Junk Recyclers Who Keep It Out of the Landfill

Owner-operated · Minneapolis Local

Junk Recyclers Who Keep It Out of the Landfill

We donate and recycle as much as we can whenever possible.

4.9 from 1,987 Google reviews

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What recycling center involves

A recycling center handles the sorting, processing, and responsible diversion of materials that would otherwise end up buried. Junk Genius does the same thing, but we come to you. Our crew hauls away what you no longer need, then sorts it on the back end: furniture goes to local charity partners, electronics go to certified e-waste processors, appliances get recycled for scrap. If you're looking for junk recyclers who actually follow through on that promise, call (612) 444-5865 for a free estimate.

What we accept covers most household and commercial materials: old furniture, mattresses, cardboard, scrap metal, computers, monitors, televisions, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and general clutter. A few categories we can't touch: paint, propane tanks, and certain hazardous chemicals. For everything else, we sort it after pickup to determine what gets donated, what gets recycled, and what genuinely has no other option but disposal. Sixty to seventy percent of everything we haul avoids the landfill entirely. That number isn't a marketing line; it reflects the junk removal work we've done across the Twin Cities metro for about 15 years. Every job is different, and cost depends on volume, access, and item type. Contact Junk Genius for an accurate estimate.

What We Recycle

Materials We Sort and Divert From Landfills

We separate recyclable and donatable items from every load before anything gets disposed.

Electronics Recycling

Old computers, monitors, TVs, and printers can't go in a standard dumpster in Minnesota. We route them to certified e-waste processors. Computer recycling and printer recycling are included in our standard haul when the items are ready at the curb or in your home.

Appliance Removal and Recycling

Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves contain refrigerants and metals that require specific handling. We pull these from kitchens, basements, and garages, and route them to processors who recover the material correctly. See our full appliance removal and disposal page for details.

Mattress Recycling

Mattresses are one of the worst landfill offenders by volume. The steel springs, foam, and fabric are all recoverable. We separate mattresses from general loads and route them to processors that break them down rather than bury them. Mattress removal and disposal is one of our most common single-item pickups.

Cardboard and Fiber

Large cardboard loads from moves, deliveries, or business cleanouts are separated and baled for recycling. If you're clearing a storage unit or post-renovation space and have a mix of cardboard and general junk, we handle the whole thing in one trip.

Furniture and Donation

Usable furniture, clothes, and household goods go to our local charity partners, not the dump. We've been coordinating these donations for about 15 years. What's in good shape finds a second use. What isn't gets broken down for material recovery where possible.

Scrap Metal and Mixed Materials

Steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals from construction debris, old equipment, or general cleanouts all get separated. Metal recycling is one of the more straightforward diversions, and we've built the relationships with local processors to move volume efficiently.

How It Works

From Your Door to the Right Destination

  1. 01

    Schedule and Get a Free Quote

    Call (612) 444-5865 or use our online form. We'll ask about item types and volume, give you an estimate, and get you on the schedule. Same-week appointments are available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  2. 02

    We Haul It All in One Trip

    Our crew shows up on time, loads everything, and leaves the space clear. You don't need to sort anything beforehand. We separate recyclables, donatables, and disposal items after pickup, on our end.

  3. 03

    Materials Go Where They Should

    Electronics go to certified e-waste processors. Usable goods go to local charities. Metal and fiber go to material recyclers. What's left, and only what's left, goes to a licensed disposal facility. MN License #3772090-2 covers every load.

Why It Matters

Landfill Diversion Is the Standard, Not the Exception

Most junk removal companies dump first and ask questions never. We sort. That's not because it's easier; it takes more time and more relationships with processors and charity partners. But it's how we've operated for about 15 years, and it's why our crews hold certifications in Recycling Management and Waste Management Safety. The Twin Cities metro generates a significant volume of recoverable material every week. Old carpet, appliances, electronics, furniture: most of it has a second life if someone actually routes it correctly. We've built the back-end logistics to do that consistently, not just when it's convenient. Our 1,987 Google reviews at a 4.9-star average are partly a reflection of the work itself, and partly a reflection of customers who cared where their stuff ended up.
A junk removal company employee posing enthusiastically in front of a branded waste management truck.

Who Calls Us

Common Situations That Lead to This Call

Post-Move Cleanouts

You've moved out and the old place has a basement full of things you can't take and don't want to dump. We clear it in one trip and sort everything for recycling or donation where it qualifies.

Inherited Properties

Estate situations often involve a full house of mixed materials: electronics, appliances, furniture, clothing. We handle the whole load. Sorting is on us. You don't need to decide what's recyclable and what isn't.

Business and Office Cleanouts

Old computers, monitors, furniture, and filing cabinets from office cleanouts all contain recyclable materials. We've done commercial jobs across the metro and route electronics through certified processors every time.

Garage and Storage Unit Overhaul

Garages and storage units collect a lot of recoverable material: scrap metal, old appliances, cardboard, electronics. One call covers the whole load. Our garage cleanout service handles exactly this kind of mixed-material job.

