Junk is a broad term that can refer to anything from a broken refrigerator to the fallen branches that litter your yard after a storm. As a result, junk removal covers a wide range of services. You might hire a junk removal company to dispose of old electronics or haul away old flooring, fixtures, and furniture as you remodel your home. These professionals can even donate or recycle your unwanted items when possible.
The final price of your junk removal job will vary based on several factors, but this article provides a starting point for estimating your costs.
What Is the Average Cost of Junk Removal?
The national average cost of junk removal is $200 to $250. Most junk removal companies price by volume, with a one-eighth truckload minimum. A full truckload might be 400 to 450 cubic feet, depending on the company, and cost between $400 and $800.
Not all jobs require a full truckload. Your items may only take up one-quarter or one-half of the truck’s available space. Expect to pay from $1.25 to $2 per cubic foot.
In addition to volume-based prices, junk removal companies may also offer per-item prices. These typically range from $60 to $150 for a single item. However, the exact cost will vary depending on the type of item.
Note: The costs listed above and throughout the rest of the article are based on average ranges from several sources, including Move.org, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, and Fixr.
Factors That Affect Junk Removal Cost
The actual cost of junk or waste removal services will depend on several factors, including where you live and what you need removed.
Amount of Junk
Just as long-distance moving companies base their rates on the size and weight of your belongings, junk removal companies consider the volume of your job. Companies may offer one truck size and divide its volume into eighths to calculate pricing. Alternatively, they may offer multiple truck sizes. Either way, your quote will consider how much space your junk takes up.
| Truckload | Cubic Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 45–60 | $70–$125 |
| 1/4 | 90–120 | $100–$175 |
| 1/2 | 180–240 | $175–$375 |
| 3/4 | 270–360 | $300–$450 |
| Full | 360–480 | $400–$650 |
Type of Junk
Some types of junk cost more to haul away than others. When pricing per item, companies might consider both size and weight. On the lower end of the price range are small and relatively light items, such as printers and TVs. Most household appliances and furniture will fall between $75 and $200. Hot tubs, pianos, pool tables, and other bulky items can cost $300 or more to move.
| Item Type | Cost Per Item |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $75–$150 |
| Furniture | $75–$375 |
| Mattresses | $70–$120 |
| Major appliances | $60–$200 |
| Electronics | $20–$90 |
| Building materials | $100–$800 |
| Hazardous waste | $50–$500 |
Location
Taxes, fuel prices, and fees all vary from one city or state to another—and all of these can impact junk removal costs. Supply and demand matter, too. You may find better deals if you live in an area with several companies that offer junk hauling services. To give you an idea of how much prices can vary, we looked at average costs in 12 different cities:
| City and State | Average Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, Tenn. | $260 | $140–$410 |
| New York, N.Y. | $350 | $200–$500 |
| Los Angeles, Calif. | $300 | $160–$450 |
| Richmond, Va. | $220 | $120–$320 |
| Portland, Ore. | $240 | $140–$350 |
| Chicago, Ill. | $240 | $140–$360 |
| Austin, Texas | $190 | $110–$280 |
| Boulder, Colo. | $210 | $110–$310 |
| Atlanta, Ga. | $190 | $110–$280 |
| Minneapolis, Minn. | $270 | $150–$390 |
| Phoenix, Ariz. | $200 | $110–$300 |
| Miami, Fla. | $250 | $140–$370 |
Labor and Disposal Fees
Professional junk removal companies include labor costs and disposal fees when calculating prices. Larger items or loads may require more manpower, which means higher costs. Rather than being listed separately, labor costs are typically factored into the quoted price.
Similarly, some items are simply more difficult to dispose of than others. For instance, hazardous waste, electronics, and tires may incur special disposal fees due to local regulations governing their disposal. Below are a few examples:
| Type of Waste | Sample Fees |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant or freon | $50–$150 |
| Latex paint | $5–$10 per gallon |
| Tires | $5–$15 per tire |
| Fluorescent light bulbs | $0.10–$0.50 per foot |
Additional Junk Removal Costs
Many companies that provide residential junk removal services also offer the following:
Recycling Services
Environmentally conscious companies understand that not all junk is trash. 1-800-GOT-JUNK is a great example. Its teams can recycle a long list of items and use landfills only as a last resort.
Typically, the cost of any recycling will be included in your quote. If you aren’t sure what the company plans to recycle or whether it offers this service, you can always ask.
Donation Services
Gently used items can be donated to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or other charities. Many junk removal companies can help you coordinate donation drop-offs as a stand-alone service or an add-on. Many interstate moving companies recommend purging and donating before moving day to help cut costs.
As with other types of junk removal, the cost will vary depending on the size and weight of your donation.
Home Clean-out Services
Some full-service junk removal companies, such as LoadUp, offer home clean-out services to make getting rid of your junk even easier. This service can be helpful in various situations, such as settling an estate or fixing up a foreclosure property. Junk removal professionals can also help you deal with hoarding issues or debris removal after a construction or landscaping project.
Depending on the situation, a company might charge per square foot cleaned. Jobs that involve gravel, dirt, and similar debris are typically priced based on the load size.
Dumpster Rental
If you prefer a DIY approach, look for a company that also rents self-service dumpsters, such as Junk King. The company will deliver the dumpster to your home so you can load it at your convenience. When you are finished, give the company a call to arrange pickup.
