One of the most common questions we get: "Where does everything go?" It's a fair question — and a good one. Here's what actually happens after JunkHunter's truck pulls away from your driveway.
Step 1: We Sort at the Facility
Everything that comes off your property gets sorted at our partner transfer station. We separate items by category: metal, electronics, wood, fabric, and general waste. This step alone keeps a significant amount of material out of landfills.
What Gets Donated
Gently used furniture, working appliances, clothing, books, and household goods that are still in usable condition go to Bay Area charities and donation centers. We partner with local organizations in Walnut Creek, Concord, Oakland, and surrounding cities. If something can serve another family, we make sure it does.
What Gets Recycled
Metal — including old appliances, bed frames, and exercise equipment — goes to scrap recyclers. Electronics like TVs and computers go to certified e-waste processors (California has strict rules about this, and we follow all of them). Cardboard and paper are bundled separately.
Mattresses and Freon Appliances
These are the two categories most people don't think about. Mattresses require special handling under California law and cannot go into a regular dumpster. Appliances containing freon (refrigerators, AC units) must have the refrigerant properly evacuated before disposal. Both services include a small recycling fee that we disclose upfront — there are no surprises in your invoice.
What Ends Up in the Landfill
We're honest: not everything can be recycled or donated. Construction debris, damaged items, and certain mixed waste does go to a permitted landfill. But because we sort first, the percentage is significantly lower than a typical load dropped directly at the dump.
The Short Version
We haul it, sort it, and route each item to the best outcome — donation, recycling, or responsible disposal. That's part of what you're paying for, and we take it seriously.
