When it comes to junk removal in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, EZ CleanUp has built a solid reputation as a trusted service provider since 2004. EZ Clean Up started as a general contractor serving Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware counties. Established in 2004. However, like all responsible junk removal companies, there are certain items that EZ CleanUp simply cannot accept. Understanding these restrictions isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, environmental protection, and legal requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what EZ CleanUp won’t take, why these restrictions exist, and what alternatives you have for disposing of these items safely and legally.
The Simple Answer: Hazardous Materials Are Off-Limits
We do not accept hazardous waste materials. Our services are limited to non-hazardous junk and waste removal. This clear policy from EZ CleanUp aligns with industry standards and federal regulations. But what exactly constitutes “hazardous waste”?
The junk removal industry operates under strict guidelines, and for good reason. In 2020, junk removal companies recycled about 60-80% of collected items. This impressive recycling rate demonstrates the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility. However, mixing hazardous materials with regular junk would contaminate recyclable items and pose serious risks to workers and the environment.
Specific Items EZ CleanUp Cannot Accept
1. Chemical and Paint Products
While EZ CleanUp does offer specialized paint removal services, This type of junk removal requires a trained team with the proper license to safely collect and dispose of these items. Getting rid of any household hazardous waste, including old paint, is not as simple as just dumping it in a landfill or sending it for recycling.
However, for general junk removal services, We haul pretty much everything from old furniture to glass, scrap metal, paint, old mattress, appliances, and much more! We can’t take Biohazard materials, dead animals, industrial chemicals, and ammunition.
Paint products that are typically restricted include:
- Oil-based paints and stains
- Paint thinners and solvents
- Industrial-grade chemicals
- Spray paints (unless properly depressurized)
2. Automotive Fluids and Related Materials
Vehicle & Motor Care: antifreeze, gasoline, brake fluid, motor oil, radiator cleaner are commonly restricted items across the junk removal industry. These substances require specialized handling and disposal methods.
The reasoning is clear: Many of the hazardous materials are of the liquid variety and so if they spilled in our truck then not only would we not be able to properly dispose or donate any of the other items we just hauled but our truck would need a major clean down (which could be costly, for example, if it was something like spilled paint) before being usable again.
3. Mercury-Containing Items
Mercury products pose special risks and are heavily regulated. RCRA designates some widely generated hazardous wastes as “universal wastes.” This term includes mercury-containing wastes like certain batteries, thermostats, barometers, manometers, temperature and pressure gauges, certain switches, and light bulbs. Businesses and industries that qualify as universal waste handlers must follow specific requirements for storing, transporting, and disposing of these wastes.
Common mercury-containing items that cannot go in regular junk removal include:
- Old thermometers with silver bulbs
- Thermostats manufactured before certain dates
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Some batteries
4. Biohazardous Materials
EZ CleanUp explicitly states they cannot accept biohazardous materials. This category includes:
- Medical waste such as needles and syringes
- Blood-contaminated materials
- Dead animals
- Any materials potentially containing infectious agents
5. Explosives and Ammunition
Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, and similar items are not accepted. These items require specialized handling by trained professionals and cannot be mixed with regular junk removal.
Industry-Wide Statistics on Hazardous Waste Restrictions
The restrictions aren’t unique to EZ CleanUp—they’re industry standard. EPA considers some leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as household hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them.
According to recent industry data:
- According to Statista, revenue in the U.S. residential junk removal segment is projected to reach $6.1 billion in 2024.
- Junk removal companies recycle approximately 60% of the waste they collect.
- The total generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018 was 292.4 million tons (U.S. short tons, unless specified) or 4.9 pounds per person per day. Together, almost 94 million tons of MSW were recycled and composted, equivalent to a 32.1 percent recycling and composting rate.
These statistics highlight why proper separation of hazardous and non-hazardous materials is crucial for maintaining high recycling rates and environmental protection.
