Organization and planning are key for making your junk removal project easier
Check for hazardous items before hiring a junk removal company, as not all companies will dispose of them for you.
Costs, reputation, and availability are all factors to consider when choosing a junk removal service.
You may be able to get rid of some items for free through charity pickup or curb pickup.
When it’s time to purge an attic or garage, clean out a rental, get rid of remodeling debris, or remove a worn-out appliance, a junk removal service is the perfect option. But junk removal and hauling is more than just taking out the trash, and a bit of planning can go a long way when it comes to making your project easier and more affordable.
Use these junk removal tips to make your cleanup go as smoothly as possible.
A junk removal service will bring their own containers—often dump trucks—fill them with your items, and then dispose of the contents. If you rent a dumpster, a company will drop it off at your location, and you’ll have to do the heavy lifting. Once the dumpster is full, the company picks it up and transports everything inside to a dumping facility.
Dumpster rental is a good option if you are planning to clean out a space over the course of several days or if you are doing DIY home renovations that require some demolition. Note that some companies offer both junk hauling and dumpster rental services, so take the time to decide which option works best for you.
| Junk Hauling Details | Dumpster Rental Details |
|---|---|
| Often a one-day project | Multi-day rental (days or weeks) |
| Pros load junk into container they provide for you | Fill dumpster yourself |
| Pros will dispose of junk | Pros will haul dumpster at the end of your contracted time |
| Average cost: $240 | Average cost: $380 per week |
Regardless of which option you choose, getting the right size dumpster or dump truck for your project is crucial, as you’ll avoid overpaying for unused space and also extending your project by having to empty the container before finishing.
Dump trucks and dumpsters each come in a few different sizes, so either estimate the cubic yards of debris you have or ask your junk removal professional what size you’ll need.
Junk removal companies accept a variety of items, but you’ll want to confirm they have the capability to pick up the specific things you’re getting rid of—especially if you’ve got a lot of heavy items or something that could be considered hazardous waste.
On average, junk hauling costs $240, but prices could go up to $1,000 or more depending on the volume of debris and whether or not it requires recycling or delivery to a hazardous waste facility.
Make sure you know the difference between general waste and hazardous waste. You often can’t put items that are considered hazardous waste into a dumpster. If your junk hauling company finds out you have dumped hazardous waste, you could face fines for illegal dumping. Some companies do collect hazardous waste, but you’ll need to clear it with them beforehand.
| Hazardous Waste | General Waste |
|---|---|
| Medications | Most appliances |
| Tires | Electronics |
| Cans of paint | Furniture |
| Fertilizer | Yard waste |
| Household cleaners | Blankets |
| Pool chemicals | Hot tub/spa |
| Varnish/stain | Exercise equipment |
| Car batteries | Construction debris |
Also, note that your local area might have specific laws about what can be thrown out. For example, some cities have strict rules about disposing of mattresses or appliances, and junk removal companies may charge extra to handle these items.
As with any project you’re considering hiring out, you’ll want to get at least three quotes for comparison before you sign off on the cost. Once you get some estimates for how much junk removal costs, you can compare what’s included in each price. If you see items on one quote that are not on other quotes, you can ask the company whose quote doesn’t include that item if it’s part of the estimate and why or why not.
Then, you can compare apples-to-apples quotes to see which provides the best value for your money. It doesn’t just come down to choosing what’s cheapest—make sure to also factor in the company’s reputation and reliability, whether they can dispose of the type of junk you have (such as hazardous waste), and their availability.
Your total will depend largely on the amount of junk you need to toss, but here’s what you can expect to pay for the average job.
"Opting for the appropriate size dumpster is crucial for cost savings. Renting a smaller dumpster than necessary might result in overflow fees, while renting a larger one wastes money on unused space. Working with a reputable professional often ensures a team that can help customers determine the ideal dumpster size for their project."
— Sean Foley, President of redbox+ Dumpsters
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $60 | $250 | $800 |
One alternative to a junk removal service is to rent a dumpster. You’ll have to do the work of removing debris yourself, but you’ll have a more flexible timeline, as you can rent a dumpster for a week or more.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $200 per week | $380 per week | $800 per week |
If you’re doing any portion of the debris removal yourself, it’s crucial that you and any of your family members or friends who might be helping wear protective gear to keep yourselves safe. This is especially true if you’re moving hazardous waste.
Below is a list of items you should consider when hauling debris, whether it’s to a dumpster on your property or to a local recycling or dumping facility.
Work gloves
Steel-toed boots
Knee pads
Back brace for lifting heavy items
Dust mask or respirator
Safety glasses
On the topic of safety, you should hire a professional to deal with some hazardous waste items that can be dangerous to work around, especially materials containing asbestos.
Another essential step involves properly sorting your items. You’ll want to separate the hazardous materials from other items so you can follow the rules for proper disposal. You can also sort items based on recyclability, making it easy to gather them up and take them to the recycling center when it’s time.
