Whether you’re looking to get rid of a broken refrigerator, a worn mattress, yard debris, or old electronics, junk removal services offer more than simply hauling your items away for donation or disposal—especially with the number of items that require special handling. Old electronics, appliances, paint, chemicals, and many other items need special attention because they can contaminate the environment and have harmful health effects if tossed into a dumpster and taken to a landfill.
The overall cost of junk removal varies, but our research reveals that most jobs range from $75 to $800, with an average cost of $250. Our top recommendation, College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, is priced starting at around $300, which accounts for the truck and travel fee plus labor charges. Its teams offer a variety of specialty junk removal services, such as handling electronics, appliances, hot tubs, pianos, construction debris, paint, and more.
Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Same-day and next-day services
- Competitive junk removal pricing
- No obligation price estimate
Cons
- Hours and pricing vary by location and franchise
- Only available in 39 states
Services Offered
- Junk removal
- Local and long-distance moving
- Apartment moving
- Commercial moving
- Residential moving
- Donation pickups
- Packing
- Home staging
- Storage unit cleanout
- Loading and unloading
- Light demolition
What Is the Average Cost of Junk Removal?
The national average cost of junk removal is $250. Most junk removal companies price by volume, with a one-eighth truckload minimum. A full truckload might be 13–17 cubic yards, depending on the company, and cost between $600 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, costing $125–$200 or $200–$400, respectively.
In addition to volume-based prices, junk removal companies may offer per-item prices. These typically range from $50 to $400 for a single item, from an armchair to a piano. However, the exact cost will vary depending on the type of item.
Our team found College Hunks to have standard pricing. It charges a flat-rate truck and travel fee starting at $155 for a distance of 0–25 miles. This rate goes up to $675 for 125–200 mile moves. Its packing, loading/unloading, and labor charges are priced per hour based on the number of movers, starting at $155 per hour for two movers and going up to $579 for seven movers per hour.
This means a short, quick junk removal job could cost as little as $310 if it’s completed by two movers within an hour, but costs can quickly rise to over $2,000 for intensive projects like large attic cleanouts that require a number of movers.
Note: The costs listed above and throughout the rest of the article are based on average ranges from Angi and cost factors provided by College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving.
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Junk Removal Cost
- College Hunks charges $300–$1,200 for an hour of junk removal services. However, costs vary widely, with some jobs costing over $2,000 for extensive attic or hoarding cleanouts. The type of junk also impacts costs, as some items (like appliances and electronics) incur extra disposal costs that vary by landfill and county.
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 movers 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 Yards | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
1/8 |
2–3 |
$75–$125 |
|
1/4 |
3–4.5 |
$125–$200 |
|
1/2 |
4.5–11 |
$200–$400 |
|
3/4 |
11–13 |
$400–$600 |
|
Full |
13–17 |
$600–$800 |
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 $60 and $400. Hot tubs, pianos, pool tables, and other bulky items can cost $200 or more to move.
| Item Type | Cost Per Item |
|---|---|
|
Carpet |
$75–$300 |
|
Bulky furniture |
$80–$400 |
|
Mattresses |
$75–$150 |
|
Major appliances |
$60–$250 |
|
Electronics |
$20–$200 |
|
Building materials |
$100–$800 |
|
Hazardous waste |
$150–$300 |
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 |
Note: The costs listed above are based on average ranges from several sources, including Move.org, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, and Fixr.
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 |
Note: The costs listed above are based on average ranges from several sources, including Move.org, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor, and Fixr.
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. The Junkluggers and 1-800-GOT-JUNK are both sustainability focuses companies. For example, the 1-800-GOT-JUNK 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 companies servicing interstate moves 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 are around $380 per week.
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 lifespan.
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 $20–$200, depending on the type, size, and 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 $150 to $300.
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. 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 $250 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 $75 per item to haul away. Larger pieces, such as entertainment centers and sectional sofas, will likely cost $400 or more.
