Need junk removal but not sure where to start? Whether you're decluttering, moving, renovating, or dealing with an estate cleanout, finding reliable junk hauling services that charge fair prices and dispose responsibly makes the process stress-free.
This guide shows you how to find trusted junk removal near you, what you should actually pay, what items can (and can't) be removed, and how to save 30-50% on hauling costs.
💰 Junk Removal Cost Guide (2025 Pricing)
Average Cost by Truck Load
| Load Size | Volume | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum/Single items | 1-3 items | $75-200 |
| Quarter truck | ~3 cubic yards | $150-300 |
| Half truck | ~6 cubic yards | $250-450 |
| Three-quarter truck | ~9 cubic yards | $350-550 |
| Full truck | ~12-15 cubic yards | $400-650 |
Note: Most companies have minimum charges of $75-150 even for small loads.
Cost by Item Type
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| FURNITURE | |
| Sofa/couch | $75-150 |
| Mattress & box spring | $75-150 |
| Dining table | $50-100 |
| Desk or dresser | $50-100 |
| Recliner | $60-120 |
| APPLIANCES | |
| Refrigerator | $75-150 |
| Washer/dryer | $75-150 each |
| Stove/oven | $75-125 |
| Dishwasher | $60-100 |
| Water heater | $75-150 |
| ELECTRONICS | |
| TV (any size) | $50-100 |
| Computer/monitor | $30-75 |
| Exercise equipment | $75-200 |
| HEAVY/SPECIALTY ITEMS | |
| Hot tub | $200-500 |
| Piano | $200-400 |
| Concrete/dirt (per yard) | $100-200 |
| Tires (per tire) | $10-30 |
💡 What Affects Junk Removal Pricing?
- Volume: How much truck space your junk fills
- Weight: Heavy items (appliances, concrete) cost more
- Type: Hazardous items require special disposal (higher cost)
- Location: Stairs, narrow access, or long carry add fees
- Labor: More movers = higher cost
- Disposal: Landfill fees vary by material type
- Timing: Same-day or weekend service may cost 10-20% more
🔍 How to Find Junk Removal Near Me
1. GigNGo (Best for Comparing Quotes)
Why it works: Post once, get multiple quotes from local junk haulers, compare pricing and reviews.
How to use:
- Go to GigNGo.org
- Describe what needs to be removed
- Add photos of the junk (helps with accurate quotes)
- Receive 5-15 quotes from local junk removal services
- Compare pricing, reviews, and availability
- Book same-day or next-day pickup
Advantages:
- ✓ Free to use (no service fees)
- ✓ Compare multiple quotes instantly
- ✓ Verified customer reviews
- ✓ Often same-day service available
- ✓ Save 20-40% by comparing options
2. National Franchises
Best known options:
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK: Most widely available, higher prices but reliable
- Junk King: Eco-friendly focus, competitive pricing
- College Hunks Hauling Junk: Good customer service, mid-range pricing
- Junk Luggers: Donation-focused, fair pricing
Pros: Nationwide availability, professional service, insurance, consistent quality
Cons: Typically 30-50% more expensive than local independents
3. Google "Junk Removal Near Me"
What to look for:
- 4.5+ stars with 20+ reviews
- Clear pricing information
- Licensed and insured
- Photos of their trucks/team
- Years in business (3+ years preferred)
- Responses to negative reviews
4. Ask for Local Recommendations
Where to ask:
- Nextdoor: Search for junk removal recommendations
- Facebook local groups: "Need junk removal recommendation"
- Neighbors: Ask people who recently cleaned out
- Realtors: They use junk removal for estate sales
🗑️ What Can Junk Removal Services Take?