This is especially good practice if you’re hiring a junk hauling service, as it will speed up the process and could save you some money on labor costs.
To keep your belongings out of the landfill, some hauling companies have dedicated warehouse space to sort and properly dispose of everything they collect. Others take items straight to the local landfill or other trash collection sites. Don’t hesitate to ask if this is a question you want answered.
Many electronics contain materials that can be reused, but they also contain some hazardous materials. For example, mobile phones can contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and beryllium. These metals require proper and safe disposal.
While still-functioning electronics can be donated to a charity, broken items should be sent to the proper recycling facility. Similarly, a recycling center must collect freon from old refrigerators and air conditioners before the appliance is recycled.
If you’re disposing of a mattress, box spring, or large furniture, you might be able to donate or recycle the piece rather than paying dumping fees. Thankfully, 80% to 90% of mattress materials are recyclable, and most furniture can be recycled or reused. Some non-recyclable items include the following:
Garden hoses
Sewing needles
Food-soiled paper
Propane tanks or cylinders
Aerosol cans that aren’t empty
Certain plastics and glass
Certain batteries
Certain light bulbs
You might need to clear a path to the door, move other vehicles in the vicinity, or have everything in one place when preparing for your local junk removal company to arrive. If you have anything particularly difficult to move, such as a piano on the second floor or large, bulky trunks in the attic, let your pros know ahead of time.
Find out if the hauler wants everything outside or if they are willing to carry the items from your home. This could be a key factor in what company you choose if you’re unable to move things yourself.
Other ways to prepare your junk for pickup include the following:
Creating a detailed list of items to be removed by haulers
Labeling items to designate what you need removed
Separate donations from the junk pile to avoid confusion
If you can, schedule the hauling on a day with a clear forecast. No one wants to move heavy furniture and junk in the rain—and wet floors and walkways only make moving more dangerous.
Also, aim to schedule on a slow day when you can be home. If you don’t have any other plans that day, you won’t feel rushed if something unexpected happens. Plan to be there the entire time to make sure everything gets loaded and to answer any questions.
Don’t want to pay to haul your junk away? Junk haulers don’t haul junk away for free, but there might be some options to recycle or redistribute your items free of charge. If you’re unsure if your items qualify for free removal, contact your town or municipality to get further disposal information.
If you have a ton of yard waste and don’t want to compost it, check with your regular trash removal company. During certain seasons, especially fall, they may pick up your properly bagged yard debris or Christmas tree and dispose of it for free. Parks and recreation organizations will sometimes offer this service as well to create mulch for their trails and gardens.
Charitable organizations, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, will often pick up your large donations for free. If you’re getting rid of furniture or many bags of clothing and/or household goods, you might save yourself the cost of hauling. Call your local charity and ask about this service. In some cases, you might have to bring the donations to a facility, but you’ll still save money in the process.
If you have items that still have some life in them, like an old shed or swing set, consider posting them on an online marketplace as “free with pickup only.”
You can set the item on your curb and let whoever’s interested come haul it away for you without spending a dime.
Look into your city’s bulk trash day as well. You can put any unwanted items on the curb or alley, and they’ll be picked up by a certain date. However, these items will often be claimed by a passerby before the trash collector ever arrives, depending on the shape it’s in. However, keep an eye on any rules from your homeowners association or municipality before you bring junk to the curb.
If you still have junk you need hauled away and you have the vehicle capable of pulling one, look into the cost to rent a dump trailer and haul the items to the dump or another location yourself. It’s always worth contacting a local junk removal company for information and estimates to see if that’s the right option for you.
Sara Coleman contributed to this piece.
Tipping your junk removal workers is completely your call, and you’re by no means required to give the workers a tip. However, if you’re pleased with the service and think it was a job well done, then a $10 to $20 tip per mover would be appropriate and highly appreciated. This is an especially good idea if your movers hauled away large, bulky items through tight spaces or up and down stairs or if they went above and beyond to ensure you were satisfied with the work.
Unsurprisingly, one of the busiest seasons for junk haulers is the springtime. The warmer weather makes spring the best time for junk removal for most people. If your junk removal schedule is flexible, though, booking for the winter might be the best option for you. You’ll see more availability and even a possible discount since the colder months are generally slower for junk haulers. If you are getting rid of unneeded junk during warmer months, call a junk removal specialist in advance to ensure they get you on the schedule.
Choosing a junk disposal method begins with considering what kind of junk you’re getting rid of. If it’s hazardous waste, you’ll be more limited in your options and will either need to haul it to a dedicated disposal facility yourself or find a junk removal company that works with hazardous materials. If it’s general waste and mostly consists of small items, renting a dumpster is a great way to save money if you and some friends can move the junk into the dumpster yourselves. To save time and energy, though, hiring a junk hauler is the best option.
