Cleaning cost · Windows, Washing & Hauling
Junk Removal Cost
Junk removal
Typical price: Junk removal costs $210 on average, and most people pay $150 to $350, according to HomeGuide, or about $1.50 per cubic foot. A minimum load runs $70 to $100, a half truck $200 to $300 and a full truck $400 to $450. Hauling a mattress costs $70 to $100 and a sectional sofa $200 to $375. Renting a dumpster costs $300 to $800.
HomeGuide puts the average junk removal job at $210, with most between $150 and $350.
Cost by truck load
| Load | Volume | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | up to 60 cu ft | $70 – $100 |
| 1/6 | 60 – 80 cu ft | $90 – $130 |
| 1/4 | 80 – 120 cu ft | $100 – $150 |
| 3/8 | 120 – 180 cu ft | $150 – $200 |
| 1/2 | 180 – 240 cu ft | $200 – $300 |
| 3/4 | 300 – 360 cu ft | $300 – $380 |
| Full | 420 – 480 cu ft | $400 – $450 |
Source: HomeGuide.
Cost by item
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator or freezer | $35 – $60 |
| AC unit | $35 – $60 |
| Piano | $50 – $100 |
| Mattress | $70 – $100 |
| Washer or dryer | $70 – $205 |
| Hot tub or spa | $100 – $150 |
| Sofa or 3-piece sectional | $200 – $375 |
Junk removal vs. dumpster
A dumpster rental costs $300 to $800, compared with $400 to $450 for a full junk removal truck.
When moving out, HomeGuide lists junk disposal at $150 to $350 per load.
HomeAdvisor's numbers
HomeAdvisor puts the average junk removal job at $241, with most between $133 and $372.
| Load | Cost (HomeAdvisor) |
|---|---|
| 1/8 truck | $75 – $125 |
| 1/4 truck | $125 – $200 |
| 1/2 truck | $200 – $400 |
| 3/4 truck | $400 – $600 |
| Full truck | $600 – $800 |
| Single item | $60 – $150 |
By item (HomeAdvisor)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Major appliance | $60 – $250 |
| Mattress | $75 – $150 |
| Furniture | $80 – $400 per piece |
| Yard waste | $70 – $500 |
| Piano | $200 – $400 |
| Hot tub | $200 – $600 |
| Construction debris | $100 – $800 per load |
| Electronics | $20 – $200 |
Dumpster sizes (weekly, HomeAdvisor)
| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 yd | $250 – $575 |
| 20 yd | $275 – $700 |
| 30 yd | $300 – $725 |
| 40 yd | $350 – $800 |
HomeAdvisor's dumpster average is about $380 a week, including haul-away and dumping fees.
Disposal fees for special items
HomeAdvisor lists refrigerant removal from old appliances at $50 to $150, hazardous waste at $50 to $500, paint and solvents at $0.80 to $4 per pound and tires at $5 to $15 each at a recycler.
How junk removal is priced
Most junk removal companies price by how much space your items take up in the truck. Some charge by item for single pieces, such as a mattress or sofa.
What junk removal companies take
- Furniture and mattresses.
- Appliances.
- Yard waste.
- Construction debris.
- Electronics.
Hazardous materials, such as paint, chemicals and some batteries, often need special disposal.
Junk removal vs. dumpster rental
- Junk removal: crews do the lifting and loading.
- Dumpster rental: you load it yourself over several days.
What affects the price
- Volume of items.
- Heavy materials, like concrete.
- Stairs or long carries.
- Disposal fees.
- Items needing special handling.
Donation and recycling
Many companies donate usable items and recycle metals and electronics. Ask what happens to your items.
Questions to ask
- How do you price the job?
- Do you donate or recycle?
- Are there extra fees for heavy items?
In Texas
Many Texas cities offer bulk trash pickup on a set schedule. For a few large items, check your city's bulk pickup rules before hiring a company.
How a pickup works
Most junk removal companies give a range by phone or from photos, then confirm the price on site once the crew sees the pile. The crew estimates how much of the truck the items will fill and what kind of items they are, and quotes a final number before loading. If you agree, they carry everything out from wherever it sits, including basements, attics and backyards, load the truck and sweep the area.
Because the price is set by volume and item type, it pays to have everything gathered before the crew arrives. A pile that is stacked compactly can take up less truck space than the same items spread across the garage, and there is no waiting while you decide what goes.
Getting ready for the crew
- Separate what goes from what stays and mark it clearly. Tape on furniture or a separate room for items to keep prevents mistakes.
- Empty drawers and cabinets of anything you want to keep.
- Mention heavy items, stairs and long carries when you book, since they affect the crew size.
- Ask in advance about items the company does not take, so you can plan for paint, chemicals and other materials that need a separate drop-off.
Choosing between junk removal options
Full-service removal suits jobs where you do not want to lift anything, or where the items are bulky and scattered. A dumpster suits projects that produce debris over several days, such as a remodel or a large cleanout you do yourself. For a few large items, many cities run bulk trash pickup days, and some retailers will haul away an old mattress or appliance when you buy a new one. Charities may pick up furniture in good condition for free. Checking these options first can shrink the load you pay to remove.
Avoiding surprises
Get the final price in writing before loading starts, and ask whether it includes labor, disposal and any fees for specific items. Make sure the company is licensed and insured, since the crew will be working in and around your home. Reputable companies dispose of items at licensed facilities; illegal dumping can cause problems for the person whose name is tied to the items.
Clearing out a whole house
Estate cleanouts, foreclosures and hoarding situations are priced differently from a single pickup. The company usually visits first, estimates the number of truckloads, and may quote the job as a package. These jobs often involve sorting: setting aside documents, photos, valuables and items for family, donation or sale before anything is hauled. Some companies include sorting in the price; others expect it done before they arrive. If the home will be sold, ask whether the company can also arrange a cleaning after the last load, so the house is ready for listing without hiring a separate crew. Clarifying who sorts, how many loads are expected and what happens to valuables found during the work avoids disputes later.
Appliances, electronics and mattresses
Refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners contain refrigerant that must be recovered before disposal, and many areas restrict how TVs, computers and batteries are thrown away. Mattresses are bulky and are banned from some landfills or recycled separately. These rules are why such items often carry their own fee. Asking about them by name when you book keeps the final price close to the quote.