What Not to Toss: 5 Surprising Things You Shouldn’t Leave for Valet Trash Pickup

Valet trash services are a growing convenience in apartments and multi-family communities across Los Angeles County. Instead of hauling your trash to the dumpster, you simply leave it outside your door for collection. Simple, right?

Well—not always.

While valet trash services make life easier, many residents don’t realize there are strict rules about what can and cannot be left out for pickup. Tossing the wrong items can result in extra fees, property fines, or even service cancellations.

At G&S Junk Removal, we’ve worked with countless apartment complexes to clean up after improperly discarded items. If you’re unsure about what goes too far for valet trash, we’ve got you covered.

Here are 5 surprising things you should never leave for valet trash pickup—and what to do instead.

1. Furniture (Even Small Pieces)

It might be tempting to ditch that old office chair, barstool, or broken nightstand by the door and hope valet trash takes care of it. But furniture—even small items—is typically off-limits for pickup.

Why? Valet trash teams are not equipped to haul bulky or oversized items. Leaving furniture out can block hallways, violate fire codes, and create safety hazards for other residents.

What to do instead:
If you’re getting rid of furniture—large or small—schedule a bulky item pickup with a licensed junk removal service like G&S. We’ll handle everything from old couches to broken bookshelves, no matter the size.

2. Electronics and Appliances

That cracked TV or ancient microwave sitting on your floor? It doesn’t belong in the valet trash bin. Electronics and appliances are almost always prohibited for two big reasons:

• Local disposal laws often ban electronics from landfills

• Heavy items can damage collection carts and equipment

Many valet services won’t even touch them—and if they do, your property may get fined for improper waste disposal.

What to do instead:
At G&S Junk Removal, we properly haul and dispose of electronics, following California’s e-waste regulations. We recycle what we can and ensure nothing ends up in the wrong place.

3. Loose Trash or Overflowing Bags

You might think a single bag that’s not tied shut or a little spill isn’t a big deal. But when bags burst, liquids leak, or loose trash scatters down the hallway, it creates a mess for everyone—and that mess could lead to HOA complaints or charges.

Valet trash rules usually require:

• Tied, secure bags

• Bags placed in provided bins (if applicable)

• No loose food or debris

What to do instead:
If you’ve got more trash than fits in a bag or it’s messy, it’s safer to walk it to the dumpster—or schedule a quick trash haul with us. We often get calls from tenants who just want a one-time pickup for overflow trash or move-out waste.

4. Hazardous Materials

This one might seem obvious, but many people don’t realize common household items are actually hazardous waste. Things like:

• Paint cans (even half-used)

• Motor oil or chemicals

• Batteries

• Propane tanks

• Cleaning supplies

These materials can’t go in the regular trash, and valet pickup is definitely not the place for them.

Why it matters:
Hazardous waste needs special handling. Tossing it improperly can harm the environment, violate city codes, and create danger for sanitation workers.

What to do instead:
Los Angeles has designated hazardous waste drop-off events and facilities. Or, let G&S Junk Removal safely transport and dispose of these materials the right way.

5. Mattresses and Box Springs

Mattresses might be soft to sleep on, but they’re a nightmare when left outside for valet trash pickup. They’re bulky, hard to carry, and often banned from landfills unless processed properly.

In fact, California has strict mattress recycling laws under the Bye Bye Mattress program. Improper disposal not only violates those rules—it can also create a health hazard and attract pests.

What to do instead:
We specialize in mattress removal and recycling. Whether it’s one mattress or a full bedroom set, our team will remove it quickly and dispose of it in accordance with California law.