Discarding household items used to be simple: hold a yard sale, drop donations at the nearest charity, or fill up the trash barrels. But today — especially if your Jenkins Group stager has suggested a pre-listing declutter or you’re preparing for a move — getting rid of problem household items in the South Shore & Greater Boston can be a lot more complicated.
Before you pour old rubbing alcohol down the drain or drag a treadmill to the curb, here’s what local experts and our team at The Jenkins Group want you to know about decluttering smart, safely, and sustainably.
Your Biggest Disposal Challenges When Decluttering or Moving
Here on the South Shore and throughout Greater Boston, the toughest items to deal with are the big, bulky pieces:
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Old couches and recliners
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Mattresses
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Refrigerators and other appliances
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Exercise equipment like treadmills or ellipticals
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Oversized dining sets
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Pianos or grandfather clocks
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Hot tubs or saunas
Many charities won’t accept these pieces if they’re worn or too large, and moving them on your own can be unsafe. Local movers confirm that heavy items require time, equipment, and sometimes very specific know-how (grand pianos… we’re looking at you).
Jenkins Group Tip: Start early! Finding a willing donation center, buyer, or hauler can take longer than expected in our region.
Where South Shore & Greater Boston Residents Can Donate or Remove Large Items
Here are local and widely available resources we recommend to our clients:
Donation Options
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Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Boston & Plymouth (often offers pickup)
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Goodwill Donation Centers – Greater Boston
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The Furniture Bank Network
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Local churches or community centers (many accept specialty items like pianos or gently used furniture)
Resell or Giveaway Platforms
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Facebook Marketplace
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Buy Nothing & FreeCycle Groups (town-specific) – Hingham, Milton, Quincy, Dorchester, Braintree, Weymouth, etc.
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NextDoor
There is always someone willing to take something for free — but transportation is often the hurdle.
Junk Removal + Pick-Up Services
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1-800-GOT-JUNK
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College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk
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Local haulers in South Shore towns
Pricing typically ranges from $100–$400, depending on volume and item type.
Ask us! Many services offer discounts when booked through a real estate agent — and The Jenkins Group is happy to connect you.
What You Cannot Throw Away in a Dumpster (Especially Locally!)
Waste Management, Republic, and most local DPWs across the South Shore prohibit disposing of these items in dumpsters or curbside bins:
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Aerosol cans
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Appliances with Freon
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Batteries
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Chemical cleaners
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Dirt or yard debris
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Electronics (TVs, monitors, computers)
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Medications
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Fluorescent bulbs
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Paint, lacquer, solvents
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Mattresses
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Oil filters, propane tanks, gasoline
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Rubbing alcohol or flammable liquids
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Large furniture
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Tree stumps
Violations can lead to town fines — and some communities (like Hingham, Cohasset, Milton) are especially strict.
Safe Disposal Options Around Greater Boston & the South Shore
Hazardous Materials
Professional movers won’t touch them — but many local towns run disposal programs.
Resources:
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Town Hazardous Waste Days
(Weymouth, Quincy, Hingham, Norwell, Braintree, and Boston all run multiple events per year) -
PaintCare Dropoff Locations (Sherwin-Williams, local hardware stores)
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Police station medication drop boxes
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DEA National RX Takeback Day
Electronics & Batteries
The average household generates nearly 50 pounds of e-waste each year!
Drop-off spots:
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Best Buy – Braintree, Dorchester, Framingham
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Staples – Quincy, Hanover, South Shore Plaza
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Call2Recycle battery drop boxes (Home Depot & Lowe’s)
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Town e-waste collections
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Cell Phone donation programs (Cell Phones for Soldiers, Digitunity)
Always wipe your data before handing over devices.
Garage, Shed & Yard Items
Many garden chemicals, propane tanks, and gasoline cannot go into regular trash — and most towns on the South Shore enforce this heavily.
Resources:
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Local fire departments – propane & gasoline disposal
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Town DPWs – hazardous waste
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Community gardens – donate unused fertilizer, soil, or lawn products
Make Decluttering Easier: Batch Your Items
Grouping similar items helps you decide what stays, what sells, and what goes. Sentimental pieces, oversized furniture, “maybe someday” electronics — these can bog you down fast.
If you're preparing your home for market, The Jenkins Group's stagers can guide you through what adds value, what should be removed, and how to streamline your move.
Decluttering Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Yes, disposal rules have become more complicated — but with the right resources and the support of a trusted local team, you can declutter responsibly and move with ease.
The Jenkins Group is here to help.
Whether you need referrals for donation centers, junk removal, movers, or staging, we’re your South Shore & Greater Boston resource for a smoother, lighter, stress-free transition.
