Category: Rubbish Removal

• Junk
• Rubbish
• Garbage
• Waste
• Debris
• Materials
• Items
• Stuff

Call it what you like.  We all have it.  And at times we have way too much of it.  And we need to get rid of it.

Junk and rubbish removal has evolved especially in the last several years.  Our planet seems to be smaller and more interconnected.  We are now even more aware of our individual and collective impact on the planet.  Everything we do has an impact.

Therefore, there have been implemented many more stringent rules and regulations surrounding junk and rubbish removal.  The cost of disposal has steadily increased.  And the process of junk removal and disposal is more time-consuming as items and materials need to be separated into various recycling and waste disposal categories, usually at the job site, so they can be dropped off at the appropriate facilities afterwards. Mountains of items are being hauled daily to various recycling facilities and landfills.

Not everybody’s junk removal needs are the same.

We have gone into crawl spaces with forehead flashlights to retrieve items and materials; basements; attics; garages; outdoor sheds; storage lockers; yards; back alleys; docks; offices; construction sites and of course houses and apartments.

We have had some unusual jobs.  For instance, we cleared out a large storage space chock full of vintage office equipment, etc. from the 1930’s and 1940’s, including a vintage pinball machine.  Another customer had a large collection of LP record albums.  Turns out the sleeves were all empty, however, the sleeves themselves were collectors’ items!  The fellow at the music store had never seen such a collection before and happily took all the boxes of empty sleeves for framing purposes.

We service both Residential and Commercial customers.  This includes houses, condos, apartment complexes, offices, retail stores, restaurants, salons, landscapers and construction sites to name a few.

Residential customers have a multitude of reasons for needing junk removal.  Most of these jobs entail picking up furniture, boxes of household items, mattresses, old appliances, electronics, gym fitness equipment, trampolines, children’s playground equipment, carpeting, flooring, bathtubs, tires, car batteries, barbeques, propane tanks, etc.  The unwanted items might be the end result of renovations, redecorating, moving, downsizing, updating, de-cluttering, re-organizing, leftover garage sale items, appliance breakdown, locker clear out, yard and garden maintenance and clean-up, landscaping debris (plant material as well as bricks, rocks, concrete, etc.), soil and fencing debris.

Our Commercial customers are located in offices, retail stores, salons, and restaurants, etc.  They often require our services when they are moving, renovating, updating, replacing furniture, equipment and/or appliances, cleaning up indoor and/or outdoor space.  Or we may be asked to remove debris and garbage after a special event.   If a company is closing up shop they may have display items such as racks and shelving units, etc. that need to go.  Also, recycling room bins may be in an overflow situation prior to their normal scheduled recycling pickup so we are called in to clear away the excess.

What Happens to Your Stuff:

All materials that can be recycled such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, metal, appliances, electronics, etc. need to be taken to the appropriate recycling facility.  Chemicals, paints, batteries, light bulbs, hazardous materials also need to be taken to their respective depositories to be disposed of safely and responsibly.

Appliances and electronics are not built to last.  Back in the day a refrigerator or washing machine could last for 25 years.  Now you are lucky if it lasts five years!  It is cheaper to replace it than to pay for the repairs.  Years ago, we might have dumped them into the landfills.  We no longer do this.  Nowadays, used appliances are hauled to a recycling facility where they are taken apart and the metals and parts are recycled and perhaps even reused if possible.

Old, discarded mattresses are no longer just thrown into the landfill like they were years ago.  They are dropped off at a facility where they are taken apart.  The metal coils are separated so they can go directly to the metal recycling facility and the foam portion is sent to another facility to be recycled separately.

Old furniture and furnishings that are in reasonable condition and still serviceable will be accepted by a charitable organization to sell and hence be reused by someone else.

Landscaping material, if properly sorted and not contaminated with other materials, can be taken to a facility for recycling.  Yard waste consisting only of trimmings, leaves, grass, branches (maximum 45 cm in diameter and 2.6 meters long), and plant remains, will be accepted for recycling.  If other materials such as bricks, rocks, concrete, etc. are mixed in with the yard waste, it is considered contaminated and will not be accepted for recycling.  If that is the case, the materials will be taken to the landfill instead.