DIY vs. Professional Junk Removal
Homeowners have two options for junk removal: Haul your junk to the dump or recycling center yourself, or hire the pros. While the DIY approach is cheaper, it’s not for everyone. For starters, you’ll need access to a larger vehicle, and you need to physically be able to move the items on your own safely. Hiring a professional, such as College Hunks Hauling Junk, is more expensive, but it saves you effort and time.
DIY Junk Removal
DIY junk removal requires planning, bagging, loading, and transporting unwanted items. You’ll need access to a larger vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, or van, to transport larger items, such as appliances. Then, you must arrange to drop the items off at a local dump, landfill, donation center, or recycling facility. Sometimes, these places will charge you a per-load or per-ton fee.
Homeowners often overlook that they must separate items and drop them off at unique locations. For example, if you’re getting rid of electronics like computers, you’ll want to find a specific recycling center if you can’t donate them. Specific parts of the machine, such as lithium-ion batteries, must be disposed of separately and taken to a household hazardous waste collection point because they are a fire hazard and can cause harm to the environment and human health.
Another example is appliances. You shouldn’t dump appliances in a landfill. Instead, check with your local electric and water utility company, state energy office, or conservation program to find appropriate recycling programs. Some local waste management divisions may even pick up heavy trash, such as clothes washers, for recycling. Another option is scrap metal recycling companies, which can reuse the metal from some appliances.
All this to say, junk removal is more than bagging unwanted items, throwing them in a truck, and tossing them in the dumpster. It takes planning on your part to ensure your unwanted items are responsibly disposed of (and ideally recycled as much as possible).
Professional Junk Removal
Hiring a full-service junk removal company provides many benefits, such as saving you time and stress and preventing you from straining your back moving heavy bags or appliances. While hiring a company costs more than the DIY approach, you shouldn’t overlook the benefits, especially when dealing with items that need special care.
Some items, such as video game consoles, TVs, and computers, require special disposal and can’t be tossed into a landfill. The lithium-ion batteries in these electronics will eventually leak into the ground, hurting human health and the environment. Other items, such as paint, construction debris, and pianos, present unique problems ranging from potentially hazardous materials to challenges in moving them yourself. All of this takes time and planning, including making phone calls to local organizations to figure out where you can safely donate, recycle, or dispose of different types of junk.
Our team recommends College Hunks Hauling Junk. This provider made its mark with junk removal services starting in 2003 and today offers comprehensive junk removal and moving services. Its team is specially trained to load and move heavy items and responsibly dispose of them to minimize environmental impact. More than 70% of the junk it takes away is recycled or donated, keeping most unwanted items out of landfills.
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.
Pros
- Convenience
- Eco-friendly practices
- Full-service experience
- Reliable, pre-screened employees
- Safe and legal disposal
Cons
- 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 vary greatly based on the items, their size, your location, and how the item is disposed of. Most companies won’t provide a quote over the phone, as their teams customize prices to your needs. However, our research indicates that College Hunks Hauling Junk usually charges between $300 and $1,200. We also like that it offers donation pickups, specialty junk removal services (like electronics recycling), and same- or next-day services.
FAQs About Junk Removal Costs
What are the steps for getting a quote for junk removal?
Getting a quote for junk removal typically involves two steps:
- Request a quote online or over the phone.
- Schedule an on-site estimate.
What is the average cost for junk removal?
The average cost of junk removal is around $250, but pricing can range from $75 to $800 or more. Exact costs vary by company and location, as well as the type and amount of junk involved.
What are the most popular types of junk removal?
The most popular types of junk removal include the following:
- Commercial junk removal
- Construction debris cleanup
- Dumpster rentals
- E-waste and electronics disposal
- Full-service residential junk removal
- Furniture and appliance disposal
- Yard debris cleanup
What are the benefits of hiring a junk removal company?
The primary benefits of hiring a junk removal company are safety and convenience. Professional junk haulers know how and where to dispose of different types of junk, and they have the equipment and experience to do so safely.
