Liquid paint (latex or oil-based)
- Paint thinner and stripper
- Stains and varnishes
- Spray paint cans (full or partially full)
Tip: Dried latex paint cans (completely solid) may be accepted. Leave lids off to dry out paint, or mix with cat litter to speed drying.
🏥 Medical & Biohazardous Waste – Restricted Items
- Needles and sharps
- Syringes
- Prescription medications
- Medical waste
- Biohazardous materials
- Blood-contaminated items
- Bodily fluids
- Pathological waste
💡 Mercury-Containing Bulbs – Restricted Items
- Fluorescent tubes (contain mercury)
- CFL bulbs (contain mercury)
- HID bulbs
- Mercury vapor lamps
Note: Standard incandescent and LED bulbs are fine to include with your junk.
⛔ Other Junk Removal Restricted Items
- Radioactive materials
- Industrial waste
- Contaminated soil
- Large dead animals
- Firearms and weapons
- Stolen property
- Items requiring special permits
- Anything illegal to transport
✅ Items We CAN Remove (Not Restricted)
The good news is that we haul away almost everything that’s not on the restricted items list!
Furniture
Appliances
Mattresses
Electronics
Yard Debris
Construction Debris
General Junk
Hot Tubs
Where to Dispose of Junk Removal Restricted Items
Portland Metro has resources for proper disposal of hazardous materials and other restricted items
🏢 Metro Hazardous Waste Facilities
Fortunately, Metro operates two household hazardous waste facilities that accept paint, chemicals, automotive fluids, and more from residents. Both locations offer convenient drop-off services.
Metro South Station
2001 Washington St, Oregon City
(503) 234-3000
Metro Central Station
6161 NW 61st Ave, Portland
(503) 234-3000
🎨 Paint Disposal (PaintCare)
Oregon participates in the PaintCare program, which means many retail stores accept leftover paint for free recycling. This is often the most convenient option for homeowners.
For instance, drop-off locations include many Sherwin-Williams stores, Miller Paint locations, and local hardware stores.
🚗 Automotive Fluids & Batteries
Luckily, most auto parts stores accept used motor oil, transmission fluid, and car batteries for free recycling. Simply bring your materials to any of these locations:
- Metro Hazardous Waste
- Your local Auto Parts Store (Call ahead to verify)
- RS Davis Recycling (batteries only)
🔥 Propane Tanks
Because propane tanks are pressurized, they require special handling. However, you have several convenient options for disposal:
- Blue Rhino exchange locations
- Home Depot and Lowe’s exchanges
- Local propane dealers
- Metro hazardous waste (small tanks only)
💊 Medications & Sharps
It’s important to never flush medications or throw sharps in the trash. Instead, use these safe disposal options:
- Pharmacies with drug take-back programs
- Police stations (often accept medications)
- Sharps containers available at pharmacies
💡 Fluorescent Bulbs & CFLs
Since these bulbs contain mercury, they should not go in regular trash. Fortunately, several retailers offer free recycling:
- Home Depot (CFL recycling)
- Lowe’s (CFL recycling)
- IKEA
- Metro hazardous waste facilities
Not Sure If It’s a Junk Removal Restricted Item?
When in doubt, simply ask! We’re always happy to clarify what we can and can’t remove. Just send us a photo or description of the item, and we’ll let you know before your appointment.
Junk Removal Restricted Items FAQs
Why does junk removal have restricted items?
Oregon law and EPA regulations require special licensing, equipment, and disposal methods for hazardous materials. As a result, transporting junk removal restricted items without proper certification is illegal and poses safety risks to our crew and the public.
What happens if restricted items are found in my load?
If we discover junk removal restricted items after loading, we will need to remove them from our truck. Additionally, in the case of hazardous materials like asbestos, the customer becomes responsible for proper disposal costs and any required decontamination.
Can junk removal take dried paint cans?
Yes, if the paint is completely dried and solid all the way through, latex paint cans are not considered restricted items and can typically be removed. However, oil-based paints require hazardous waste disposal even when dried.
Are empty gas cans restricted items?
We can take empty gas cans that have been properly aired out. On the other hand, gas cans containing gasoline or fuel residue are junk removal restricted items. Therefore, please empty and air out any fuel containers before your appointment.
What about old fire extinguishers?
Because fire extinguishers are pressurized containers, they are junk removal restricted items. Instead, they should be taken to a hazardous waste facility or a fire extinguisher service company for proper disposal.
How do I know if something contains asbestos?
Unfortunately, you cannot identify asbestos by sight—testing is required. Generally, materials in homes built before 1980 are more likely to contain asbestos. When in doubt, get it tested before requesting junk removal. For more details, read our full Asbestos Policy which includes testing resources.
Disclaimer: This junk removal restricted items policy is subject to change. Junk Hubris reserves the right to refuse any item at our discretion based on safety, legal, or logistical concerns. The disposal resources listed above are provided for convenience and may change—please verify hours and accepted materials before visiting. Last updated: January 2026.