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Junk Removal Service Cost
How much does it cost to hire a junk removal service?
You may find yourself in need of a junk removal service if you are in the middle of house cleaning, remodeling, landscaping, hosting an event, or undertaking another activity that produces a high amount of debris. Junk removal services are a common alternative to renting a dumpster.
Junk removal services are typically one-time services used for hauling away household objects and materials: furniture, toys, TVs, small appliances, exercise equipment, bikes, lawnmowers, etc. However, some do also take yard debris and construction debris.
Junk removal differs from trash services in that trash removal is a scheduled service, usually weekly, for removing everyday garbage. It also differs from waste removal in that hazardous materials aren’t accepted: medical waste, animal waste, sewage, etc. In this guide, we assess the average cost of hiring a junk removal service.
Cost breakdown
Junk removal companies will usually haul your junk away in a large truck with a 10’ x 8’ container (80 sq. ft.).
Most charge based on the amount (or “volume”) of junk you need hauled away. Typical prices are as follows:
- $70-$100 for a minimum load (<10 sq. ft.)
- $90-$130 for ⅛ load (10 sq. ft.)
- $130-$180 for ⅙ load (13.3 sq. ft.)
- $240-$280 for ¼ - ⅓ load (20 - 26.6 sq. ft.)
- $330-$360 for ⅜ - ½ load (30 - 40 sq. ft.)
- $410-$450 for ⅝ - ¾ load (50 - 60 sq. ft.)
- $490-$520 for ⅚ - ⅞ load (66.6 - 70 sq. ft.)
- $550-$570 for a maximum load (80 sq. ft.)
Many companies also offer pricing based on the items you want hauled away. Average prices for common items are listed below:
- Couch - $90-$160
- Armchair - $70-$90
- Table - $70-$90
- Queen mattress - $70-$90
- Patio set - $130-$180
- Entertainment center - $90-$160
- TV - $70-90
- Computer - $79-$90
- Dishwasher - $70-$90
- Refrigerator - $90-$160
- 1 Large box of junk - $70-$90
Enhancement and improvement costs
Freon 1
Many companies will take certain appliances that contain freon 1: refrigerators, freezers, etc. They usually charge an extra fee per such item due to the dangerous nature of freon 1 disposal. Expect to pay around $35 per appliance that contains freon 1.
Bagster®
Bagster is an alternative junk removal service in which you buy bags that can be filled with debris, then picked up and removed by the Waste Management department. Accepted debris includes household junk, sod, dirt, concrete, rocks, and small construction debris. Bagsters generally hold loads of up to 3300 lbs and cost $30 each. Expect to pay $90-$110 per bag in pick-up fees.
Additional considerations and costs
Permits
You’ll sometimes need a permit to put your junk on a public street for pickup. Such permits cost an average of $40-$75. Fees can vary depending on your state, city, and/or county.
Remote delivery locations
You may be charged extra if your junk removal service has to drive especially far to pick up your junk. Count on an additional fee per mile - fees are wholly dependent on current gas prices.
Hazardous materials
The disposal of hazardous materials like chemicals, asbestos 2, pesticide, propane 3 tanks, etc. is prohibited by most standard junk removal services. You will be fined (up to $500) if the service discovers your junk includes banned materials. To arrange for safe disposal, contact your local Waste Management Department.
Landfill fees
Most junk removal services cover landfill fees in their service price. Those that don’t cover the landfill fees will bill you for them after they’ve removed your junk. Typical landfill fees are $20-$50 per ton.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Freon: A brand name for the types of refrigerant commonly used in air conditioning systems. It is also often used as simply another word for "refrigerant"
2 Asbestos: A group of fire-resistant silicate minerals found in construction materials including paint, particularly in older homes. When the asbestos deteriorates, particles can become airborne and this is a serious health hazard.
3 Propane: A hydrocarbon gas used as a common fuel source
How much does it cost to hire a junk removal service in my city?
Cost to hire a junk removal service varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Methodology and sources
