Appliance & Furniture Removal

Safe Lifting & Moving Techniques

Items over 50 lbs require a two-person team lift — no exceptions. Use proper form: bend at the knees, keep the back straight, lift with the legs. Plan your path before lifting by clearing obstacles, identifying stairs, and checking doorway widths. Use a furniture dolly or hand truck for heavy appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Secure appliance doors with tape or straps to prevent swinging during transport, and use moving blankets or cardboard to protect floors, walls, and doorframes. Communicate clearly with your partner during team lifts — verbal cues like "lift on three" prevent miscoordination. Never carry heavy items down stairs alone; use a stair-climbing dolly or get additional help.

Freon-Containing Appliances & EPA Regulations

Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerants that must be recovered by an EPA Section 608 certified technician before disposal. Venting refrigerants is a federal violation. Never puncture, cut, or damage refrigerant lines during removal or transport. Transport Freon-containing units upright whenever possible to prevent oil migration in the compressor. Coordinate with certified recycling facilities for proper refrigerant recovery, and document the chain of custody for every Freon-containing appliance that leaves a job site.

• Refrigerators, freezers, window AC units, dehumidifiers — all contain regulated refrigerants
• EPA Section 608 certification required for Freon recovery
• Fines exceed $44,539 per day per violation
• Transport upright; document chain of custody

Electronics Recycling & Furniture Disassembly

Separate all e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, printers) from general debris — electronics never go in regular trash. CRT televisions and monitors contain lead and require special handling through certified e-waste recyclers. Disassemble large furniture on-site (bed frames, desks, shelving) to reduce load volume. Keep basic disassembly tools on the truck: cordless drill, socket set, pry bar, and pliers. Identify reusable furniture and offer donation to Habitat for Humanity ReStore or similar organizations before disposal. Photograph and document high-value items for liability protection.