What Can and Cannot Be Hauled Away: Oregon Junk Removal Rules

When you are ready to clear the clutter, the first question is usually: will they take this? The answer depends on what you have, which junk removal company you hire, and Oregon's environmental regulations. Not everything can go on the truck, and some items have specific disposal requirements under Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rules.

This guide covers exactly what professional junk removal services can and cannot haul away in Oregon, what happens to your items after pickup, and your options for restricted materials.

Items Junk Removal Companies Accept

The good news is that the vast majority of household items can be hauled away by a professional junk removal service. Here is a comprehensive list of what most Oregon haulers accept:

Furniture

• Couches, sofas, loveseats, and sectionals
• Mattresses and box springs (all sizes)
• Bed frames, headboards, and footboards
• Tables (dining, coffee, end tables)
• Chairs (dining, office, recliners, armchairs)
• Dressers, nightstands, and wardrobes
• Desks and bookshelves
• Patio furniture and outdoor tables
• Futons, daybeds, and cribs

Appliances

• Refrigerators and freezers (refrigerant recovered by certified haulers)
• Washers and dryers
• Dishwashers
• Stoves, ovens, and ranges
• Microwaves and toaster ovens
• Water heaters (drained)
• Window air conditioners (refrigerant recovered)
• Dehumidifiers and space heaters

Electronics

• TVs (all types including CRT, LCD, plasma)
• Computers, laptops, and monitors
• Printers, scanners, and fax machines
• Stereos, speakers, and home theater equipment
• Gaming consoles and accessories
• Small electronics (phones, tablets, cables)

Yard Waste and Outdoor Items

• Branches, brush, and tree trimmings
• Bagged leaves and grass clippings
• Old fencing and deck lumber
• Swing sets and play structures
• Hot tubs and spas (drained)
• Sheds (disassembled or standing, depending on hauler)
• Grills and outdoor cooking equipment

Construction and Renovation Debris

• Drywall, plaster, and lath
• Lumber, plywood, and trim
• Carpet and carpet padding
• Tile, linoleum, and flooring
• Cabinets and countertops
• Doors, windows, and frames
• Roofing materials (shingles, underlayment)

General Household Items

• Clothing, shoes, and textiles
• Books, magazines, and paper goods
• Toys, games, and sporting equipment
• Boxes and packing materials
• Small household goods and kitchenware
• Exercise equipment (treadmills, bikes, weight sets)

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Some items cannot go on a standard junk removal truck. Oregon law, federal regulations, and safety concerns restrict the following categories:

Hazardous Materials (Cannot Be Hauled)

• Oil-based paint, stains, and varnishes — Classified as hazardous waste in Oregon
• Automotive fluids — Motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and brake fluid
• Pesticides and herbicides — Including partially used containers
• Solvents and thinners — Paint thinner, turpentine, acetone
• Pool chemicals — Chlorine, muriatic acid, and other treatment chemicals
• Propane tanks — Small camping canisters and large grill tanks (some haulers accept empty tanks)
• Gasoline and kerosene — Even in approved containers
• Batteries (certain types) — Car batteries, lithium batteries, and other rechargeable batteries

Biohazardous and Medical Waste (Cannot Be Hauled)

• Needles and sharps — Must use Oregon-approved sharps containers and disposal programs
• Prescription medications — Must be returned to a pharmacy
• Biological waste — Blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated materials
• Medical equipment with biohazard exposure — Requires specialized disposal

Regulated Materials (Require Special Handling)

• Asbestos — Common in homes built before 1980. Oregon DEQ requires licensed asbestos abatement contractors for removal. Must be tested before disturbance.
• Lead paint debris — Renovation debris from pre-1978 homes may contain lead paint. Oregon requires RRP-certified contractors for disturbance.
• Tires — Some haulers accept tires for an additional fee. Oregon charges a tire disposal fee at transfer stations.
• Firearms and ammunition — Must be surrendered to law enforcement or sold through a licensed dealer. Haulers will not remove these.

Oregon DEQ Disposal Rules

Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality sets the rules for waste disposal in the state. Here are the key regulations that affect junk removal:

Illegal Dumping

Oregon law (ORS 164.805) makes illegal dumping a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $6,250 and up to one year in jail. This applies to dumping on public or private land. Always use licensed disposal services.

