· by Michael Blair, Nashville's Junk Removal
Junk removal handles almost everything, and the exceptions are consistent. They are refused because disposal is regulated rather than because they are awkward.
The usual refusals
Paint and solvents, motor oil, fuel, pesticides, pool chemicals, asbestos, medical waste and pressurized cylinders. All are regulated waste streams with their own disposal routes.
Tires and some electronics are often accepted but at an extra fee, because disposal itself is charged.
Where those actually go
Metro Nashville runs household hazardous waste collection for paint, chemicals and similar, and the process is free to residents. Electronics recycling has its own drop-off points.
Latex paint that has been dried out completely is usually acceptable as ordinary waste, which is the simplest route for half-used tins.
- Paint, solvents, oil, fuel: household hazardous waste
- Asbestos: licensed abatement only, never in a skip
- Tires and electronics: usually accepted, often at extra cost
- Propane cylinders: exchange or dedicated drop-off
- Dried latex paint: usually ordinary waste
Asbestos in particular
Older Nashville houses may have it in floor tile, pipe insulation, textured ceilings and roofing. No junk removal company can legally take it and none should offer to.
It needs licensed abatement, and disturbing it during a clear-out is the risk rather than the material sitting undisturbed.
Ask before the truck arrives
Describe what is in the pile when booking, including anything from a garage or a shed. Most refusals happen because nobody mentioned the paint tins.
It saves a wasted visit and, on an hourly job, the time spent sorting on the driveway.