Should You Tip Junk Haulers?
Here's a tip for thanking junk haulers that offer excellent service
Highlights
Tipping junk haulers is not expected but appreciated in special cases.
Consider tipping between 10% and 20% of the total cost split among the team.
Heavy lifting and complex jobs are common reasons to tip junk haulers.
From lugging away leaves to finally disposing of that old mattress, junk haulers do the heavy lifting after a deep clean. But how do you know when you should tip junk haulers? Unlike restaurants, bars, and haircuts, tipping culture for junk removal is not straightforward. We'll break down when to tip junk haulers and when the flat fee is enough.
Do You Tip Junk Haulers?
Junk haulers don’t usually expect a tip, but it is a kind gesture if the team goes above and beyond. Junk hauling varies from quick pickups to extensive cleanouts—in some cases, a team will carry heavy items through your home or use equipment to get the job done safely.
Here are some good examples of when you should consider tipping junk haulers.
The job required specialized transport to a recycling or donation center.
Your junk haulers accepted a last-minute pickup or worked around your tricky schedule.
The team went to great lengths to protect your home and yard during the move.
After pickup, the team cleaned the area inside or outside your home.
A home renovation project requires multiple trips by the same team.
Your junk haulers helped you place, fill, or remove a dumpster.
Your contract included complex disassembly of the item.
How Much to Tip Junk Removal Pros
If you choose to tip junk removal pros, consider offering between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the job for complex pickups. If there are multiple people on the team, split the total tip between each worker. Simple jobs may call for a flat tip amount, such as between $10 and $20 per person.
Keep in mind that some junk removal companies specify on their website how and whether to tip their workers. As you prepare for your junk removal appointment, don't hesitate to ask your customer service rep about tipping preferences.
In some cases, companies will offer a tipping option online when you pay for your service. Others will specify that tipping is not necessary in any scenario. Above all, the best local junk removal teams will be happy to discuss their standard practices.
Common Junk Removal Costs
Junk removal costs between $150 and $350 in most cases, or an average of $240. Large jobs with complicated items such as appliances can push the total price up to $600. These more complex jobs more commonly warrant a tip since they may require specialized coordination with your town and a large vehicle to safely transport the item.
For example, if you have a hot tub removed for $500, tip workers who do an amazing job between $50 and $100, particularly if they managed the breakdown of the hot tub as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Furniture removal costs between $50 and $400 on average, but the price highly depends on the type and size of the furniture. Some companies will pick up furniture that can be donated for free or for a small fee. For larger home cleanouts, furniture and general junk removal can cost up to $600 on average.
Many junk hauling companies will specify on their websites that tipping is not expected but appreciated. Cash or online tips are a generous gesture for junk haulers who go above and beyond. If the job requires heavy lifting, safeguarding your home, or a last-minute scheduling change, tipping is a nice way to recognize the team's hard work.
In some areas, tipping garbage and recycling workers around the holidays is a kind and common practice. Tipping between $20 and $50 once a year is a kind gesture for a team you've gotten to know or who does an exemplary job. While tipping junk haulers and waste management pros is not expected, it is a great way to show your appreciation.