Backyards accumulate clutter differently than the inside of a house — patio furniture that's seen one too many seasons, a grill that stopped lighting two summers ago, a playset the kids outgrew, scrap lumber from a fence repair. None of it feels urgent to deal with, so it piles up along the fence line or in a corner of the yard. Here's how to sort it and what it costs to have the rest hauled away.
Common Backyard Items and How to Handle Them
| Item | Best First Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Patio furniture (working condition) | Sell or donate | Metal and resin sets hold resale value; Facebook Marketplace is the fastest route |
| Patio furniture (broken/rusted) | Junk removal | Metal frames may have scrap value if separated first |
| Propane grill | Sell if working, junk removal if not | Detach the propane tank first — it cannot go with the grill |
| Propane tanks | Exchange at retailer | Never trash or include in a junk removal load — explosion hazard |
| Swing sets / playsets | Sell if usable, junk removal if not | May need to be broken down to clear a gate |
| Above-ground pools | Junk removal | See our above-ground pool removal guide for cost and DIY draining steps |
| Trampolines | Sell first | See our trampoline disposal guide |
| Hot tubs | Junk removal (specialized) | See our hot tub & shed removal guide |
| Sheds and shed contents | Junk removal | See our shed cleanout guide |
| Old paint, stain, chemicals stored outside | HHW drop-off | See our hazardous waste disposal guide |
| Yard waste (branches, leaves, clippings) | Municipal pickup or junk removal | Many junk removal companies accept it alongside other backyard items |
| Scrap lumber / old fencing | Junk removal | Pressure-treated wood is often restricted from yard waste programs |
| Lawn ornaments, planters, decorative items | Donate or junk removal | Low resale value unless vintage or unusual |
Step-by-Step Backyard Cleanout
- Walk the yard and make a list: Note every large item — furniture sets, the grill, playset, pool, shed contents — before deciding what to do with each.
- Pull out anything hazardous: Propane tanks, old paint, pesticides, and chemicals need separate disposal and can't go on a junk removal truck.
- Photograph and list items to sell: Working patio furniture, grills, and playsets move quickly on Facebook Marketplace — post them before the junk crew arrives.
- Set aside donation items: Usable furniture and equipment in good condition can go to a local donation center or charity pickup.
- Separate scrap metal: Metal furniture frames, grill bodies (with the tank removed), and fencing hardware may have scrap value.
- Book junk removal for the rest: Get the leftover clutter, damaged furniture, and yard debris hauled in one trip.
Propane Tanks Need Separate Handling
Propane tanks are the one backyard item that virtually every junk removal company will refuse, regardless of size or whether the tank is empty. They're an explosion hazard and aren't covered under standard hauling insurance. Standard 20-lb grill tanks can be exchanged at Blue Rhino or AmeriGas exchange points at many hardware stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. Small 1-lb camping cylinders can often be returned to hardware stores that sell them. Never put a propane tank in the trash, recycling, or a junk removal load.
Access Matters More in a Backyard
Unlike an indoor cleanout, backyard jobs depend heavily on how items get out of the yard. A narrow side gate can turn a simple pickup into a job that requires disassembly — this is especially common with hot tubs, large playsets, and above-ground pools, which often need to be broken down on-site before they'll clear a standard gate. When you book, mention gate width, whether there's a paved path from the yard to the street, and any stairs or slopes the crew will need to navigate. Accurate access details up front help avoid a higher quote once the crew arrives.
Backyard Junk Removal Costs
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| General backyard clutter (furniture, grill, debris) | $150–$600 |
| Single large item (grill, furniture set) | $75–$200 |
| Above-ground pool | $300–$800 |
| Trampoline | $100–$250 |
| Hot tub | $300–$700 |
| Shed (with contents) | $150–$800 |
Full backyard clutter is typically priced by truck volume, the same way indoor junk removal is. Large single items like pools, hot tubs, and sheds are priced separately because they require specialized labor or disassembly — see the linked guides above for details on each.
What Not to Do
- Don't leave a propane tank attached to a grill you're setting out for junk removal — detach it first, the crew will refuse the whole item otherwise.
- Don't assume yard waste is included automatically — confirm with the company when you book.
- Don't skip measuring gate width before booking hot tub, pool, or playset removal — tight access adds cost and time.
- Don't put pressure-treated lumber in a municipal yard waste bin without checking local rules first.
- Don't forget to check for scrap value in metal furniture frames and grill bodies before hauling everything as junk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will junk removal companies take yard waste?
Most junk removal companies take yard waste alongside furniture, appliances, and general debris in the same load. It's worth confirming when you book, since some companies price bagged leaves and branches differently from bulky items like old patio furniture or a broken grill.
Can a junk removal company take my propane tank?
No. Propane tanks are a fire and explosion hazard and are refused by virtually all junk removal companies, empty or not. Small 1-lb camping cylinders can often be returned to hardware stores. Standard 20-lb grill tanks can be exchanged at Blue Rhino or AmeriGas exchange points found at many retailers and gas stations.
What can I do with an old swing set or playset?
A playset in usable condition often sells quickly on Facebook Marketplace — many buyers will disassemble and haul it themselves. If it's damaged or unsafe, a junk removal crew can dismantle and remove it, though wood playsets with pressure-treated lumber and metal frames may need to be broken down on-site first to fit through a gate.
How much does it cost to clear out a whole backyard?
A general backyard cleanout — patio furniture, a broken grill, yard debris, miscellaneous clutter — typically runs $150–$600 depending on volume, similar to standard junk removal pricing. Large single items like a hot tub, shed, or above-ground pool are quoted separately since they require extra labor and sometimes disassembly.
Can I put old treated lumber or fencing in the regular trash?
Most municipal trash pickup won't take large volumes of lumber or fencing, and pressure-treated wood is restricted from some yard waste programs because of the chemicals used to treat it. A junk removal company or a construction debris disposal service can generally take it as part of a mixed load.
Do I need to be home for a backyard junk removal appointment?
Most companies just need access to the backyard, which is often possible through a side gate without anyone being home. Confirm this with the company when booking, and make sure gates are unlocked and any pets are secured before the crew arrives.