What we typically accept
- Furniture (sofas, mattresses, chairs, tables, shelving)
- Appliances (fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, see freon note below)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, printers)
- Yard waste (branches, leaves, garden debris, sod)
- Construction materials in small quantities (drywall, lumber, flooring)
- Garage and shed contents (tools, sporting equipment, bins)
- Exercise equipment, toys, clothing, general clutter
Electronics and appliances get recycled, not landfilled
In Alberta, electronics must be handled through approved recyclers under the Electronic Waste Recycling Program. We ensure all electronics are diverted to approved facilities. (Source: Alberta Recycling Management Authority)
Items that need special handling
Freon-containing appliances (fridges, freezers, ACs), refrigerant must be recovered by a certified technician before disposal under Environment and Climate Change Canada regulations. Ask when booking.
Mattresses, most facilities now charge a small recycling fee due to bulk. Alberta's landfill regulations increasingly restrict mattress disposal.
Large volumes of construction debris, if you have a full renovation worth of concrete or roofing materials, a bin rental is more practical. Our junk removal is best for mixed loads up to roughly a half-ton.
What we cannot accept
- Hazardous waste, paint, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, automotive fluids
- Propane tanks, even empty ones require special handling
- Asbestos-containing materials, common in pre-1990 homes (floor tiles, pipe insulation, textured ceiling coatings)
- Medical waste or sharps
- Explosives or firearms
Where to take paint and hazardous waste in Brooks
The County of Newell runs a Household Hazardous Waste program with scheduled free drop-off days for paint, pesticides, solvents, and automotive fluids. See countyofnewell.ab.ca for current dates.
Not sure if something is acceptable? Just ask.
Describe what you have when you contact us for a quote and we'll tell you upfront if anything needs special handling. No surprises, no extra fees on pickup day.
Sources
- Alberta Recycling Management Authority, Electronic Waste Recycling Program, albertarecycling.ca
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations (Freon recovery), canada.ca
- County of Newell, Household Hazardous Waste Program, countyofnewell.ab.ca
- Government of Alberta, "Managing Hazardous Household Waste", alberta.ca