Does 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK Take Medical Equipment?
Yes. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK will pick up most non‑hazardous medical items—hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters, lift chairs, oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, nebulizers, and Hoyer lifts—provided they fit within the truck volume you book and meet safety guidelines. Items that contain sharps, bio‑hazard waste, medication, residual oxygen, or refrigerant are not accepted.
1. What Medical Equipment Does 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Accept?
Hospital Beds
Standard‑size hospital beds (including mattress and frame) are treated like a large piece of furniture. They can be loaded directly onto the truck; no curb‑side staging is required.
Wheelchairs & Walkers
Manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as walkers and rollators, are accepted. Remove any detachable batteries and ensure the wheels turn freely.
Mobility Scooters
Scooters are fine as long as the battery is removed and the device is empty of fluids. A typical scooter occupies roughly the space of a small chair.
Lift Chairs
Electric lift chairs are accepted. Detach the power cord and any removable cushions before the crew arrives.
Oxygen Concentrators, CPAP Machines, Nebulizers
These electronic devices are allowed only if the tanks are empty and the unit is free of residual oxygen or refrigerant. Empty the tank, disconnect the power source, and clean the exterior.
Hoyer Lifts
Manual or hydraulic Hoyer lifts are accepted. Disassemble any removable components to fit the truck’s dimensions.
What Cannot Be Taken
- Sharps (needles, lancets, syringes) – regulated as bio‑hazard waste.
- Bio‑hazard waste (used dressings, contaminated linens).
- Medications (prescription bottles, over‑the‑counter pills).
- Residual oxygen or refrigerant – tanks that still contain pressurized gas or refrigerant must be disposed of through a certified hazardous‑waste provider.
If any of the above apply, you’ll need to arrange a separate disposal method before 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK arrives.
2. How Pricing Works for Medical Gear
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK charges by volume, not by item. The truck’s interior is measured in cubic yards, and you select the smallest load that can accommodate your items.
| Load Size | Approx. Dimensions | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8 truck) | 1.25 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | $100 – $150 |
| Small load | – | $107 – $396 |
| Medium load | – | $396 – $600 |
| Large load | – | $600 – $1,099 |
| Half truck | 5 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | $400 – $600 |
| Full truck | 10 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W (≈ 18 cu yd) | $600 – $1,000 |
*Ranges reflect regional variation; exact quote comes from the on‑site estimate.
What the Price Includes
- All labor (the crew loads items from anywhere on your property).
- Hauling, disposal, and recycling fees.
- Post‑pickup cleanup of the area you used.
- Licensed and insured crew.
Worked Example
Scenario: You have two hospital beds, one powered wheelchair, and a CPAP machine.
| Item | Approx. Volume (cu ft) |
|---|---|
| Hospital bed (incl. mattress) | 30 |
| Powered wheelchair | 12 |
| CPAP machine (box) | 2 |
| Total | 44 cu ft |
The minimum load (1/8 truck) holds about 9 cu ft (1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft = 50 ft³ ÷ 8 ≈ 6.25 cu ft, rounded to 9 cu ft for practical loading). Your 44 cu ft exceeds that, so you need at least a half‑truck (≈ 9 cu ft × 4 = 36 cu ft) but still short of the full 44 cu ft, meaning you’ll need a full truck.
Pricing calculation:
- Full‑truck minimum: $600 (low end of range).
- If you live in a high‑cost metro (e.g., Seattle), you may be quoted toward the top of the range, say $1,000.
Result: Expect a price between $600 – $1,000 for this load. The crew will handle all lifting, loading, and disposal—no need to bring items to the curb.
3. How to Prepare Your Medical Equipment for Pickup
- Empty all tanks – Fully depressurize oxygen concentrator tanks or any refrigerant‑containing components.
- Detach batteries and cords – Remove lithium‑ion batteries and power cords; place them in a separate bag.
- Disassemble where possible – Collapse wheelchairs, remove headboards from beds, and break down any removable frames.
- Clean surfaces – Wipe down equipment to remove bodily fluids or bodily fluids residue. This prevents bio‑hazard classification.
- Clear the path – Ensure there is a clear route from the item’s location to the pickup spot; the crew will load from anywhere on the property, but obstacles increase labor time.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Costs You More |
|---|---|
| Leaving batteries in the device | Crew must handle hazardous batteries, which may require extra paperwork or cause a refusal. |
| Not emptying oxygen tanks | Residual pressure is a safety hazard; the crew will refuse or charge a hazardous‑waste fee. |
| Over‑packing the truck | If you exceed the quoted volume, the crew may need a second truck, doubling the cost. |
| Assuming curb‑side loading | 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK includes loading from anywhere; moving items yourself adds no value. |
Avoid these pitfalls to keep the quoted price intact.
