Before scheduling junk removal in Oshkosh or Appleton, many people wonder: "Will they take my stuff?" This guide provides a complete breakdown of what Clear the Clutter accepts, what we don't take and why, and what happens to your items after we pick them up.
Furniture & Household Items We Accept
- Couches, sofas, and sectionals
- Beds, mattresses, and box springs
- Dressers, nightstands, and bedroom furniture
- Dining tables, chairs, and hutches
- Bookshelves, cabinets, and storage units
- Desks, office chairs, and office furniture
- Coffee tables, side tables, and accent furniture
- Recliners, armchairs, and upholstered seating
- Doors, windows, and architectural elements
- Exercise equipment and gym machines
- Boxes, bags, and general household clutter
Appliances We Accept
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Washing machines and dryers
- Ovens, stoves, and ranges
- Dishwashers
- Microwaves
- Water heaters
- Air conditioners and HVAC units
- Space heaters
- Portable appliances (blenders, toasters, coffee makers, if non-functional)
Note: We properly handle refrigerants (Freon) in old appliances. Freon recycling is $15 per unit.
Electronics & Tech We Accept
- TVs (all sizes and types; $25 recycling fee per TV)
- Computers, laptops, and monitors
- Printers and office equipment
- Stereos, speakers, and audio equipment
- Game consoles
- Keyboards and peripherals
- Cables, wires, and tech clutter
Important: Electronics are screened for data and recycled at certified e-waste facilities. We never send electronics to landfills.
Yard Waste & Outdoor Items We Accept
- Branches, brush, and trimmed trees
- Leaves and yard debris
- Mulch piles
- Old fencing and wood pallets
- Hot tubs and spas (disassembled)
- Sheds and small structures (removal)
- Outdoor furniture (broken or unwanted)
- Grills and outdoor equipment
Construction & Renovation Debris
- Drywall and plaster
- Lumber and wood scraps
- Flooring materials
- Roofing shingles
- Windows and doors (old)
- Concrete and brick (small amounts)
- Metal studs and framing
What We DON'T Take (And Why)
Hazardous Materials
We cannot accept items that pose environmental or health risks:
- Paint and paint cans (even if sealed)
- Chemicals and cleaning supplies
- Gasoline, propane, and fuel
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Batteries (single-use; rechargeable in moderation)
- Oil and grease
Why: Hazardous materials require special disposal at licensed facilities. Mixing them with regular junk violates environmental law and creates safety risks.
Medical & Biohazard Waste
- Medical sharps (needles, syringes)
- Blood-soaked materials
- Medications and pharmaceutical waste
- Expired medical equipment
Tires & Automotive Waste
- Used tires (full-service tire shops handle these)
- Engine oil and transmission fluid
- Car parts and automotive debris
Large Appliances With Unknown Contents
If an appliance contains unknown hazardous materials or is damaged in a way that poses risk, we may decline it. Call ahead if unsure.
What Happens to Your Items After Pickup
Donation
Usable furniture, household goods, and items in working condition are donated to:
- Clear the Clutter's retail store in Oshkosh (furniture, clothing, books, kitchenware)
- Local charities and nonprofits in the Fox Valley
- Schools and community organizations
You can request a donation receipt for tax purposes.
Recycling
Items sent for recycling include:
- Electronics (e-waste facilities)
- Scrap metal (metal recycling centers)
- Wood and lumber (composting or biomass)
- Yard waste (mulching)
- Cardboard and paper (paper mills)
Responsible Disposal
Items not suitable for donation or recycling are disposed of at licensed landfills or waste facilities, never illegally dumped.
Items That Require Advance Notice
Call us before scheduling if you have:
- Large appliances (refrigerators, water heaters)
- Hot tubs or large spa equipment
- Old propane or fuel tanks
- Extensive construction debris (may need separate estimates)
- Items over 15 feet long
- Items requiring special disassembly or handling
How to Prepare Your Items for Pickup
Do
- Group items together in one area for faster loading
- Empty drawers and cabinets beforehand
- Mention any items containing hazardous materials
- Clear pathways so our crew can access items
- Remove valuables or items you want kept
Don't
- Don't mix hazardous materials with regular junk
- Don't leave items in hard-to-access places
- Don't expect us to take items not mentioned during estimate
- Don't store items unsafely (blocking exits, unstable piles)
Special Items: More Information
Hot Tub Removal
Hot tubs require disassembly and careful handling. Call for a specific quote. Cost typically ranges from $300-$600 depending on size and condition. See our hot tub removal service page for details.
Appliance Removal
Major appliances are accepted with proper handling. Call ahead so we bring the right equipment. See our appliance removal service page.
Yard Waste Removal
Large quantities of branches, leaves, and yard debris are accepted. See our yard waste removal service page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottom Line
Clear the Clutter accepts most household items, furniture, appliances, and debris. We don't accept hazardous materials for safety and environmental reasons. When in doubt, call us at 920-424-9827 before your scheduled pickup to confirm items. We'll give you a complete list of what we're taking and answer any questions about your specific items.