Los Angeles is a city that moves fast. One minute, you’re upgrading your couch, and the next, you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of the old one. But just because something is no longer useful to you doesn’t mean it has to end up in a landfill. There are better, more sustainable ways to handle junk—ways that help the environment, support the community, and even clear your conscience.
At G&S Junk Removal, we see firsthand just how much perfectly good stuff gets tossed every day. The good news? There are alternatives. Here’s a look at the ten most common things people throw away and what you can do instead.
1. Furniture
Couches, dressers, tables—people are constantly getting rid of furniture, especially in a city like LA where moving is a way of life. Instead of dumping it on the curb, check out donation centers like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or The Salvation Army. Many organizations even offer free pickup. If it’s beyond saving, recycling centers can break it down into usable materials.
2. Electronics
Old TVs, laptops, and cell phones shouldn’t go in the trash because they contain hazardous materials. Instead, take them to an e-waste recycling center like Homeboy Recycling or drop them off at one of LA’s designated e-waste collection events.
3. Clothing & Shoes
Fast fashion has made clothing one of the most commonly discarded items. Instead of tossing old clothes, consider donating to Goodwill, Dress for Success, or a local homeless shelter. Some brands even have recycling programs where you can drop off worn-out items and get discounts in return.
4. Appliances
Refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines take up massive amounts of space in landfills. If your appliance is still working, donate it to a charity or sell it online. If it’s broken, recycling centers like LA Appliance Recycling can help repurpose the materials.
5. Mattresses
Mattresses are one of the trickiest things to dispose of properly. Instead of dumping them illegally (which, by the way, can lead to hefty fines), check out Bye Bye Mattress, a California program that helps recycle old beds.
6. Books
Throwing away books? That’s practically a crime! Libraries, schools, and nonprofits like Books for People accept donations. Little Free Libraries around LA are also a great way to give books a second life.
7. Plastic Containers
With LA’s commitment to reducing single-use plastics, it’s time to rethink how we dispose of plastic. Instead of trashing takeout containers and bottles, clean and recycle them at your local center, or upcycle them into storage for small household items.
8. Toys
Kids grow up fast, and their toys often get left behind. Rather than throwing them out, donate to shelters, daycare centers, or the local Boys & Girls Club. Some toy manufacturers even have recycling programs.
9. Old Paint & Chemicals
Hazardous household waste, like paint, motor oil, and cleaning products, should never go in the trash. LA County has designated drop-off sites where these materials can be disposed of safely, keeping our environment clean.
10. Scrap Metal
From broken bicycles to old bed frames, metal items can often be recycled rather than thrown away. Scrap yards around LA accept metal pieces, and some will even pay you for them.
Making Sustainable Junk Removal Easier
Finding the right way to dispose of things can feel overwhelming, but that’s where local services like G&S Junk Removal come in. They help sort, donate, and recycle as much as possible, making it easy to clear out your space without harming the planet.
Next time you’re tempted to toss something in the dumpster, take a moment to think about where it could go instead. With a little effort, we can keep LA cleaner, greener, and less wasteful—one item at a time.