Items we do not pick up
| Item | Status | Why / what to do |
|---|---|---|
| Swollen, damaged or leaking batteries | Not accepted | Fire risk. Do not put them in household trash. Contact your local household hazardous waste program. |
| Paint, solvents & chemicals | Not accepted | Includes pesticides, pool chemicals, and automotive fluids. |
| Propane tanks & fuel cylinders | Not accepted | Includes camping fuel and helium tanks. |
| Asbestos & suspected asbestos materials | Not accepted | Requires licensed abatement. |
| Medical waste & sharps | Not accepted | Needles, biohazards, and prescription medications. |
| Gasoline, oil & fuel containers | Not accepted | Includes full or partly full gas cans. |
Call first: special handling
These items are not mixed into a normal junk load. Call before including them so we can confirm handling or suggest a better route.
| Item | Status | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| UPS battery backups | Special handling — call first | Contain sealed lead-acid or lithium batteries. Call first so we can confirm handling. |
| Loose household batteries & power banks | Special handling — call first | Not mixed into a junk load. Call first — we will confirm handling or point you to a drop-off option. Tape terminals of lithium batteries. |
Ask us first
We have not confirmed these items yet. Please call before including them in a pickup.
- Pianos. Call us to discuss — we need details before we can confirm.
- Yard waste & branches. Call to check. City of Mobile residents may also have a separate trash and limb collection option.
- Hot tubs & spas. Call us to discuss — not confirmed yet.
- Roofing shingles. Call to check before scheduling.
- CRT (tube) TVs & monitors. Older tube TVs need owner approval before pickup. Please call first.
- Projection & console TVs. Large and heavy — call first so we can check.
- Car & lead-acid batteries. Call to check. Auto parts retailers commonly accept them.
- Tires. Call to check before including tires.
Batteries are not ordinary junk
Never put swollen, damaged, or leaking batteries in household trash or recycling. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed. Keep a damaged battery away from flammable materials and contact the device manufacturer or a household hazardous waste program.
Devices with intact, built-in batteries — like laptops and phones — can usually be picked up as electronics. Loose batteries and power banks need special handling. The EPA's lithium-ion battery guidance (opens in a new tab) explains safe storage and disposal, and our battery safety guide covers local options.
Where to take restricted items in Mobile
- Household hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, household batteries): the City of Mobile runs collection events for residents. See the City HHW page (opens in a new tab) for dates and accepted items.
- Tires: the City lists tire drop-off information on its scrap tires page (opens in a new tab).
- Asbestos: requires a licensed abatement contractor. Do not disturb suspected materials.
- Sharps and medications: ask your pharmacy or healthcare provider about take-back options.
Programs and rules change. Always confirm with the official source before you go.
Questions about restricted items
What if a restricted item is mixed into my junk?
Please set it aside before the crew arrives. If we find paint, fuel, chemicals, propane, or damaged batteries in a load, we will leave them with you so they can go to the right facility.
Can I put an old lithium-ion battery in the trash?
No. The EPA advises keeping lithium-ion batteries out of household trash and curbside recycling because they can start fires. Tape the terminals, store it somewhere cool, and use a battery drop-off or household hazardous waste option. Our battery safety guide explains how.
Do you take refrigerators and air conditioners?
Often, yes — but they contain refrigerant, so we confirm each one before scheduling. Our crew never cuts lines or releases refrigerant. See refrigerator removal.
Where can Mobile residents take household hazardous waste?
The City of Mobile holds household hazardous waste collection events for residents; dates and accepted materials are posted on the City's HHW page. Check the City page before you go.