Understanding Federal Regulations Behind the Restrictions
The restrictions aren’t arbitrary business decisions—they’re based on federal and state regulations. While most hazardous wastes that are ignitable, reactive, corrosive or toxic in America are regulated under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Congress developed an exclusion for household waste. Under this exclusion, found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 261.4, wastes generated by normal household activities (e.g., routine house and yard maintenance) are excluded from the definition of hazardous waste.
However, this exclusion doesn’t mean these materials can be handled carelessly. Professional junk removal companies must follow specific protocols to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
What This Means for Customers
Americans produce an average of 4.9 pounds of trash per person per day, a percentage of which goes to junk removal services. With such high volumes of waste generation, understanding what can and cannot be included in junk removal is crucial for effective planning.
For customers, these restrictions mean:
- Better Planning Required: Before scheduling service, inventory your items to separate hazardous from non-hazardous materials
- Alternative Disposal Methods Needed: Hazardous items require separate disposal through appropriate channels
- Cost Considerations: Hazardous waste disposal may incur additional costs through specialized services
EZ CleanUp’s Environmental Commitment
Despite these restrictions, EZ CleanUp maintains strong environmental standards. As an eco-friendly junk removal company, we do everything we can to recycle your unwanted items in order to lessen the emissions of CO2, carbon monoxide, and particulates to our atmosphere and lessen the creation of more landfills. We recycle about 90% of the junk we haul, and when we get some money for it, we credit your bill!
This commitment to recycling and environmental responsibility is why hazardous material restrictions exist—to maintain the integrity of recycling processes and protect the environment.
Alternative Disposal Options for Restricted Items
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs
Many communities have collection programs for HHW to reduce potential harm posed by these chemicals. Many communities have collection programs for HHW to reduce potential harm posed by these chemicals.
Most municipalities offer:
- Seasonal collection events
- Permanent drop-off locations
- Special collection days for specific materials
Retail Take-Back Programs
Many retailers offer take-back programs for specific items:
- Paint stores often accept leftover paint
- Auto parts stores take used motor oil
- Electronics retailers accept batteries and mercury-containing devices
Professional Hazardous Waste Disposal Services
For larger quantities or commercial needs, professional hazardous waste disposal companies provide specialized services with proper documentation and compliance tracking.
The Growing Junk Removal Market
The restrictions haven’t hindered industry growth. The Junk Removal Franchise Market, valued at approximately USD 0.86 billion in 2024, is forecasted to grow consistently, reaching USD 0.97 billion in 2025 and ultimately achieving USD 2.45 billion by 2033, at a steady CAGR of about 12.5%.
This growth is driven by several factors:
- Junk removal businesses experience peak demand during spring cleaning season, with a 30% increase in bookings.
- Approximately 29% of people utilize junk removal services when moving.
- Around 80% of junk removal companies offer same-day service to their customers.
Customer Satisfaction Despite Restrictions
The restrictions don’t negatively impact customer satisfaction. The junk removal industry has a customer satisfaction rate of over 90%. This high satisfaction rate demonstrates that customers understand and appreciate the safety and environmental reasons behind these restrictions.
The junk removal industry has an average customer retention rate of 67%. This solid retention indicates that customers who understand the service limitations continue to use professional services for appropriate items.
Planning Your Junk Removal Service
When preparing for EZ CleanUp service, remember:
- Separate hazardous from non-hazardous items before the crew arrives
- Plan alternative disposal for restricted materials
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about specific items
- Take advantage of recycling credits when possible
In addition to our 10% SENIOR DISCOUNT, we re-sell or recycle your junk, crediting your bill with the profit from the proceeds.
Conclusion
While EZ CleanUp cannot accept hazardous materials, this limitation serves important safety, environmental, and legal purposes. Understanding these restrictions helps customers plan more effectively and contributes to the industry’s impressive environmental track record.
From furniture removal to e-waste, cleanouts, appliances, and even junk cars – You name it, we take it! For everything except hazardous waste, EZ CleanUp provides comprehensive, environmentally responsible junk removal services throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
By working within these guidelines, both customers and service providers contribute to safer communities and better environmental outcomes—proving that sometimes, what we don’t take is just as important as what we do.
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