How Much Does Junk Removal Typically Cost?

A study conducted by the Frontier Group states that the average American disposes of seven pounds of trash daily. That equates to 2,555 pounds of waste per person annually. Nearly 30% of the trash that Americans throw out is product packaging. Another 20% of garbage in American households comes from nondurable goods, including newspapers or clothing.

No matter if it’s household trash or debris from a renovation, trash and junk removal services are beneficial, especially around a big move. But how much does junk removal cost? Junk removal prices depend on your location and the types of removal services you need.

Kinds of junk removal

Depending on your location, the number of items, and their weight, junk removal prices can vary. Below are some standard examples:

• Boat, camper, or heavy hauling: If they’re too far gone to sell, boats, junk campers, and other vehicles too heavy to haul yourself can be carted off by junk removal companies.
• Construction debris removal: A good contractor will usually clean up after their work, but it’s not always included. Whether it’s DIY drywall or leftover piping, schedule a pick-up to remove construction debris.
• Dumpster rental: Ideal for people who are renovating or clearing out spaces over a period of time. The junk removal companies drop off appropriately sized dumpsters that you can fill for a future pick-up.
• Furniture removal: Junk removal companies committed to recycling will pick up furniture and bring it to a charity or recycling center depending on its condition. Furniture removal cost depends on what they’re picking up and where you are.
• Old appliance removal: Heavy things you can’t recycle, like some washers and stoves, need a pro.
• Truck hauling: Like a dumpster rental, this option involves having a truck arrive at your location with a dumpster on the back. You can fill the dumpster and, when you finish, the truck hauls everything away. This works if you have piles of trash ready for pick-up.

Junk removal prices

Junk removal prices vary according to your location and what you want the company to haul away. For example, if you’re living in Beverly Hills and want to have your washer, a recliner, and a twin mattress hauled away, the junk removal cost ranges between $248 and $308. Hauling those same things from a Chicago location ranges between $158 – $198. The table below shows the price ranges for the various categories of items for Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Boston.

Source: https://www.junk-king.com/pricing/pricing-estimator Prices as of 9/11/2020

What junk removal companies won’t accept

• Asbestos: Place asbestos in asbestos bags or plastic bags that are a regulation 6-mil. Seal the bags with duct tape before bringing to your local environmental protection agency.
• Chemicals, hazardous materials, and solvents: Check with your local environmental or solid waste agency for instructions on safe disposal. If your area doesn’t have designated pick-up days for these materials, check to see if you can drop them off at a local business for disposal or recycling.
• Gasoline: Never pour gasoline down the drain. Septic systems and water purification methods can’t handle this kind of waste, and you could pollute the water supply. Contact your local recycling center or a garage to see if you can drop it off.
• Oil drums or oil tanks: Bring the drum or tank to your local salvage yard or landfill for disposal.
• Open cans of paint: Many hardware stores have take-back programs for open cans of paint. If this isn’t available in your area, check your local recycling center for disposal information.

The bottom line

If you still have questions about junk removal prices, your best option is to contact your area’s junk removal companies. Explain to them what you need them to pick up and your location. They’ll talk to you about whether it’s best to have them drop off a dumpster or use their truck haul-away services. Then, they’ll discuss drop-off or haul away scheduling and pricing.

Frequently asked questions

How can I find junk removal places in my area?

It’s best to compare at least three companies’ junk removal prices, what they pick up, and their availability. Use word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family or check your city or town’s website for recommendations. Certain movers may even have a few user reviews you can find.

Do I tip my junk removers?

Tipping isn’t a requirement or expectation for junk removers, but they appreciate it when it happens. You’ll find this is especially true if they’re removing heavy or difficult to move items. If you’re unsure how much to tip, think about the percentages you use when tipping waitstaff or traditional moving companies.

What do removal companies do with my junk?

Because junk removal companies have access to several resources, they can recycle or scrap most of the junk they pick up. If furniture or appliances can still be reconditioned, reputable haulers will look for places to donate them.