Understanding What Can and Cannot Be Collected in Bulk Pickup

Bulk trash pickup is a convenient solution for getting rid of oversized, heavy, or awkward items that don’t fit into your regular curbside bin. In Simi Valley, both city-run collection programs and private junk hauling services offer this option.

However, not everything qualifies for bulk pickup. Some items are too hazardous, too heavy, or require specialized eco-friendly junk removal processes. Understanding the guidelines will help you avoid frustration, prevent fines, and ensure your unwanted items are handled responsibly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what’s allowed, what’s not, and the alternatives available for restricted items.

What Is Bulk Trash Pickup?

Bulk trash pickup is a scheduled collection service for large or heavy waste items such as furniture, appliances, and construction debris. It’s typically available:

• Through city waste management programs (scheduled quarterly, monthly, or on request)

• Through private junk hauling companies that offer flexible, on-demand pickup

Bulk pickup is especially useful when moving, renovating, or doing a major declutter.

Items Commonly Accepted in Bulk Trash Pickup

While rules vary by provider, most bulk trash pickup programs accept:

1. Furniture

• Sofas, loveseats, sectionals

• Dressers, nightstands, and shelving units

• Tables, desks, and chairs

• Bed frames and headboards

Tip: If the furniture is still usable, consider donating it before disposal.

2. Appliances

• Refrigerators and freezers (often with special handling due to refrigerants)

• Washers and dryers

• Stoves, ovens, and microwaves

• Dishwashers

Note: Some city pickups require refrigerants to be removed before collection. Private junk hauling services often handle this for you.

3. Mattresses & Box Springs

• Accepted by most providers, but may require plastic wrapping for sanitation.

4. Yard Waste

• Large branches, tree limbs, and stumps

• Bundled brush and clippings

• Bagged leaves and grass clippings

Important: Green waste must often be bundled under a specific size (e.g., 4 feet long, 2 feet wide).

5. Electronics

• TVs, monitors, computers, and small appliances

• Some providers recycle e-waste separately to comply with California laws.

6. Limited Construction Debris

• Carpet and padding (rolled and tied)

• Small amounts of drywall, wood, and metal

• Doors, windows, and cabinets

Items Commonly NOT Accepted in Bulk Trash Pickup

1. Hazardous Waste

These items can harm workers, the environment, or both:

• Paint, solvents, and adhesives

• Pesticides and fertilizers

• Motor oil, fuel, and propane tanks

• Cleaning chemicals and pool treatments

2. Automotive Parts

• Tires (require specialized recycling facilities)

• Batteries (contain toxic lead-acid)

• Car engines and parts with oil residue

3. Large Quantities of Construction & Demolition Debris

While small amounts are okay, bulk pickup generally won’t take:

• Concrete, asphalt, and bricks

• Large piles of roofing shingles

• Dirt, gravel, and rocks

4. Extremely Heavy or Oversized Items

• Hot tubs and spas

• Pianos and large safes

• Oversized industrial equipment

Private junk hauling companies can usually handle these for an extra fee.

5. Medical Waste

• Needles, syringes, and sharps

• Expired medications (should be dropped off at designated collection points)

Why Some Items Are Restricted

Bulk pickup programs restrict certain materials for several reasons:

• Safety Risks – Hazardous chemicals and sharp materials can harm collection crews.

• Environmental Concerns – Some materials can leak toxins into soil or water.

• Special Handling Needs – Large appliances or e-waste require specific recycling methods.

• Equipment Limitations – Trucks may not be able to handle oversized or excessively heavy loads.

Alternatives for Restricted Items

If your items aren’t accepted in bulk trash pickup, here are responsible alternatives:

1. Household Hazardous Waste Facilities

Drop off paint, chemicals, and batteries at designated hazardous waste collection centers in Ventura County.

2. E-Waste Recycling Centers

California law requires proper recycling of electronics. Local facilities accept TVs, computers, and other devices.

3. Metal Recycling Yards

Scrap yards accept appliances, metal furniture, and other recyclable metal items.

4. Donation Centers & Charities

Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local shelters accept gently used furniture, clothing, and electronics.

5. Private Junk Hauling Services

These services can remove almost anything—often the same day—and handle eco-friendly disposal for items that bulk pickup won’t take.

How to Prepare Items for Bulk Pickup

Proper preparation makes the process faster and safer:

1. Confirm Accepted Items

Check your provider’s website or call for a list of accepted materials.

2. Disassemble Large Items

Break down furniture and appliances if possible to save space and make lifting easier.

3. Bundle & Contain Smaller Debris

Use strong trash bags or tie bundles securely.

4. Follow Weight & Size Limits

Most programs set maximums (e.g., 50 lbs per item, 4 ft length).

5. Place Items in the Right Spot

Typically curbside, alley, or driveway—make sure the area is accessible for trucks.

Bulk Trash Pickup vs. Private Junk Hauling

Cost Considerations

• City Bulk Pickup – Often included in utility fees or a small per-item charge.

• Private Junk Hauling – $100–$600+ depending on load size and special handling.

While private services cost more, they provide faster scheduling, labor assistance, and eco-friendly disposal for restricted items.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what can and cannot be collected during bulk trash pickup is essential for smooth, hassle-free disposal. While this service is perfect for standard large items like furniture and appliances, hazardous materials, oversized loads, and certain construction waste require alternative solutions.

When in doubt, contact your provider or hire a professional junk hauling company that offers flexible scheduling, complete labor assistance, and eco-friendly disposal methods to keep reusable materials out of landfills.

FAQs About Bulk Trash Pickup in Simi Valley

1. How often does the city offer bulk trash pickup?
Most neighborhoods have scheduled quarterly pickups, but check your city’s waste management calendar.

2. Can I request an extra bulk pickup?
Yes—most providers allow additional pickups for a fee.

3. Will they take my old refrigerator?
Yes, but refrigerants must be removed first. Private haulers can handle this for you.

4. What if my items are too heavy for city pickup?
Hire a junk hauling company with the right equipment for oversized loads.

5. Can I mix yard waste with furniture in bulk pickup?
Some providers allow mixed loads; others require separate piles.