Construction debris is separated into categories such as drywall, wood, metal, cardboard, etc. so that it can be recycled.  Drywall, pre-1990, needs to be sent to an accredited laboratory for testing and analysis to determine if it contains asbestos.  This is done prior to the materials being picked up by a rubbish removal company.  If the drywall does in fact contain asbestos there are strict protocols that need to be followed, such as double bagging, etc.  A qualified contractor will be aware of the proper procedures.  There are certain rubbish companies that specialize in picking it up and taking it away for you.  Our company does not handle asbestos.

We are able to deal with the many different types of chemicals and solvents, etc. that our customers may have.  We drop them off at a regional recycling facility.  Unfortunately, Environment Canada has not yet established a full spectrum of chemicals that can be recycled.  If the chemicals, etc. are not accepted and cannot be handled by the regional recycling facility they are then taken to another facility that specializes in such chemicals, paints and solvents.  Extra charges will apply.

There are many different ways of talking about junk and rubbish removal.  And, as you can see, there are also many different steps involved once we drive away from our customers’ premises so that we can dispose of the items and materials responsibly.

Give Junkyard Angel a call and we’ll be happy to take away your stuff and lighten your load.

When we take away your load, we take a load off of you.

Throughout the years we have had many business customers who have presented us with a variety of requests for their junk and rubbish removal needs.

Sometimes it may be as simple as having an old desk and/or broken chair removed. Or we may be asked to haul away a no longer functioning refrigerator from the coffee room; or perhaps dryer appliances from a hair salon. After a minor or major clean up and decluttering of their offices, a customer may give us a call to pick up items that are no longer of service to them. Perhaps a business has decided to update equipment and/or electronics and needs the old ones taken away. A business may be in the middle of a move and we are tasked with removing only select items.

At other times the request may entail a job of a larger and more extensive scope such as clearing out an entire office space. The office space may have already been vacated and we need to clear away all the items that have been left behind. Sometimes the office space has been left behind in quite the disarray! We have cleaned out entire office spaces whereby we not only dismantled partitions and removed all the desks, chairs and other office furniture, but we also emptied office desk drawers and cleared out the supplies and equipment from the stock/mail room. These particular jobs may be fairly large in scope and require a 4-person crew (or more). As we are packing up the office supplies, etc., we ensure that items are separated into their respective disposal designations such as: charitable donations; paper recycling, electronics recycling; glass recycling; metal recycling, batteries; light bulbs and fixtures; paint recycling, chemical recycling, etc. As a side note, at one particular office site, several very large, beautiful plants had been left behind. We immediately placed an ad on Craigslist under the ‘Free’ section and within minutes had an overwhelming response. In no time, the beautiful plants found new homes with very happy new owners. It was a win-win situation for all.

There are many scenarios and, at some point, there will likely come a time when most businesses will require the services of a professional junk and rubbish removal company.

So, whether you are in the process of moving and need some items removed prior to and/or after the move; have just finished a decluttering; have upgraded the office furniture and/or electronics; or updated office equipment, a professional junk and rubbish removal company can help you out.

Whatever the circumstances we can take away whatever no longer serves you.

It can be difficult to gauge exactly how much stuff there is when it is spread throughout the office space. We will gladly come in and have a look at the situation and we can give you a guesstimate. Or we may ask that you send us photos. Our price will be based upon the volume, time and labour to complete the job. If there are heavy items involved the weight may also play a factor.

We will ascertain the scope of the job. Perhaps there are large or awkward objects that will need to be disassembled before being removed from the space so they are able to fit into the elevator and loading dock. This would include items such as office partitions and L-shaped desks for instance. Or perhaps there is heavy equipment that needs to be taken away.

