The business cleanout guide
What your business can't throw in the dumpster, and what needs paperwork.
October 2026, 2 min read
The short answer. Before a cleanout, have the data on old computers and confidential paper destroyed, keep different metals apart, and ask how the refrigerant in fridges, freezers and AC units will be handled. American Resources picks up cardboard, scrap metal, paper and electronics from businesses across metro Atlanta, together, once or on a regular schedule.
Get the 7-day training
One short lesson a day to clear out the back room, with this guide as a one-page PDF on day 7.
7 things to keep out of your dumpster
1. Old electronics
Computers, phones, servers and many copiers store data. Have the drives destroyed before the equipment is recycled, and keep the certificate of destruction. Batteries and older tube (CRT) screens need their own handling, so keep them out of the dumpster.
More: hard drive destruction
2. Paper records
Records with customer, employee, medical or financial details should be shredded, not thrown out or recycled whole. Keep the certificate of destruction with your files.
More: one-time purge shredding
3. Scrap metal
Keep different metals apart, and take off plastic and wood: sorted, clean metal is simpler to weigh and quote.
4. Fridges, freezers and AC units
Fridges, freezers and AC units hold refrigerant, and federal rules say it has to be recovered before the unit is scrapped.1 Ask whoever takes it how the refrigerant is handled.
5. Vehicles
Start the paperwork first: the title or release document for each vehicle, with the plates off. If a title is missing, say so when you ask for a quote.
6. Cardboard
Clean, dry cardboard recycles. Wet, greasy or plastic-lined boxes usually can't. Flatten boxes and keep them dry, and they're simpler to collect.
7. Paperwork to keep
Keep the certificates of destruction for shredded records and destroyed drives. How long depends on the rules for your industry, so check with whoever handles compliance or your accountant.
References
- U.S. EPA, Stationary Refrigeration Safe Disposal Requirements, page updated March 23, 2026. https:/
/ www.epa.gov/ section608/ stationary- refrigeration- safe- disposal- requirements
Cardboard, scrap metal, paper and electronics in one pickup
American Resources picks up cardboard, scrap metal, paper and electronics from businesses across metro Atlanta, together, once or on a regular schedule.
Get the 7-day training
One short lesson a day to clear out the back room, with this guide as a one-page PDF on day 7.