People want to know where their things end up after the truck pulls away, and it's a fair question. The short version: We donate items that are in fair shape so they get a second life, and recycle what we can. When your items are donated, you'll get a donation receipt from the drop-off location within 14 business days. The longer version is about what each item can realistically become, and that depends more on the rules and the item's condition than on any hauler.
Why a lot of furniture can't be donated
Charities resell what they accept, so they're picky. Goodwill Southern California wants items in good, clean, sellable condition and says it doesn't repair, refinish or reupholster anything.[1] Habitat for Humanity's LA ReStores refuse anything broken, damaged or missing parts.[2]
Some categories are close to impossible no matter the condition. Goodwill Southern California, Habitat LA and Out of the Closet all list mattresses as items they don't take.[1],[2],[3] Goodwill SoCal also turns down major appliances like washers, dryers and fridges.[1] That's why nobody honest can promise that a particular sofa or dresser will be donated. A stained cushion or a wobbly leg is often enough to rule it out.
If donating a specific piece matters to you, the surest route is to take it yourself before pickup day. Our where to donate guide lists drop-offs and free pickup programs by area.
I chose Legacy Junk Removal for their commitment to donation and recycling. Brian and Carlos arrived on time and removed the sofa and loveseat cleanly and easily, making room for something newer thank 40 years.. They explained what they were going to do with it and after a speedy Zelle transaction they were on their way. If anyone in the Valley Village or surrounding areas is in need of anything removed, I would highly recommend this company.
What California keeps out of the trash
A second group of items has a set path because state law says so, not because anyone chose it:
- Fridges, freezers, AC units and other major appliances. Refrigerant and other special-handling parts have to come out before the appliance is crushed or disposed of,[4] and only a state-certified appliance recycler, or an EPA-certified technician for refrigerant, may remove them.[5]
- TVs, computers and other electronics. Screens, laptops, printers, microwaves and phones are all on the state's banned-from-trash list.[6]
- Tires. Not hazardous, but still banned from the trash.[6]
- Hazardous waste. Paint, chemicals and similar items can't go in the garbage at all in California.[6] We don't take paint, chemicals (like motor oil and solvents), tires, asbestos, medical waste, ammunition or propane tanks, empty or full. We'll point you to the right drop-off.
Robert S. put it simply in his Google review: "I appreciate that they will sort and recycle as needed."
Where the rest goes
What's left after donation and recycling is ordinary solid waste: broken furniture, damaged materials and general debris. In LA County, waste like that ends up at a transfer station or a landfill. Around the Valley, Sunshine Canyon in Sylmar is an active landfill,[7] while Chiquita Canyon in Castaic stopped accepting waste on January 1, 2025.[8] Our guide to dumps and landfills near the Valley covers who each site accepts, if you'd rather haul it yourself.
How to give your things the best chance
Before the crew arrives
- Pull out anything you plan to donate or sell yourself, and set it apart from the pile.
- Wipe personal data from computers and phones, as LA Sanitation advises for any e-waste.[9]
- Keep paint, chemicals and batteries separate so they can go to the right drop-off.
- Tell us about anything that's in good shape when you send photos.
For more on how we work, see about Legacy.