Medications, Firearms, Paint and Propane: Estate Items a Hauler Can’t Take

Every estate has a shelf of things that need special handling: old prescriptions, half-empty paint cans, a propane tank, sometimes a firearm. Deal with them before cleanout day so the crew can take everything else in one trip. This guide is part of our Sacramento estate cleanout series.

Medications and Sharps

Sacramento County’s North Area Recovery Station household hazardous waste facility, at 4450 Roseville Road in North Highlands, takes non-controlled medications and home-generated needles in sealed hard plastic or metal containers. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and residents can drop off up to 15 gallons or 125 pounds a month free. Check the county’s NARS page before you go.

Controlled substances (opioid painkillers, for example) are not accepted there. Use a pharmacy take-back kiosk that accepts them or a DEA Take Back Day site.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms are property of the estate, not junk. Secure them first. In California, a person who takes a firearm by operation of law, such as an executor or heir, generally must report it to the Department of Justice within 30 days under Penal Code 27920, using the DOJ’s operation-of-law report. A licensed firearms dealer can also handle the transfer. Start with the California DOJ Bureau of Firearms, and ask the estate’s attorney.

Ammunition isn’t accepted at the county HHW facility and isn’t something we haul. Ask a licensed dealer or your local law enforcement agency how they take it. This is general information, not legal advice. For a specific estate, talk to a California probate or estate planning attorney.

Paint, Chemicals and Automotive Fluids

Leftover house paint is accepted free at participating retailers through PaintCare. Solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals, cleaners, motor oil and antifreeze go to a county HHW facility. Kiefer Landfill takes antifreeze, batteries, oil and paint; NARS takes the wider list. Fully dried latex paint is treated differently from wet paint, so it can go with a regular load.

Propane Tanks

NARS takes barbecue-style propane tanks, two at a time. Many tank-exchange retailers take them back too. Pull the tank off the grill before cleanout day; we can take the grill.

Asbestos and Older Materials

Popcorn ceilings, old floor tile and pipe insulation in older homes can contain asbestos. Don’t disturb or bag it. That is a job for a licensed abatement contractor, not a hauler.

Everything Else Goes in One Trip

Once these are handled, the rest of the house (furniture, appliances, mattresses, clothing, boxes, garage and shed contents) goes on our truck. See the full list on what we don’t take, or book our estate cleanout service.