Below is the typical scope of the independent Calgary-area haulers we work with. Every company sets its own rules, so the hauler confirms what it will take when it quotes your job. If something is not listed, mention it in your request.
Items typically accepted
Household
- Sofas, sectionals, recliners, chairs
- Mattresses, box springs, bed frames
- Dressers, tables, desks, shelving
- Boxes, bags and general household junk
- Carpet, rugs and underlay
- Toys, sports and exercise equipment
Appliances and electronics
- Fridges and freezers (refrigerant fee may apply)
- Washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers
- Air conditioners and dehumidifiers
- TVs, computers, monitors, printers
- Small appliances
Outdoor and yard
- Branches, leaves and garden debris
- Patio furniture, BBQs (no propane tank)
- Hot tubs, swing sets, sheds (dismantled)
- Fencing and deck boards
- Lawn mowers and snowblowers (drained)
Renovation and commercial
- Drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinets
- Toilets, vanities, tubs, fixtures
- Office furniture and cubicles
- Retail shelving and fixtures
- Heavy materials (often priced separately): concrete, brick, tile, shingles, soil
Items typically excluded
Almost every junk removal company refuses hazardous materials, because they cannot legally or safely go in a general load:
- Paint, stains, solvents and thinners
- Gasoline, oil and other fuels
- Propane tanks and pressurised cylinders
- Pesticides, pool chemicals and cleaning chemicals
- Asbestos and materials suspected to contain it
- Medical waste, sharps and biohazards
- Ammunition, explosives and fireworks
- Car batteries (some haulers accept them separately)
Where hazardous items go in Calgary: residents can drop household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, propane tanks, batteries and similar) at City of Calgary drop-off locations, including the Landfill and Eco Centres, free of charge. Check calgary.ca for accepted items and locations.
Items that may carry a surcharge
Some items cost the hauler extra to dispose of, so they may appear as separate charges on your quote:
- Fridges, freezers and A/C units: the City of Calgary charges a $17 refrigerant removal surcharge per item (2026)
- Mattresses: some price lists include a disposal or recycling fee
- Tires: often charged per tire
- Heavy materials: priced by weight or with a heavy-load rate
- Food waste or very dirty loads: sometimes an extra fee
See the junk removal cost guide for published Calgary examples.
Not sure about an item?
Include it in your quote request, ideally with a photo. The hauler will tell you whether it can take it and at what price. For specific items see appliance removal, electronics recycling and garage cleanouts. To see every service, visit our services page.
Frequently asked questions
What items cannot go in a junk removal truck?
Typically: paint, solvents, fuel, propane tanks, pesticides, chemicals, asbestos, medical or biohazard waste, and ammunition. Calgary residents can drop household hazardous waste at City drop-off locations for free.
Do haulers take items that cost extra at the landfill?
Yes, but surcharges may be passed on: fridges and freezers ($17 City refrigerant surcharge in 2026), mattresses and tires on some price lists. Your quote should list them.