✅ Items Most Services WILL Take
Furniture:
- Sofas, chairs, tables, desks
- Mattresses and box springs
- Dressers, cabinets, shelving
- Office furniture
Appliances:
- Refrigerators, freezers
- Washers, dryers
- Stoves, ovens, dishwashers
- Water heaters, AC units
Electronics:
- TVs, computers, monitors
- Printers, copiers
- Stereos, speakers
- Exercise equipment
Yard Waste:
- Branches, brush, leaves
- Lawn mowers, garden tools
- Wood and lumber
- Dirt, rocks, concrete (usually extra fee)
General Junk:
- Boxes and cardboard
- Books, papers, magazines
- Toys, sports equipment
- Household clutter
- Garage/basement cleanouts
❌ Items Most Services WON'T Take
Hazardous Materials:
- Paint (wet), stains, varnish
- Chemicals, pesticides, herbicides
- Motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline
- Asbestos, lead materials
- Medical waste, syringes
- Batteries (car batteries especially)
Other Restricted Items:
- Biological waste
- Explosives, ammunition
- Radioactive materials
- Items with freon (sometimes accepted with extra fee)
⚠️ Always Ask About Specific Items
Rules vary by company and location. Before booking:
- List all items, especially unusual ones
- Ask about disposal restrictions in your area
- Mention heavy items (pianos, hot tubs, safes)
- Note accessibility issues (stairs, tight spaces)
This ensures accurate quotes and no surprises on pickup day.
💡 How to Save Money on Junk Removal
1. Get Multiple Quotes
Potential savings: 30-50%
Junk removal pricing varies wildly. Same job might get quotes from $200 to $500. Comparing 3-5 companies ensures fair pricing.
Easy way: Post on GigNGo and receive multiple quotes automatically.
2. Sort and Organize First
Potential savings: 20-30%
Time is money for junk haulers. The more organized your junk, the faster they load, the less you pay:
- Pile everything in one accessible area (driveway/garage)
- Separate items you want removed from keepers
- Disassemble large items if possible
- Remove light items from heavy furniture
3. Donate or Sell Valuable Items First
Potential savings: $100-500+
Before paying to haul it away:
- Sell on Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist: Working appliances, furniture
- Donate: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat ReStore (tax deduction)
- Recycle: E-waste programs for electronics (often free)
- Scrap metal: Take appliances to scrap yard for cash
4. Choose Local Independent Haulers
Potential savings: 30-50%
| Service Type | Half Truck Load | Full Truck Load |
|---|---|---|
| National Franchises | $350-550 | $500-750 |
| Local Independent | $200-350 | $300-500 |
| Potential Savings | $150-200 | $200-250 |
5. Book Off-Peak Times
Potential savings: 10-20%
Peak times (more expensive):
- Weekends
- End of month (moving season)
- Spring/summer
- Same-day service
Off-peak times (better rates):
- Weekdays
- Mid-month
- Fall/winter
- Scheduled 3-7 days in advance
6. Do Some DIY Disposal
Potential savings: 50-70%
If you have time and a vehicle, DIY can save significant money:
Option 1: Rent a Dumpster
- Cost: $200-500 for 10-20 yard dumpster (1 week)
- Best for: Large cleanouts, renovation debris
- You load, they haul away
Option 2: Haul to Dump Yourself
- Rent pickup truck: $20-50/day
- Landfill fees: $30-100/load
- Best for: Small to medium loads
- Requires physical ability and time
Option 3: Curbside Bulk Pickup
- Many cities offer free bulk trash pickup 1-4x/year
- Check your city's sanitation schedule
- Usually free or minimal cost
- May require advance scheduling
💰 Example Savings Breakdown
Full garage cleanout, original quote: $600
- Sell working lawn mower on Facebook: Save $100 (earn $150)
- Donate usable items to Goodwill: Save $100
- Take scrap metal to recycling: Save/earn $50
- Organize and pile junk in driveway: Save $80 (faster loading)
- Get 3 quotes, choose best local company: Save $150
- Book on weekday: Save $60
New cost: $60 — Total savings: $540 (90%!)
✅ Questions to Ask Before Hiring
About Pricing
- "How do you calculate pricing?" (volume-based, weight, flat rate?)
- "Is there a minimum charge?"
- "What's not included in your estimate?"
- "Do you charge extra for stairs/difficult access?"
- "Are disposal fees included?"
About Service
- "When is your earliest availability?"
- "Do you offer same-day service?"
- "What items can't you take?"
- "Do you donate or recycle items?"
- "What happens if there's more junk than expected?"
About Credentials
- "Are you licensed and insured?"
- "What's your process if something gets damaged?"
- "Can you provide references?"
- "How long have you been in business?"
Find Junk Removal Near You Today
Post your junk removal project and get competitive quotes from local haulers.