What Customers Say

Real Feedback From Real Hauls

4.9 from 1,987 Google reviews

Donation & recycling
Consistent across residential and commercial loads for about 15 years
Certified crews on every job
MSW Hauling, Waste Management Safety, and Recycling Management certifications
Licensed in Minnesota
MN License #3772090-2, verifiable and current
Local charity partnerships
Usable goods go to Twin Cities organizations, not the landfill
Sosa and Diego were absolutely amazing. They cleaned out the whole garage in just over an hour. Very professional. Will use them again when needed. A+.
Brent NeveauBrent NeveauSep 2026 · Google
Sosa and Drew were so helpful in clearing out the junk from our garage. I would definitely recommend them!!
Natalie KramerNatalie KramerAug 2026 · Google
Fast and very good communication. Cleaned out some debris I have been looking at for months. Well worth the price for getting it gone quickly. Saved me a day of doing it myself. Thank you!
Dusty KemmisDusty KemmisAug 2026 · Google
Sosa and Diego did a wonderful job! We ended up having more junk than we initially planned, but they were accommodating and kind. They got done very quickly but still managed to do a very thorough job. I would recommend this company.
Colin JoyceColin JoyceAug 2026 · Google
If Sosa and Diego roll up to take your stuff, you’re in good hands. Easy to chat with and very fast. Will call again if I need em
CameronCameronAug 2026 · Google
Sosa and Diego did an incredible job on my garage. I had bought a house and the seller had left all sorts of junk in the garage including an old fridge and many mattresses. They were able to work with me to get it done fast and affordably. I will definitely be keeping them in mind for future work
Riley JayRiley JayAug 2026 · Google
Sosa and Diego were very prepared, friendly, and professional. They took care of all the furniture I needed removed with ease. I would definitely use this service again and highly recommend this team of guys!
Emily YaroszEmily YaroszAug 2026 · Google
I had a few places come do estimates, and Junk Genius was definitely the most reasonable. They were also able to switch our day/time when we had something coming up. Big shout out to Lester and Isaiah! They were friendly, respectful of the space, and incredibly efficient!
Diane HansmeierDiane HansmeierAug 2026 · Google

What Responsible Hauling Actually Looks Like

Sixteen years in the trade. Still sorting every load.

FAQ

Recycling Questions We Hear Regularly

What is the meaning of recycling center?
A recycling center is a facility that receives, sorts, and processes materials for reuse rather than disposal. Some centers accept drop-offs from the public. Junk Genius functions as a mobile recycling service: we come to your location, haul the material, and route it to the appropriate processor. You don't need to transport anything.
What are 5 items that can be recycled through a junk removal service?
Electronics (computers, monitors, TVs), appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers), mattresses (steel springs, foam, and fabric are all recoverable), scrap metal from old equipment or furniture frames, and cardboard from moves or cleanouts. These are among the most common recyclable items we pull on residential and commercial jobs.
Where can I recycle cardboard in the Twin Cities?
Most municipal programs accept small amounts curbside, but large volumes from moves, deliveries, or business cleanouts require a different approach. Junk Genius picks up mixed loads that include cardboard along with furniture, electronics, and other items. We separate and route the cardboard for recycling as part of the standard haul.
Does Junk Genius actually recycle, or do you just say that?
Our crews hold Recycling Management and Waste Management Safety certifications. Sixty to seventy percent of everything we haul is diverted from landfills through recycling or donation. That figure reflects actual routing, not a goal. We've maintained local charity partnerships and processor relationships for about 15 years to make it consistent, not occasional.
What items can't be recycled or hauled through your service?
We don't handle paint, propane tanks, or certain hazardous chemicals. Asbestos-containing materials are also outside our scope. Everything else, including electronics, appliances, furniture, mattresses, scrap metal, and construction debris, we can evaluate on a job-by-job basis. Not sure if your item qualifies? Call (612) 444-5865 and we'll give you a straight answer.
What is the recycling process after you pick up my items?
After pickup, our crew sorts the load. Usable furniture and household goods go to charity partners. Electronics go to certified e-waste processors who handle Minnesota's e-waste regulations. Appliances get routed to processors that recover refrigerants and metals. Cardboard and metal go to material recyclers. Only what has no other viable destination goes to a licensed disposal facility.
More questions (1)Fewer questions
How does your service compare to dropping items at a municipal recycling facility?
Municipal drop-off sites have limited hours, accept only specific categories, and require you to sort and transport everything yourself. We handle mixed loads, come to your location, do the sorting on our end, and route materials to multiple destinations. For large volumes or items that don't fit municipal programs, one call to us covers everything.

Get Started

Schedule a Pickup With the Twin Cities' Junk Recyclers

We donate and recycle as much as we can whenever possible. Call Mike's crew and let's keep it that way.

Call (612) 444-5865 Get a free quote

4.9 from 1,987 Google reviews