How Much Does Junk Removal Cost?
Junk removal services are typically a one-time service that people choose instead of traditional trash removal or renting a dumpster. It can be helpful for remodeling projects, cleanouts, estates, landscaping, event cleanup, and more. These services are ideal for getting rid of old household items, appliances, equipment, and so forth. Some companies also collect construction debris and yard waste to help with those areas of cleanup, although many do not handle hazardous materials. Junk removal can be a quick and easy way to clean up any project or property.
The national average cost for a junk removal service ranges from $125-$350, with the average person spending about $250 for a full load of junk removal with a single trip or service call. However, smaller jobs can cost as little as $70 for a minimum load, while major projects that require a full load with specialty item removal fees could cost as much as $600.
Junk Removal Prices
| Junk Removal Service Cost | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $250 |
| Average range | $125 - $350 |
| Minimum cost | $70 |
| Maximum cost | $600 |
Junk Removal Service Cost by Project Range
Junk Removal Prices by Truckload
It is common for most companies to charge for their service by the truckload. The exact measurement of “a truckload” will of course vary depending on the size of the truck in question, but when it comes to determining rates, the industry has some fairly standard options. Usually, the minimum load is about 60 cubic feet, which costs an average of $70-$100, depending on the location and service provider. In the table below, you’ll see a list of the common load sizes and their corresponding average costs to help you get a better idea of what to budget for with your project.
| Load Size | Volume | Average Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8th Load | 60-80 cubic feet | $70-$100 |
| 1/4th Load | 80-120 cubic feet | $120-$150 |
| 3/8th Load | 120-180 cubic feet | $150-$200 |
| Half Load | 180-240 cubic feet | $200-$250 |
| 5/8th Load | 240-300 cubic feet | $250-$325 |
| 3/4th Load | 300-350 cubic feet | $325-$375 |
| 7/8th Load | 350-400 cubic feet | $380-$400 |
| Full Load | 400-475 cubic feet | $400-$450 |
Junk Removal Cost by Item
The cost of junk removal varies by the item(s) being picked up, with an average junk removal cost range of $60-$100. In some cases, companies will charge a flat rate per item for certain appliances, large items, or even electronics, which require special disposal. For some quotes, you will be able to email or text pictures of the item(s) that you need to be removed and they will tell you the cost or at least provide an estimate. Once they come to see the item(s), they will be able to provide an exact cost for their service, but it shouldn’t be far from what they estimated. In the table below, you’ll see an estimate of what it costs, on average, for each item listed. Then, you’ll find additional information on the different types of disposal services and their costs.
| Category | Average Removal Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Electronic Waste | $60 |
| Tires | $60 |
| Furniture | $100 |
| Appliances | $100 |
Electronic Waste Disposal
If you pay a removal service, the average cost is $60 for electronics disposal. Disposing of electronic waste often comes with its own costs and considerations. Electronics cannot be thrown in the garbage or just tossed out like any trash. They have to be recycled or disposed of properly, which can incur additional costs. You should inquire with professional services about TV removal cost and computer removal cost ranges so that you know what to expect. Alternatively, you can check with your city or town to see if they offer free recycling drop-off services for electronics and other hazardous materials. Many do these drop-offs throughout the year to help residents dispose of dangerous items.
| Item | Average Removal Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Computer | $50 |
| TV | $75 |
Appliance Removal Cost
The average cost of appliance removal is $100. Removing appliances from the home can also incur additional costs, with an average of $100 for the refrigerator removal cost and $75 for the washing machine removal cost, as well as an average freezer removal cost of $100, up to $150 for the average hot tub removal cost. This is typically because appliances require special disposal. In most cases, you will pay the highest rates for refrigerator and freezer removal services because these are more expensive items to dispose of.
| Item | Average Removal Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Dishwasher | $65 |
| Washing Machine | $75 |
| Freezer | $100 |
| Refrigerator | $100 |
| Hot Tub | $150 |
Furniture Removal Cost
Furniture may also have an additional disposal cost incurred, which could be as little as $50-$85 for items not included in standard pickup or as much as $400 for pool table disassembly and removal. The average furniture removal cost is around $100. While standard junk removal services may include the pieces as long as they fit into the truck, others will charge a premium for anything that is large and requires a lot of effort to move or dispose of. The best option is to check with the junk removal service to see if they have different rates for specific furniture items.
| Item | Average Removal Cost (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Mattress | $50 |
| Entertainment Center | $65 |
| Piano | $85 |
| Couch | $100 |
| Pool Table | $400 |
Tire Removal Cost
Typically, junk removal services that come to your home will charge an average of $60 for tire removal as a minimum charge, and this could increase depending on how many tires need to be removed and what condition they are in. Tires also require specialty disposal considerations. You can check with a local junkyard or junk removal service to see what the average rates for tire removal will be if you are capable of dropping them off somewhere.