Get Free Quotes →✓ Compare pricing ✓ Same-day service ✓ Verified reviews
🚨 Red Flags to Avoid
Don't hire if they:
- ❌ Won't provide written estimates - "We'll give you a price when we see it" = price will be inflated
- ❌ Demand payment upfront - Legitimate companies charge after service
- ❌ Have no insurance - You're liable for injuries or damage
- ❌ Show up in unmarked vehicles - Sign of unlicensed operation
- ❌ Can't specify disposal methods - May dump illegally
- ❌ Have mostly negative reviews - Pattern of poor service
- ❌ Significantly undercut competitors (40%+ below) - Likely cutting corners
- ❌ Refuse to itemize charges - Hidden fees likely
🌍 Eco-Friendly Junk Removal
Responsible junk removal companies prioritize:
Donation
- Usable furniture to charities
- Working appliances to Habitat ReStore
- Clothes and household goods to Goodwill
Recycling
- Metal, wood, and plastic recycling
- E-waste (electronics) recycling
- Appliance recycling (freon removal)
Proper Disposal
- Hazardous materials to certified facilities
- Non-recyclables to licensed landfills
- Documentation of disposal
Ask companies: "What percentage do you divert from landfills?" Good companies achieve 50-80% diversion rates.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does junk removal cost?
Junk removal costs $100-600 on average, depending on volume. Single items cost $50-200, partial truck loads $150-350, half truck $300-450, full truck $400-600. Pricing factors: volume (cubic yards), item type, weight, accessibility, and disposal fees. Heavy items (appliances, concrete) cost more. Get 2-3 quotes to compare pricing and save 20-30%.
How do I find junk removal near me?
Best methods: 1) Post on GigNGo to get multiple quotes from local haulers, 2) Google "junk removal near me" and check reviews (4.5+ stars), 3) Ask neighbors for recommendations, 4) Check 1-800-GOT-JUNK or similar franchises. Always verify insurance, get written estimates, and compare 2-3 providers. Same-day service often available.
What items can junk removal services take?
Most services take: furniture, appliances, electronics, mattresses, yard waste, construction debris, and general household junk. They typically WON'T take: hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, asbestos), wet paint, biological waste, or items requiring special disposal permits. Always ask about specific items before booking to avoid surprises.
Is junk removal worth the cost?
Junk removal is worth it for: Large volume cleanouts, heavy items you can't move, time constraints, or no vehicle access. It's NOT worth it for: Small loads you can haul yourself, items worth selling/donating, or if you have free city bulk pickup available. Compare DIY costs (truck rental $20-50 + dump fees $30-100) vs. professional service ($150-600) to decide.
Do I need to be home during junk removal?
For most jobs, yes. You need to: Show them what to take, ensure they don't remove wrong items, inspect work before they leave, and provide payment. Some companies offer "while you're away" service if items are clearly marked and accessible, with payment arranged beforehand. Always get before/after photos if you're not present.
How quickly can junk removal services come?
Many junk removal companies offer same-day or next-day service. National franchises (1-800-GOT-JUNK) often have same-day availability. Local companies may require 1-3 days notice. Peak times (weekends, end of month, summer) require more advance booking. For guaranteed availability, schedule 3-7 days ahead.
What's the difference between junk removal and dumpster rental?
Junk removal: They load and haul, costs $100-600+, best for immediate needs, no loading required. Dumpster rental: You load it yourself, costs $200-500/week, best for ongoing projects, requires physical ability. Choose junk removal for: convenience, heavy items, one-time cleanouts. Choose dumpster for: renovations, gradual cleanouts, cost savings if you can load yourself.
📚 Related Resources
✅ Your Action Plan
Here's your step-by-step junk removal process:
- Assess what needs to go
- Walk through and list all junk
- Take photos of large/bulky items
- Note any heavy or unusual items
- Estimate truck space needed
- Sell or donate valuable items
- List working items on Facebook Marketplace
- Schedule donation pickup (Goodwill, Salvation Army)
- Take e-waste to recycling center
- Get 3-5 quotes
- Post on GigNGo with photos
- Call/text local junk removal companies
- Contact national franchises for comparison
- Get written estimates
- Compare and book
- Verify insurance and licensing
- Check reviews (4.5+ stars)
- Compare total costs (including fees)
- Choose best value, not just cheapest
- Prepare for pickup
- Organize junk in accessible area
- Mark items clearly (remove vs. keep)
- Clear pathways
- Be present during removal
Most people find reliable junk removal services and schedule pickup within 1-3 days using this process.