The cost of a dumpster rental depends on two factors: the size of the dumpster and how long it takes you to load it. Rental fees often range from $200 to $600 per week or $40 to $70 per day.
Commercial Junk Removal
Commercial junk removal typically refers to services purchased by a business. The service could be for the business, such as when a restaurant keeps a dumpster on-site to manage waste. Alternatively, commercial junk removal might be purchased on behalf of a customer, such as when a contractor outsources the removal of construction debris.
Types of Junk Removal
Different types of junk require different processes, services, and surcharges. As a result, the price for removing them will vary.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, includes any electronics that no longer have a use. This includes broken items and items that still work but are obsolete or nearing the end of their life span.
Because many electronics contain toxic materials, they cannot be thrown out with the rest of your trash. Paying a professional to dispose of your old electronics could cost $60 to $200, depending on the type, size, and the number of items.
Hazardous Waste
Common examples of hazardous waste include mold, asbestos, mercury, aerosol cans, refrigerants, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and latex or lead-based paints.
Most junk removal companies will not remove hazardous waste. Instead, you would have to hire a company specializing in this service. The price can range from $50 to $500.
Yard Debris
Yard waste includes tree limbs, leaves, mulch, and other organic materials. Keep in mind that some materials may need to be bagged.
On average, removing yard debris costs between $75 and $500. The exact cost depends on the size of your job.
Construction Waste
Anything left after a demolition, remodel, or building project is considered construction waste. This could include scraps of carpet, old cabinets, extra tile, old lumber, gravel, dirt, and broken-up concrete.
Removing construction debris typically costs between $100 and $800, with an average cost of $200 to $250. Expect to pay more than you would for other types of junk, as it can be more difficult to dispose of construction waste.
Appliances
Common examples of appliances include washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and freezers. Junk removal companies typically charge $60 to $200 for a single item. Additional items might be hauled away at a discounted rate.
Electronics
This category includes electronics that still work or could be refurbished or repaired for a second life. A junk removal company might charge $10 to $100 to help you recycle or donate these items.
Garbage
Garbage is a fairly broad term but typically refers to the type of trash you would bag and take to the curb weekly for pickup. Residential garbage collection services typically cost between $25 and $100 per month. Of course, you can hire a junk hauler for a one-time pickup.
Furniture
Furniture removal costs can vary widely based on size and weight. Mattresses, bookcases, and tables might only cost $60 to $75 per item to haul away. Larger pieces, such as entertainment centers and sectional sofas, will likely cost $100 or more.
DIY vs. Professional Junk Removal
Homeowners typically have two options for junk removal: take your junk to the dump yourself or hire a professional. The DIY approach is cheaper and may be a good option for those who already own a truck. Hiring a professional will cost more but save you time and effort.
DIY Junk Removal
DIY junk removal involves sorting, bagging, loading, and transporting unwanted items. You can use your own vehicle, or you can rent a truck, van, or trailer for transportation. Either way, you must drive your junk to the local dump or landfill. This may be free, or the dump may charge a per-load or per-ton fee. Keep in mind that some items may need to be dropped off at a special location.
If you don’t mind loading but do not want to handle transportation, renting a dumpster can be a good middle ground.
Professional Junk Removal
Hiring a full-service junk removal company does cost more than hauling your own junk. However, the best companies can handle nearly any type of junk and ensure that as little as possible ends up in the local landfill.
Pros and Cons of Junk Removal
To help you decide whether junk removal services are worth the expense, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hiring a licensed and insured professional to haul away junk.
✔ Convenience
✔ Eco-friendly practices
✔ Full-service experience
✔ Reliable, pre-screened employees
✔ Safe and legal disposal
✘ Higher cost than DIY junk hauling
✘ Two-hour windows for appointments
✘ Waiting lists during busy seasons
How To Save on Junk Removal Costs
If a full-service company seems out of your budget, try these tips to save on junk removal costs:
- Contact your local government. Ask about free ways to dispose of e-waste, hazardous materials, and other junk.
- Call your trash service provider. Many waste management companies set aside specific days to pick up larger items that won’t fit in your regular bins.
- Coordinate with local charities. Arrange for a nonprofit to pick up items that can be donated.
- Look for free junk removal services. Companies may offer free or discounted removal of items that can be resold, recycled, refurbished, or salvaged for scrap metal.
- Ask about discounts and specials. You may be able to save by bundling services or taking advantage of a holiday promotion.
- Put in some prep work. Group your items together in an easily accessible location so that loading takes less time. If the company charges by volume, you can save space by breaking down boxes and disassembling furniture.
How To Hire a Professional Junk Removal Service
Follow these steps to hire a high-quality professional junk removal company:
- Make a list of options. Ask friends and family for referrals, or search for local junk removal companies online.
- Do your research. Check ratings and reviews on sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the companies you consider are licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Compare prices. Request free quotes from at least two or three different companies, if possible, to find the best deal.
- Ask questions. Ensure you understand exactly what is and is not included in the price. If eco-friendliness is important to you, ask about recycling and donation services.
Our Conclusion
Junk removal prices can vary widely. Rather than posting a simple price list, most companies require an on-site inspection to provide a quote. However, some do have online pricing estimators to help you budget. Your location and the specifics of what you need to be hauled away will determine the final price.
FAQs About Junk Removal Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.