We can also pro-rate the job. This means that the final price will be dependant upon how full the truck and/or trailer is after they are loaded (one-quarter full; one-half full, etc.).

There are several factors we need to find out prior to beginning the job and some questions that we may ask our customer:

What about parking?
Is street parking available? If so, are there any restrictions? If so, the customer may need to apply for a special parking permit from the City of Vancouver to reserve parking space for a specified block of time.
Is there an alley for parking?
Is there a loading dock?
What are the height restrictions in the underground parking?
Is there an elevator? Is there a commercial elevator?
Will the elevator be booked? Special permission will be required from the building management as the elevator needs to be locked and the elevator most likely will need to be padded.

How high is the elevator?
Has an electrician disconnected everything applicable so we can safely remove items? Some electrical setups such as specialty stoves, dryers, dishwashers, etc. may need to be disconnected by an electrician or building maintenance person. Modular desks may be wired and need to be disconnected by an electrician. We are not electricians.

Tips:

Just to recap, there are a few tips we can give our business customers regarding junk and rubbish removal. To prepare for our arrival there are certain preparations you may wish to do in advance to facilitate an easy, seamless process – and to make it less stressful on you.

Ensure the proper folks have been notified regarding your move. These folks might include the building management and/or building maintenance in order to reserve and lock the elevator (and to ensure elevator padding is in place); getting the appropriate parking permits for street parking if required, or loading dock permission / reservations; hiring an electrician or building maintenance person to disconnect any electrical components necessary so our work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

To avoid any confusion, particularly if you are in the midst of a move, it is good to label clearly exactly what you wish us to take away. What goes and what stays? This is especially true if the items are not in the same vicinity and are spread out throughout the office. For instance, you might employ a system whereby orange neon stickers are placed on all items that are to be removed by us from your premises.

Also, it is a good idea to pack or keep ‘like’ items together. Some categories of these items that you would like us to take away might be:

• Donations
• Office Supplies (these will be donated to a charitable organization)
• Paper recycling
• Cardboard recycling
• Glass recycling
• Electronics
• Batteries
• Light bulbs/fixtures
• Paints and Chemicals
• Photocopy toner

In case you have sensitive items that need to be shredded we can recommend a company that specializes in safe document destruction.

These are just a few tips that might be helpful for you.

We look forward to serving our business customers!

*Please note that during Covid-19 you may prefer we do curb side pickup.  If we are entering your premises our crew will be wearing masks and gloves for everyone’s protection.  Stay safe!

What size is your truck?
We have a 14 yard dump truck / trailer combo

What size is the trailer?
It can hold 8 cubic yards

How much do you charge?
Our minimum charge is $75 for the size of a washing machine.

How do you base your pricing?
Our price for one full truck and trailer load combo (14 cubic yards) is based on one tonne of material.  If the materials or items are assessed to exceed one tonne in weight then excess weight charges will apply.  For example brick, tiles, concrete, hardwood flooring, etc. may have excess weight.

I’m not sure how much stuff I have?
Sometimes it can be difficult for folks to gauge exactly how much stuff they have when it is spread out throughout the home or yard, etc.

If you are not sure how much stuff there is we can usually guesstimate the cost to remove the items.  However, we can also pro-rate the load.  This means that the final price will depend on how full the truck is after it is loaded.  For instance, if the loaded truck is one-quarter full, one-half full, three-quarters full, etc.

Does the price include dump fees?
Yes, dump fees are included.  Dump/disposal fees can vary depending on volume, weight and material.  In cases where the materials and load are exceptionally heavy, there may be an extra charge.   Also, there is an added cost for drywall removal and certain chemicals.   As an example, even though a load of Styrofoam is very light it actually costs more to dispose of it.

What about taxes?
We charge 5% GST for rubbish removal.   We add 7% PST also when we are delivering soil or other landscape materials to our customers.

Do you empty recycling bins?
Yes we do.  We take the items to the appropriate recycling facility.

Do you work on weekends?
Yes we do!

