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ECO-FRIENDLY

What Happens to Your Junk After We Pick It Up? Our Eco-Friendly Process

December 12, 2024 6 min read JunkPal Team

Ever wonder where your old couch or broken appliances end up after junk removal? At JunkPal, we don't just haul your stuff away and dump it in a landfill. We're committed to keeping Ottawa green. Here's exactly what happens to your junk after we pick it up.

Our Commitment

We divert as much as possible from landfills through donations, recycling, and responsible disposal. On average, we recycle or donate over 60% of the items we collect.

Step 1: Donation to Local Charities

First, we sort through everything to identify items that are still in good, usable condition. Furniture, working appliances, clothing, books, and household items that still have life in them get donated to local Ottawa charities and organizations, including:

Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Salvation Army
St. Vincent de Paul
Local Shelters & Community Groups

Your old couch might become a family's first piece of furniture in their new home. That desk you no longer need could help a student study. Donations give your items a second life while helping those in need.

Step 2: Recycling What We Can

Items that can't be donated but are recyclable go to appropriate recycling facilities. We work with certified recycling partners to ensure materials are processed correctly:

Electronics (E-Waste)

Computers, TVs, phones, and other electronics are sent to certified e-waste recyclers who safely extract valuable materials and dispose of hazardous components.

Metals & Appliances

Scrap metal, old appliances, and metal furniture go to metal recycling facilities where they're melted down and repurposed into new products.

Mattresses & Furniture

Mattresses are broken down—metal springs are recycled, foam is repurposed, and fabric is processed. Wood furniture is often recycled into mulch or composite materials.

Yard Waste

Branches, leaves, and organic materials are composted or turned into mulch, returning nutrients to the earth instead of filling landfills.

Step 3: Responsible Disposal

Only items that truly can't be donated or recycled go to the landfill—and even then, we use licensed, responsible disposal facilities. We comply with all Ottawa waste management regulations and environmental standards.

Why This Matters

60%+

Items diverted from landfills

10+

Local charity partners

100%

Commitment to sustainability

When you choose JunkPal, you're not just decluttering your home—you're making an environmentally responsible choice. You're supporting local charities, reducing landfill waste, and contributing to a more sustainable Ottawa.

Request a Donation Receipt

If your items are donated, we can provide documentation for tax purposes. Just let us know when you book, and we'll make sure you receive a receipt for your donated items.

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