Average Cost of Junk Removal by Company
The company that you choose for junk removal is going to have a huge impact on how much you spend, too. Different companies have different rates, and their costs may also vary depending on the region. It can cost more to dispose of waste in some areas, which can increase the costs charged by these removal services. Although there are hundreds of junk services out there, we’re going to cover the three most popular options. In the table below, you’ll see a breakdown of their average rates. After that, we’ll provide more information about each company and the services that they provide, as well as how their rates are charged.
| Company | What You Get | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bagster | Bag, Collection | $150 |
| Junk King | ¼ to ½ load | $225 |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | ¼ to ½ load | $275 |
Bagster Cost
Bagster is one of the many junk removal services available today. As an alternative to a truck or a dumpster, Bagster offers a more flexible option where they drop off a giant soft-sided container that you fill with debris, and then call them when you’re done. They will pick up the bag at a scheduled time and you’ll be done. It’s a quick and easy option for small projects when you don’t mind doing the loading of the junk yourself. The average Bagster cost is about $150, which includes both the bag and collection fee. The bags can even be purchased in some retail locations for about $30.
Junk King Prices
Junk King is another popular removal service that offers junk solutions. They claim to beat any written estimate and have services available in many different places. They can haul just about anything and sometimes offer specials for booking online or other new customer offers. The company even offers an online pricing estimator for those who want to use it. Their rates are charged by the truckload, as well as by the complexity of the labor involved on their part. Typically, Junk King prices average between $100 and $600, with most people spending around $225 for a quarter- or half-load removal, which includes labor and drop-off fees.
1800 Got Junk Average Price
1-800-GOT-JUNK is one of the most popular junk removal services available today. It is a national brand that people know by name and they have even been featured on prominent TV shows. Their services include junk removal with labor and hauling and they are available for all types of projects and cleanout needs. The company charges by the load, although the complexity, time involved, and any additional drop-off fees will also be factored in. They charge an average of $140 for a minimum load, with most customers spending $275 for a quarter- or half-load, which includes all labor and drop-off fees.
Junk Removal Service Cost
Professional junk removal service is a fairly simple process. Some companies will provide the dumpster or truck that is needed and allow you to fill it at your leisure, but this is only a good choice for those who have the time, inclination, and ability to do the labor themselves. The majority of brands that specialize in junk removal today will bring the truck and perform the labor for you, giving you a single project cost that includes labor, materials, disposal fees, and all other possible expenses incurred during the cleanup process.
Since most companies include labor in their rates, it can be hard to determine exactly what you are paying for. However, if you want to get a better idea of how they charge for their services, you can ask for a detailed estimate. Typically, professional hoarding and cleanout services cost between $1 and $7 per cubic foot, which will vary depending on the amount of junk, level of contamination, and other factors. Any additional charges or other costs will be for supplies, disposal fees, equipment, and so forth.
Junk Removal vs Dumpster Rental
When it comes to big cleanup jobs, dumpster rental is another common option that people choose. There are several different reasons to consider dumpster rental vs. junk removal, but it depends on what you need. Renting a dumpster is fine for regular trash or waste, but it can also be expensive in some cases. Some junk removal services bring the truck or container and do the loading for you, or at least help. In the table below, you will see a comparison in average costs for junk removal and dumpster rental.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Junk Removal | $250 |
| Dumpster Rental | $530 |
Trash Removal Cost
Trash removal is a standard utility service that is typically included in your monthly bills. Trash removal service picks up regular waste, yard waste, and recycling. Most companies will only pick up small or baggable items, although some trash services will take larger items or certain hazardous materials on certain special pickup days. Some cities have their own trash removal services that handle this task, but there are also third-party trash removal services that have their own pickup services, terms, and pricing to consider. What you pay for trash removal and what types of items are permitted will vary depending on the available service provider and your local laws. Some cities and municipalities have preferred trash services while others can choose.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Waste Removal Cost
Waste removal is a specialty service that typically deals primarily with hazardous waste. As such, it’s not usually something performed by junk removal services or your regular trash service. If you need waste removal in addition to junk hauling, you will need to contact the right people for the job. Hazardous waste could be anything like latex paint, fluorescent bulbs, freon or other refrigerant, mercury, or other harmful agents. Your local waste collection company or municipality will be able to advise you on how to properly dispose of these items and what the cost will be. Typically, the average waste removal cost ranges between $40 and $450, depending on the type and amount of hazardous material.