Do you work evenings?
Our normal operating hours are between 8:00am and 5pm.  We are, however, flexible.  We can start earlier and work later depending on our customers’ needs.

Do you donate and recycle?
Yes, we sort materials as we load the truck.  We sort items into several sections including:  Donations; Recycling (paper; plastic; metal; electronics; paint and chemicals; propane tanks, etc.); and lastly Waste/garbage.

How far in advance do I need to book?
It’s a good idea to book at least a day or two in advance if possible.

Can you do the job today?
We will try our best to provide prompt, efficient service.   However, it’s not a bad idea to book appointments in advance if possible.

Is there anything you cannot take away?
Asbestos.  Bed bugs.

Do you remove chemicals?
We can handle most chemicals.  Certain chemicals need to be brought to a special facility for processing for an additional cost.  For example: industrial paint.   It is important to keep labels on all paint cans, etc.  It is more expensive to dispose of paints when the labels have been removed as they then need to be taken to a special facility.

How big is your crew?
We normally have a 1-2 person crew.  If required, we can provide additional labour to complete any job that we take on.

What do you charge for labour?
The first hour is generally included in the price.  For larger jobs, after the first hour, we charge an additional labour rate of $85 per hour for two people.

Can you remove (fill in the blank) for us?
If we can’t help you we will try to help steer you to someone who can.

What is your service area?
We service the Lower Mainland.

Do you deliver soil and other landscaping material?
We can handle up to 2 yards of soil (1 yard of gravel equivalent) in our dump truck.  If required we have a trailer for additional material.  Labour is required to unload the trailer.

What are the payment options:
We accept cash, cheque, e-transfer, credit card.

QUESTIONS WE MAY ASK THE CUSTOMER:

How much stuff is there?
This may range from as little as one item to a truck and/or trailer full.
Sometimes it can be difficult for folks to gauge exactly how much stuff they have when it is spread out.  We can usually guesstimate the cost to remove the items.  However, we can also pro-rate the load.  This means that the final price will depend on how full the truck is after it is loaded.  For instance, if the loaded truck is one-quarter full, one-half full, three-quarters full, etc.

Where are the items located?
Are the items in one location or spread out?
Is it a house or apartment?
Are the items/materials heavy and/or bulky?
Very heavy or bulky item(s) may need to be dismantled prior to removal.  Also, special tools may be required.

Regarding couch and furniture removal:

• – What size is it?
• – Is it a regular sofa or a sofa bed or recliner type?
• – Is it heavy and/or bulky?
• – Are there stairs involved?
• – Is there an elevator?
• – Will the item fit through the door?
• – Will the item need to be disassembled to fit through the door or into the elevator?
• – What distance are the item(s)/material(s) from our parked truck?
• – Are there bed bugs
• – Is there anything else we should know?

Regarding mattress removal:

• – What size is the mattress and/or box spring
• – Is it a regular coil or foam type mattress or a heavy metal hospital type bed? We have been requested to pick up a single bed and, on arrival, discover that the bed is a heavy hospital-type bed with metal mechanisms.  This, of course, is more expensive to remove and dispose of and requires more manpower.
• -Are there bed bugs?

Does the elevator need to be reserved?

If so, permission will be required from the building management in advance of the job.

What is parking availability?
Are there parking restrictions?
How high is the underground parking?
Is there a loading dock?
Are there any bedbugs?
Is there any asbestos?

Call Junkyard Angel to set up an appointment.

We will offer prompt, efficient service at your convenience.

 

When we take away your load, we take a load off of you. We take a load off your shoulders. That’s what we do.

You don’t have to do it yourself.  That’s what we do.

 When you don’t have the time – or inclination – to remove unwanted items from your premises.  We can.  That’s what we do.

 When you want the convenience of having someone else do the heavy lifting.  Leave it to us.  That’s what we do.

 When you’re feeling too stressed, overwhelmed or just too plain tired to haul it away yourself.  Give us a call. That’s what we do.

 When you just want it gone!  We can take it away.  That’s what we do. 

