# Frequently asked questions

> Answers about Abq Reclaimed's free Albuquerque pickup: what I take (electronics working or not, tools, gear, vintage finds), what I don't, whether it's really free, timing, and where things go.

Source: https://abqreclaimed.com/faq · Abq Reclaimed, Albuquerque, NM · free pickup by request — text a photo to (505) 250-3804

Straight answers before you text me a photo. The short version: Abq Reclaimed is my free pickup in Albuquerque for the resale-worthy share of a move, downsizing, estate, storage unit or garage — by photo request, at my discretion. It's for-profit, so pickups aren't tax-deductible; I don't pay cash; and I'm not a junk hauler.

### Does Abq Reclaimed really pick up for free?

For the resale-worthy goods — tools, electronics (working or not), camping gear, bikes, sporting goods, instruments, appliances, scrap metal and collectibles, vintage or quality furniture, plus quality clothing and shoes in good, resellable condition — yes: Abq Reclaimed picks up free across Albuquerque by request, confirmed by photo. For bulky items that aren't resale-worthy, City of Albuquerque residential trash customers can request the free Large Item Pick-Up through 311 at least 24 hours ahead. Everyday furniture and clothing have charity pickups too — every option is in [where to donate in Albuquerque](https://abqreclaimed.com/where-to-donate-albuquerque). I take the resale-worthy share free and tell you exactly who takes the rest — a plan, not just a truck. The full who-takes-what map is on [clearing out in Albuquerque](https://abqreclaimed.com/clear-out-albuquerque).

### What do you pick up?

Tools, electronics (working or not), camping gear, bikes, sporting goods, instruments, appliances, scrap metal, vintage and collectibles, printing presses and type, flat files and drafting cabinets, old lighting and door hardware, architectural salvage that’s already out, and vintage and quality furniture — mid-century, antique, New Mexican carved, solid wood and old steel office pieces (send a photo of the piece and any maker’s mark). Appliances: working ones get rehomed; dead washers, dryers and water heaters are reclaimed for metal; fridges, freezers and AC units are case by case, with the refrigerant handled legally. The full list is on [what I take](https://abqreclaimed.com/what-we-accept).

### What don't you take?

Ordinary, particleboard or worn upholstered furniture (vintage, antique, mid-century and solid-wood pieces are a yes — photo first), mattresses, trash and debris, anything hazardous, giant CRT/console TVs, and worn-out or everyday clothing, underwear and socks, linens and rags. I'll tell you who takes each.

### Do you pick up clothes and shoes?

Yes, quality clothing and shoes in good, resellable condition: brand-name and designer labels, outdoor and technical apparel (Patagonia, Arc'teryx, The North Face, Burton, KUHL), workwear (Carhartt, Filson), vintage and western wear (pearl-snap shirts, vintage denim, band tees, old team jackets and caps), quality leather boots and shoes (cowboy boots, work boots, Red Wing, Danner, Frye, Lucchese), brand-name athletic shoes in good shape, and vintage wool blankets. Send a photo of the labels and the soles. I don't take worn-out, stained or torn pieces, underwear and socks, everyday basics, linens, sheets, towels, pet bedding or rags, and I don't do textile recycling — a [charity drop-off](https://abqreclaimed.com/blog/where-to-donate-clothes-in-albuquerque) is the right place for everyday clothes. More: [quality clothing & shoes](https://abqreclaimed.com/quality-clothing-shoes-pickup-albuquerque).

### I'm moving or clearing a whole house — can you take a lot at once?

Yes, as a request. Moves, downsizing, a parent's house, estate-sale leftovers, storage units and garages are exactly what I'm set up for — I have a trailer, and a forklift for suitable loads — photo first; I’ll say honestly whether it’s something I can move. Text me photos of each room or pile and I'll say honestly what fits in one trip. I take the resale-worthy share free and tell you exactly who takes the rest — a plan, not just a truck. See [clear-outs in Albuquerque](https://abqreclaimed.com/clear-out-albuquerque).

### Is it really free? What's the catch?

Yes. I'm a for-profit reseller; reselling what has a second life is how I cover the trip, which is why I take resale-worthy goods, not everything. There's no fee to you, ever.

### Do you pay for items?

No, not for anything, books included; books go to a local book donation drop box. If you'd rather sell things yourself, my guide to [where to sell used gear in Albuquerque](https://abqreclaimed.com/where-to-sell-used-gear-albuquerque) covers the options.

### Is it tax-deductible?

No. Abq Reclaimed is a for-profit reuse business, not a registered 501(c)(3), so pickups aren't tax-deductible and I don't issue tax receipts. Instead, after pickup I send a [Reclaim Receipt](https://abqreclaimed.com/reclaim-receipt) — a short note saying where the main pieces went. If a write-off is the priority, a registered charity is the better fit.

### How soon will you reply or come?

There's no fixed turnaround — pickup is by request, at my discretion, and fitted around my routes, so timing depends on where you are and how my week lines up. I read every request myself and reply to agree on a day that works. Have a deadline? Put it in your first text — I’ll say honestly whether I can make it. If you'd rather not wait on a route, a free drop-off can be arranged by appointment — text (505) 250-3804.

### Do I need to be home?

Not for small items — boxes or bags on the porch or in the driveway are fine, and I'll pick them up contactless. Heavy items, appliances, and anything inside the house or garage need someone there to give me access.

### What areas do you serve?

Albuquerque, end to end. Rio Rancho, Corrales, Los Ranchos and the East Mountains are case by case — send a photo and I'll tell you honestly if I can reach you. Bernalillo, Placitas, Algodones, Los Lunas, Bosque Farms, Peralta, Belen and Edgewood are usually outside my range. Details on my [service area](https://abqreclaimed.com/service-area) page.

### How do I start?

[Text a photo to (505) 250-3804](sms:+15052503804) with your neighborhood; the [form](https://abqreclaimed.com/#schedule) is the backup.

### Where does my stuff go?

Resale-worthy goods get resold or reused — that's how I cover the trip. Scrap metal goes to recyclers, and anything I can't use gets routed to the best reuse or recycling I can find. After pickup, the [Reclaim Receipt](https://abqreclaimed.com/reclaim-receipt) tells you where the main pieces went.

[Text me a photo →](sms:+15052503804)