Construction Debris Removal Cost
Removal of construction debris may or may not be included with or offered by standard junk removal services. There may be an additional charge for this service or it may have a different cost entirely. Some junk services won’t work with this type of material, so it’s important to let them know exactly what kind of waste or junk you need to be removed when getting a quote for services. Typically, construction debris cleanup and removal costs around $400 on average. As with standard junk hauling, you will pay more or less depending on how much debris you have.
Yard Debris Removal Cost
Adding yard waste removal may incur an additional charge to standard junk removal services. Yard debris takes a lot more work than standard junk cleaning and removal, so it has more labor charges and higher rates. Plus, there may be premium fees that companies have to pay to dispose of landscaping and yard waste, so that has to be considered, as well. Yard debris removal typically includes leaves, trees, weeds, shrub trimming or removal, and other related services. Each contract will be different, depending on the work that needs done, but it typically costs about $500 to hire a yard clean-up service.
Tree Debris Removal Cost
Getting rid of tree debris is sometimes included in junk removal, but may also be part of landscaping services. What companies charge for this service depends on the size of the debris involved. Debris removal itself usually only costs around $50-$100, and is generally part of an entire tree removal project. Those who only need minor cleanup may spend less, but when a tree removal is also required, the total cost could easily range between $400 and $2,000, depending on the size of the tree that needs to be removed. Tree removal with debris removal included costs, on average, $8-$15 per foot.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- DIY: While junk removal is something that you can physically handle on your own in some cases, actually hauling away the debris could present a challenge. Unless you have a proper truck and access to the landfill or other disposal locations, it could prove to be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. You can consider donations, free junk hauling services, and other options to cut down on the cost of junk removal by having less that needs to be hauled away by a pro.
- Permitting: Some cities and areas require permits for those who are having a dumpster dropped off or junk removal service performed. Although most junk removal services will be familiar with local laws, you should check with your city before choosing dumpster rental or junk removal to ensure you get the appropriate permits and pay the necessary fees.
- Hazardous Materials: There are specific laws and regulations governing the disposal of hazardous materials, including certain appliances with freon, paint, chemicals, and other items. Junk removal services may not be able to remove certain items as a result, or they may charge a premium fee. It’s best to contact your local municipality to find out the appropriate methods for hazardous waste removal.
- Landfill Fees: Junk removal services typically include landfill fees in their service costs. If you are considering getting rid of your own junk, remember to call your local landfill and find out how much it will cost for you to drop your junk. Often, it’s more affordable and easier to let the pros do the work.
- Hiring the Pros: Consider the costs charged per load, as well as the reputation of the company, in choosing the right service. If you want, you can choose a company that removes the junk for you, or one that may charge less for letting you do all the physical labor. Just choose the company that offers the disposal that you need with a reliable service.
- Recycling Waste: Many junk removal services will pick up and properly dispose of recyclable materials, including some electronics that can be recycled and repurposed. If this is a service you need, check with your junk removal provider to ensure they offer it.
- Electronics Disposal: There are several laws governing the disposal of electronics and computer-related components. This can make disposal complicated and you cannot just throw electronics in the trash. The biggest problem is that many of the components in electronics are hazardous to humans and the environment and must be disposed of carefully.
FAQs
- How much does junk removal usually cost?
Junk removal costs about $250, on average. This amount will allow you to fill ¼ to ½ of a truck with various junk and debris, although it typically does not include any allowances for hazardous waste or premium disposal services, which could incur additional costs.
- How much does 1-800-GOT-JUNK usually cost?
1-800-GOT-JUNK usually has similar rates to the national average, charging about $140 for a minimum load and around $250-$300 for a ½ truckload, depending on the contents and how much labor is involved in the removal process since they do the work.
- How much does it cost to haul away a couch?
Couch removal services typically cost around $100 when you have to pay for them. Some furniture companies will also remove an old couch for free when they deliver a new one, but if you aren’t replacing furniture this may not be an option. Some people also choose to sit their old couch on the curb and wait for a passerby to scoop it up.
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.
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