 Help is on the way.  Let us help you.  That’s what we do.

 Whether you have one item or a truck and/or trailer full. Give us a call.

 We can clear out and remove your unwanted items.

 It’s as easy as picking up the phone.  Give the Junkyard Angel a call.

 We are a professional rubbish removal company.  We have the experience and know-how to get the job done.  We are attentive to the needs of our customers and hope to make it a seamless and pleasant experience because we want you to be happy!  And we hope you give us a call the next time too for your junk removal needs.  Our aim is to please you and have you as a repeat customer.  We love repeat customers!

 We serve residential as well as commercial customers.  We are located in Vancouver and service the Lower Mainland.

 For convenient, prompt, efficient, professional service give Junkyard Angel a call. 

 We can take away your furniture, household goods, old appliances, mattresses, electronics, paints, chemicals, gardening debris and construction debris including concrete, brick, soil, tile and other miscellaneous materials. We can also clear commercial office spaces of desks, partitions and other items. 

 We have all the necessary tools, equipment and experience required to get the job done.

 We load your item(s) and materials into our ¾-ton truck and/or trailer separating and sorting as we go. We separate the items so they can be disposed of responsibly and in an environmentally friendly way.   We care about the environment.

 When we drive away from your premises our work is not done.

 It may be required that we make several stops afterwards to dispose of and/or drop off your items at various depositories located around town. These include electronics drop offs, appliance drop offs, metal recycling or wood recycling or paper recycling or plastic recycling, mattress recycling, paint recycling and chemical recycling. Our first choice always is to donate all donate-able items so they can hopefully find a new home and can be reused by someone else.  After all …. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Our last resort is the landfill.

 We are all more environmentally conscious nowadays.  Although it has become more costly and time-consuming, it is crucial that everything be properly disposed of and/or recycled.   We take it seriously and we take the time and effort to do so under the guidelines and regulations set out by the City of Vancouver.

 There are so many good reasons to hire the Junkyard Angel:

• If you want to save yourself the time, hassle and physical labour of loading and unloading your items by yourself
• If you want your items removed from your premises quickly, smoothly and efficiently
• If you don’t want to enlist the help of friends and family (again!)
• If you don’t want to keep putting it off
• If you don’t want to spend your valuable time, energy and gas driving around town dropping off items responsibly for donation and/or recycling facilities
• If you don’t want to wait in line ups at those facilities
• If you don’t have a vehicle
• If you don’t know someone with a truck who can help
• If you don’t want to rent a truck
• If you want to save yourself a trip to the chiropractor!

 We can do small jobs and large jobs. Whether it’s one item or a truck and trailer full. We can do it.

 Whether you are a new customer or a repeat customer we will gladly take care of your disposal removal requirements.

 You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that everything is under control.  Help is on the way when you call the Junkyard Angel.

 So, for convenient, hassle free, prompt, efficient, professional, expert, experienced, pleasant, helpful service give the Junkyard Angel a call.   We pride ourselves on it.  It’s a good feeling for the Junkyard Angel team when our customers are feeling a sense of relief, contentment and satisfaction that their space is now clear.  It really does make us feel good when the customer is satisfied.  And we have many satisfied customers.  

 Just remember our motto is Piece by Peace.

 We have been proudly serving the Lower Mainland for 15 years and we are still going strong.   And we are WorkSafe and liability insured.

 To make it convenient for you we have a variety of payments options.  You can pay by cash, cheque, e-transfer, credit card.

 So, the next time you’re contemplating on how you’re going to get rid of stuff … you’ve been meaning to get to it …. whether it’s a mountain of stuff or just one item ….. it could be accumulating in your house, garage, basement, attic, shed, warehouse, storage locker … it could be renovations materials …. or gardening debris that you’d like to see gone ….. consider giving an experienced, friendly, efficient professional team at the Junkyard Angel a phone call to look after you.  You’ll be glad you did.  Help is on the way.

 When we take away your load, we take a load off of you. That’s what we do.