4. Alternatives: Donating or Selling Your Equipment
If the equipment still works, donating can be cheaper (free) and often yields a tax deduction. Many nonprofits accept specific items:
| Item | Typical Accepting Organizations |
|---|---|
| Hospital beds | Local hospitals, nursing homes, Veterans’ Affairs facilities |
| Wheelchairs & walkers | Goodwill, The Salvation Army, local disability charities |
| Mobility scooters | AbilityNet, local senior centers, Habitat for Humanity ReStores |
| Lift chairs | Churches, community health clinics |
| CPAP machines | Sleep apnea support groups, local shelters |
| Hoyer lifts | Home health agencies, hospice programs |
Steps to donate
- Call the organization to confirm they accept the specific device.
- Arrange a pickup (many charities offer free curbside pickup).
- Ask for a receipt for tax purposes.
If you have a working device but no charitable outlet nearby, consider selling on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local buy‑sell groups. This can offset the cost of a future junk‑removal job.
5. How 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Stacks Up Against Competitors
| Company | Minimum Charge | Pricing Basis | Typical Range for a Half‑Truck | Coverage | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | $100 – $150 | Volume (1/8‑truck increments) | $400 – $600 | All 50 states | All labor, loading, disposal, cleanup included |
| LoadUp | $89 | Per‑item (flat rate) | $389 – $489* | All 50 states | Guaranteed online price; often 20‑30 % cheaper |
| Junk King | $99 | Volume | $389 – $488 | Select states | Approximate online estimate; gaps in coverage |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150 – $750 | Volume | $400 – $600 | Many states | $99 dispatch fee often added after booking |
*LoadUp’s half‑truck estimate is derived from averaging typical per‑item quotes for a comparable load.
Key Takeaways
- Volume vs. item pricing – If you have a few high‑value pieces (e.g., a single hospital bed), LoadUp’s per‑item model may be cheaper.
- Service inclusions – 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK includes loading from anywhere on the property, which many competitors charge extra for.
- Regional variation – All companies adjust prices for local landfill fees; the ranges above already incorporate that variability.
Ask for an on‑site estimate from each provider before committing; the final price can differ by up to 30 % based on local factors.
6. What People Get Wrong (Common Misconceptions)
- “There’s a 30 % military discount.” – No official military, senior, student, or AAA discounts exist. Coupon sites often list expired or fake codes.
- “You must move items to the curb.” – The quoted price already includes loading from anywhere on your property; moving them yourself does not lower cost.
- “All hazardous medical waste is accepted.” – Sharps, bio‑hazard waste, medications, and tanks with residual gas are excluded and must be handled separately.
- “The online price is final.” – 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK does not provide a price online or over the phone; the free on‑site estimate is the only official quote.
- “Consolidating loads doesn’t matter.” – Combining multiple items into a single truck can reduce the per‑item cost dramatically. Splitting a load often adds a second truck fee.
Understanding these facts prevents surprise fees and saves time.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK take a used oxygen tank that still has gas?
A: No. Tanks with residual oxygen or refrigerant are considered hazardous and must be disposed of through a certified hazardous‑waste provider.
Q2. How far in advance should I book a pickup for medical equipment?
A: Same‑day service is often available, but booking 24‑48 hours ahead improves scheduling flexibility, especially for larger loads.
Q3. Do I need to be present when the crew arrives?
A: Yes, a responsible adult should be on site to grant access and answer any safety questions, but you do not need to assist with loading.
Q4. What if my equipment is still functional—should I still pay for removal?
A: Consider donating or selling first. Many charities accept working medical gear for free, and the tax receipt can offset any removal cost you later incur.
Q5. Are there any hidden fees for disposal of electronic medical devices?
A: No. The quoted price includes all disposal and recycling fees for accepted items. Items that are prohibited (e.g., CPAP machines with batteries still in them) will be refused, not charged extra.
Q6. How do I know which truck size I need?
A: Use the dimensions in the table above as a guide, or request the free on‑site estimate. The crew will measure your items and recommend the smallest load that fits.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Bottom Line
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK will haul most non‑hazardous medical equipment as long as it fits within a volume‑based load and follows safety prep steps. The price you receive on the free on‑site estimate—ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on load size—covers all labor, loading, hauling, disposal, and cleanup. If your items are still usable, explore donation or resale options first; they are free and may provide a tax benefit. Always verify the final quote on‑site, and compare with competitors like LoadUp or Junk King to ensure you’re getting the best value for your specific situation.