11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Junk Removal Company
Don't let your junk pile up without a plan
Highlights
Hiring the best junk removal company streamlines the end of your project and ensures trash ends up in the right place.
Compare at least three junk removal companies before signing a contract.
Discuss disposal options with your team, including if renting a dumpster is a better alternative.
You've ripped up the old bathroom tile, cleaned out the basement, and finally installed your dream kitchen. Now it's time to decide who will haul your junk away and determine what questions to ask before hiring a junk removal company.
Get to know your local junk removal team by asking them to walk you through the process from start to finish. Here are 11 questions to ask a junk removal company when narrowing down the finalists.
1. What Are Your Credentials?
A junk removal company should be licensed and insured in accordance with your local regulations. Most cities require junk removal companies to obtain waste management licenses as well as permits for transportation and hauling. Specialized junk haulers may need additional permits to handle hazardous waste.
Always ask if your junk hauler has liability insurance. In many cases, the team will carry heavy items through your home and across your lawn. Insurance protects you, your home, and the workers from potential accidents and damage.
2. Can You Offer Customer Testimonials?
Customer reviews are the best way to get to know a junk hauler. Look for testimonials that prove the team can handle jobs similar to yours, such as large home cleanouts or appliance disposal. Keep an eye out for red flags such as scheduling issues, incorrect estimates, or problems with the payment process.
3. What Type of Junk Do You Accept?
One of the most important questions to ask before hiring a junk removal company is regarding the scope of their work. Understanding what can go in a dumpster or a dump truck is critical to a smooth pickup day. Ask about separating items into different piles and whether certain items will raise the cost. The price of removing appliances, for example, may cost more than getting rid of other waste.
4. Are There Items That You Do Not Accept?
Some items cannot be placed in a dumpster or dump truck, so it's important to inquire about restrictions before signing a contract. Some companies will not accept liquids, yard waste, or even some recyclables in a basic haul. You may also need to arrange special pickup separate from general junk hauling for items that include hazardous materials such as refrigerant, oil, or fuel.
5. What Is Your Junk Disposal Process?
Junk haulers specialize in making sure items end up in the right pile, so be sure to ask about their disposal process. A great company will outline which items can be donated, recycled, or sent to a landfill. Understanding their methods will also help you organize your junk pile for a smooth pickup.
6. How Do You Estimate Costs?
Most junk removal companies estimate costs based on size. After a consultation, they will determine the size of the dumpster or truck necessary to pick up your items. The pile's weight and the number of specialized items will also play a role. If you are only throwing away a handful of large, individual items, your quoted estimate may take factors such as the cost of furniture removal into account.
7. What Are Your Payment Policies?
You’ll typically pay junk removal companies on the day of the pickup based on the final inventory. Be sure to ask about whether the company requires a down payment to hold the date and whether they offer guaranteed estimates. Double-check the best payment method—cash, card, or check—so you can be prepared for the day.
8. What Type of Equipment Do You Use?
Haulers will use specialized lifting and hauling equipment to ensure a safe junk removal day. Speak with the team about the size of the trucks offered and whether they have roll-off dumpsters available. If you need to transport large items from inside your home, it's important for junk removers to know this ahead of time so they can bring the proper dolly and disassembly equipment.
9. How Should I Prepare for Junk Removal?
Preparing for junk removal day is the key to a smooth transition. Some companies will request that you divide the items into categories, while others prefer one pile in an accessible area. The most important step is clearly separating and marking items ready for disposal so the workers can move quickly without accidentally tossing something not meant for the truck.
10. How Long Do Your Services Take?
Stay on top of your schedule by clarifying how long the job will take on the day itself. Basic pickups will take less than an hour, but full-service cleanups can take between three and five hours. Service length also depends on the disassembly and cleanup services offered.
11. Do You Handle Cleanup After Junk Removal?
Junk piles can leave scraps, dust, and residue, so be sure to ask whether the team offers cleanup services as well. In most cases, the team will offer a quick broom clean to cover any debris dropped along the way. However, you may end up spraying down your driveway or hiring a team for a deeper clean after the junk is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin by asking neighbors whether they hired a nearby junk removal company in the past. A great junk removal team should have glowing local reviews, an upfront estimate process, and easy scheduling. They should also be able to show proof of license and insurance. Lastly, get to know at least three junk removal companies before making your choice.
Determining whether you should tip junk haulers depends on the company's policies. In most cases, junk removal companies welcome tips for a job well done but by no means require them. If your team went beyond expectations to protect your home and respect your schedule, consider tipping between 10% and 20% of the total cost or around $10 to $20 per hauler.
There are benefits to both hiring a junk hauler and renting a dumpster. Dumpster rental offers more flexibility when disposing of items on your own during a long renovation project. However, if you want to get rid of a pile quickly—and not have it sitting around in your driveway—hiring junk haulers is the best way to go.