Landfill Bans

Oregon bans certain items from landfills, including:

• Lead-acid batteries (car batteries)
• Major appliances (must be recycled)
• Yard debris in the Metro region (Portland area — must be composted)
• Electronics covered by Oregon E-Cycles

Transfer Station Disposal

Oregon's transfer stations accept most non-hazardous waste. Fees vary by county and weight. Typical rates:

• Metro region (Portland) — $30 to $40 minimum, then by weight
• Lane County (Eugene) — $25 to $35 minimum, then by weight
• Marion County (Salem) — $20 to $30 minimum, then by weight

Where Your Items Actually Go

A responsible junk removal company does not dump everything in a landfill. Here is how a quality Oregon hauler processes your items:

1. Donation (30-40%) — Usable furniture, clothing, household goods, and working appliances are delivered to local donation centers like Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, and St. Vincent de Paul.
2. Recycling (20-30%) — Metals, electronics, cardboard, clean wood, and other recyclable materials go to appropriate processing facilities.
3. Composting (5-10%) — Yard waste and clean wood are composted, especially in the Portland Metro region where yard debris is banned from landfills.
4. Landfill (20-40%) — Only items that cannot be donated, recycled, or composted go to a licensed landfill.

At Otesse, we track our diversion rate and work to keep as much material out of the landfill as possible. This is better for Oregon's environment and aligns with the state's waste reduction goals.

Free Oregon Disposal Programs

Oregon offers several free programs for specific items that you can use before calling for junk removal:

Oregon E-Cycles

Free drop-off recycling for computers, monitors, TVs, and printers. Funded by manufacturers, not taxpayers. Drop-off locations throughout the I-5 corridor including Portland, Eugene, Salem, Corvallis, and Springfield.

PaintCare Oregon

Free drop-off for leftover paint (latex and oil-based), stains, and varnishes. PaintCare operates hundreds of drop-off sites at retail paint stores across Oregon. This is the easiest way to dispose of old paint legally.

Oregon BottleDrop

Refund containers covered by Oregon's Bottle Bill at 10 cents each. BottleDrop locations accept bags of returnables. Use the Green Bag program for easy processing.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

County hazardous waste facilities accept paint, chemicals, automotive fluids, and other hazardous materials for free or at low cost. Metro (Portland area), Lane County (Eugene), and Marion County (Salem) all operate collection facilities.

Special Item Categories

Hot Tubs and Spas

Hot tubs can be hauled away but are among the most labor-intensive items for removal. They must be drained, disconnected from electrical, and often partially disassembled for removal. Expect to pay $300 to $600 for hot tub removal in Oregon.

Pianos

Pianos are heavy, awkward, and difficult to dispose of. Upright pianos weigh 300 to 500 pounds, and grand pianos can exceed 1,000 pounds. Most junk removal companies will take pianos, but expect a premium price of $200 to $500 due to the labor involved.

Concrete and Dirt

Some haulers accept small amounts of concrete, brick, and dirt, but these materials are extremely heavy and may be charged by weight rather than volume. Large quantities may require a dedicated concrete recycler.

Mattresses

Mattresses are universally accepted by junk removal companies. Oregon does not have a mattress recycling law, but responsible haulers will send mattresses to facilities that recycle the steel, foam, and fiber components when possible.

Preparing Items for Pickup

Make your junk removal appointment go faster and smoother with these preparation tips:

1. Consolidate items — Gather everything you want removed into one area if possible. The garage, driveway, or a single room works well.
2. Separate hazardous materials — Set aside anything that falls in the restricted category so you can ask the crew about it.
3. Clear a path — Make sure the crew can access all items and has a clear path to the truck. Move cars, open gates, and unlock doors.
4. Drain appliances — Drain water heaters, washing machines, and any appliances with water lines.
5. Remove personal items — Check drawers, pockets, and compartments for personal belongings before the crew loads everything.
6. Bag loose items — Small items like toys, clothing, and household junk load faster when bagged.

Choosing a Responsible Hauler

Not all junk removal companies handle disposal the same way. Here is what to look for when choosing a hauler in Oregon:

• Ask about diversion rates — A responsible hauler should donate and recycle at least 50 to 60 percent of what they collect
• Check licensing and insurance — Oregon requires business licensing. Verify the company carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
• Read reviews — Check Google and Yelp reviews from other Oregon customers
• Get transparent pricing — Reputable companies provide upfront quotes, not surprise fees after loading
• Confirm restricted item policies — A good hauler will clearly explain what they can and cannot take