Most homes in the Las Vegas valley can put bulky items out for pickup with their regular trash service, and for a lot of things it's the cheapest way to get rid of them. But the rules trip people up, and items that don't follow them just sit at the curb.
Here's how bulk pickup generally works in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County, and when a junk removal crew is the better call. Rules and schedules can change and differ by address, so always check your hauler's schedule for your street before setting anything out.
How bulk pickup works
Most of the valley's residential trash is collected by Republic Services. Bulk items, meaning anything too big for your cart, are picked up on a set bulk day for your route. You can look up your schedule by address on the Republic Services website.
Items go out at the curb on your bulk day, not before. Stuff left out early or on the wrong day can get you a notice from code enforcement or your HOA.
The common bulk pickup rules
- Items generally need to be about 6 feet long or less
- Everything has to be at the curb. Crews won't come onto your property or into your garage
- No loose trash. Small stuff has to be bagged or boxed
- Soiled mattresses usually need to be wrapped in plastic
- Branches need to be bundled and tied, and kept light enough for one person to lift
- No boards with protruding nails or screws
What bulk pickup won't take
These usually need a special drop-off, a paid pickup or a junk hauler:
- Refrigerators, freezers and AC units (anything with Freon)
- Hot tubs, sheds and swing sets that haven't been taken apart
- Construction debris, concrete, dirt and rock
- Paint, chemicals, motor oil, propane tanks and other hazardous waste
- Anything too heavy or too big to lift safely
When a junk hauler makes more sense
Bulk pickup is great if you can get the item to the curb and wait. A junk removal crew is worth it when:
- The item is upstairs or in the back of the house and you can't carry it
- It's a fridge, washer, hot tub or anything bulk pickup won't take
- Your bulk day is too far away, or the HOA won't let it sit out
- You have a whole garage or room of stuff, not one or two pieces
- You're moving out and need it gone before the walkthrough
Helpful links
- Republic Services: Las Vegas (opens in a new tab)Look up your trash, recycling and bulk day by address.https://www.republicservices.com/municipality/las-vegas-nv
- Clark County (opens in a new tab)Rules and services for unincorporated Clark County addresses.https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/
