HOUSTON – There are 7000 junk hauling companies across the country. The junk removal industry has exploded. People pay hundreds of dollar to have their junk furniture, appliances, or toys removed.
By choosing a hauler, your old stuff will land where it’s needed, and not in a landfill.
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Some non-profits will accept certain items at no cost. There are also junk removal services that charge a fee but will recycle your stuff or put it to use.
“This is when I was going days without eating because I didn’t have anything else to eat,” recalls Houston resident Victor Schacherl.
Schacherl claims that he was close to being evicted after losing his job. Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services, also known as ECHOS, helped Schacherl get food and a new job so he could stay in his apartment.
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ECHOS and The Junkluggers were able to help him purchase furniture after he discovered he had only a single bed and dresser.
Schacherl stated, “I have a bed and a dresser and loveseat and a dining table with chairs. That’s basically all I need.”
ECHOS provides assistance to people fleeing domestic violence, refugees, or facing eviction.
“When that happens, the clothes are on their backs, and they have nothing,” said Cathy Moore, ECHOS Executive Director.
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ECHOS partners help them find homes after they have helped them. The JunkluggersYou can fill these empty homes with furniture.
It feels like a house. You can relax on a couch and watch TV. Or you have table to eat on,” said ECHOS Senior Case Worker Yesenia Juarez.
Blair Paul, an owner/director at The Junkluggers stated that “We try to give and recycle as much possible.” “So we’re looking at the inventory that we’re taking, and while we’re removing it, we’re trying to identify if we can recycle or donate that inventory.”
Junkluggers collects items such as appliances, bedroom sets, and toasters for customers. It then partners with charities like ECHOS, Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army to deliver them to those in greatest need.
“There really is value when you’re bringing a bed or a cot or something that’s important, and they don’t’ have it,” said Paul.
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Junkluggers also recycle items that they pick up at businesses, such as paper and cardboard. This keeps items out of landfills and allows them to fill up their lives.
“It’s like being finally in your own home, where you can relax and not have to worry about anything else but going to work and coming home,” said Schacherl.
Many charities offer donation pick up for free or at a low cost. They either sell the items or give them away to those in need.
Arms of Hope
Houston Habitat for Humanity
Houston Food Bank
Houston Furniture Bank
Houston Local Charity
Purple Heart Foundation
Salvation Army
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston – Houston
Other junk removal companies that recycle or deliver donations are:
Junk King
Load up
College Hunks Hauling Junk
1-800-GOT JUNK
