What Junk Removal Companies Won't Take in Iowa

One of the most common questions on a quote call: "Will you take this?" Most of the time the answer is yes. Sometimes it's no, and it's not because we don't want to. Iowa law and federal EPA rules prohibit licensed haulers from putting certain materials on the truck.

Here's what we can't take, why, and where to drop them safely in the Des Moines metro.

Hazardous Materials We Cannot Haul

• Wet paint and stains. Latex paint that's fully dried (open the can, let it sit) can go on the truck. Wet paint cannot. Drop at the Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Facility, 2900 SE 14th St, Des Moines.
• Motor oil, gasoline, and automotive fluids. Same drop-off facility, or your local auto parts store (most accept used oil).
• Pesticides, herbicides, and lawn chemicals. Hazardous waste facility only.
• Propane tanks (full or partial). Exchange at any propane retailer (Blain's, Menards, etc.). Empty tanks can sometimes go on the truck if they're verified empty and the valve is removed.
• Ammunition, fireworks, and explosives. Polk County Sheriff non-emergency line for disposal coordination.
• Asbestos materials. Requires a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. We can refer one.
• Medical waste, sharps, and biohazards. Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) often accept sharps. Medical waste needs a specialized disposal contractor.
• Radioactive materials (yes, including old smoke detectors with americium). Iowa DNR has specific drop-off protocols.

Items We CAN Take (But Cost Extra)

• Refrigerators, freezers, and AC units. Iowa requires EPA-compliant refrigerant reclamation. Adds $25-$50 per unit. We route to a certified recycler.
• Mattresses and box springs. Iowa charges per-unit disposal fees, typically $20-$40 each. Built into the quote.
• CRT TVs, monitors, and old electronics. Iowa e-waste recycling fees apply, $15-$40 per unit depending on size.
• Tires. Iowa tire disposal fees apply, $5-$15 per tire.
• Hot tubs. Heavy and require disassembly. Quoted on-site, typically $350-$750.
• Pianos. Heavy and awkward, but yes. Quoted per piano.

Items We Always Take

• Furniture of every kind
• Appliances (washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, microwaves, water heaters)
• Mattresses and box springs
• Construction debris (drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinets, fixtures)
• Yard waste (tree limbs, brush, bagged leaves, sod)
• Boxes, packaging, papers, and general clutter
• Exercise equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, weight sets)
• Toys, kids' gear, baby furniture
• Estate contents (clothes, kitchenware, decor, collectibles)

Not Sure What You Have?

If you're unsure whether an item can go on the truck, text a photo to (515) 414-2280 or call. We'll tell you up front. If we can't take something, we'll point you to the right Polk County facility.