Most people know the basics of recycling—bottles, cans, cardboard. But what about the bulky stuff? The broken stuff? The things too big or too odd to fit in a blue bin?
At Pack Haul, we see these every day. Mattresses, old appliances, torn-up fencing, piles of branches—items that people assume can only go to the landfill. The truth is, many of them can live a second life through responsible recycling.
As a locally owned hauling company serving Medford and the Rogue Valley, we take pride in helping residents clean up responsibly. Let’s look at five common items you might not realize can actually be recycled—and how Pack Haul makes sure they are handled the right way.
1. Mattresses – Breaking Down the Bulky Truth
Mattresses are one of the most commonly discarded household items. They’re also one of the most recyclable.
Up to 75% of a mattress can be reused or recycled. The metal springs, wood frame, foam, and fabric can all be separated and turned into something new. Steel from the springs is melted down for manufacturing. Foam is repurposed into carpet padding. Even the fibers in the fabric can be reused for insulation.
Unfortunately, most mattresses still end up in landfills—taking up to 40 cubic feet of space each. In Oregon, several recycling centers and mattress programs are working to change that. When Pack Haul picks up a mattress, we take it to a facility equipped to separate and process the materials instead of dumping it in the trash.
So, the next time you replace an old mattress, know it doesn’t have to go to waste. We’ll make sure it’s recycled responsibly and kept out of the landfill.
2. Appliances – From Scrap Metal to Second Life
Old refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens can look like giant piles of junk, but inside, they hold valuable materials. Metals like steel, aluminum, and copper can all be recycled and reused in new products.
The challenge is handling them safely. Many large appliances contain refrigerants, oils, or other substances that need proper disposal. Pack Haul takes care of that part for you. We ensure harmful components are removed according to environmental regulations and deliver the remaining materials to certified recycling centers.
A single refrigerator can yield more than 100 pounds of recyclable steel. That’s a big win for both the planet and your community. If your appliance still works, we’ll explore donation options before recycling it—helping another family while keeping waste to a minimum.
3. Electronics – The Hidden Goldmine in E-Waste
Computers, TVs, and other electronics contain more valuable materials than most people realize. Gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals are used in wiring and circuit boards. But tossing electronics into the trash can release toxins like lead and mercury into the soil and water.
Oregon has one of the strongest e-waste programs in the country. Through Oregon E-Cycles, residents can recycle their computers, monitors, and TVs for free. Pack Haul works with certified e-waste recycling partners to ensure these items are handled properly.
When you call us to haul away old electronics, we sort and deliver them to approved facilities that safely extract reusable components. What can’t be reused is disposed of in compliance with environmental standards. The result: less hazardous waste, and more materials re-entering the supply chain for reuse.
So before you toss that old printer or TV, give it a second thought. There’s more value in it than meets the eye—and we’ll make sure it gets where it needs to go.
4. Construction Debris – Building a Greener Future
If you’ve ever done a home remodel, you know how quickly debris piles up. Wood scraps, drywall, metal, concrete—it can look like a hopeless mess. But most construction debris is actually recyclable.
Wood can be chipped for mulch or reused in other building projects. Concrete can be crushed for road base or fill. Scrap metal can be melted down and reused. Even drywall can sometimes be repurposed as soil amendment.
Construction and demolition materials make up more than 25% of landfill waste nationwide. Pack Haul helps reduce that by separating recyclable materials before disposal. Whether you’re a homeowner clearing a shed or a contractor finishing a remodel, we’ll ensure as much as possible is kept out of the landfill.
Responsible debris removal not only protects the environment but also reflects the values of our community—caring for the land while building something better.
5. Yard Waste – Nature’s Own Recycling System
Leaves, branches, and grass clippings might seem harmless, but when tossed into landfills, they create methane—a powerful greenhouse gas. Composting and mulching these materials instead turns them into something beneficial: nutrient-rich soil.
Pack Haul keeps yard waste separate from other debris to ensure it’s composted or mulched at approved facilities. When we haul away your yard cleanup, we make sure it’s part of nature’s own recycling system.
Every ton of composted yard waste can prevent nearly 400 pounds of carbon emissions. That means your fall cleanup does more than make your yard look good—it helps keep the air cleaner for everyone.
If you’re tackling yard work this season, skip the plastic bags and give us a call. We’ll handle the hauling and keep your green waste truly green.
The Bigger Picture: Small Actions, Big Impact
Every recycling choice adds up. One mattress, one appliance, one pile of branches—it all matters. When neighbors across the Rogue Valley make the decision to recycle, the impact is enormous. Together, we reduce landfill waste, protect local waterways, and build a cleaner community for future generations.
Pack Haul was founded on simple values: hard work, honesty, and respect for the place we live. That’s why we don’t just remove junk—we handle it responsibly, giving materials a chance at new purpose whenever possible.
So the next time you need something hauled away, remember it doesn’t have to be wasted. With Pack Haul, your cleanup becomes part of something bigger.
FAQ
Can Pack Haul recycle large household items?
Yes. We handle furniture, mattresses, and appliances safely, ensuring recyclable materials are separated before disposal.
Does Pack Haul charge extra for recycling?
No. Recycling and sorting are included in your quote. You’ll always know your total cost upfront.
What happens to my items after pickup?
Items are sorted for donation, recycling, or responsible disposal. We always prioritize landfill diversion.
Can I leave items outside for pickup?
Yes. As long as they’re accessible, you don’t have to be home when we arrive.
Does Pack Haul recycle electronics?
Yes. We work with certified e-waste recyclers in Oregon to process computers, TVs, and similar devices.
What if I’m not sure something can be recycled?
Just ask. We’ll identify recyclable materials and ensure they’re handled correctly.
Resources
- Oregon E-Cycles Program
- Mattress Recycling Council
- EPA Sustainable Materials Management
- Where Does Your Junk Really Go? The Truth About Responsible Disposal
- Pack Haul Home
Conclusion
Recycling doesn’t just mean bottles and cans. It means mattresses, electronics, and debris. It means giving old materials a new purpose. It means taking responsibility for what we throw away.
Pack Haul is proud to be part of that solution—helping the Rogue Valley clean up responsibly and keep Oregon beautiful.
Your cleanup matters. Reuse. Recycle. Repurpose.
— Shay Shepston
You call. The pack hauls.
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