The pros can handle all the junk that doesn't fit inside your trash can
When you've got a quickly growing pile of junk too large for your local garbage pickup, you're likely wondering who can haul your junk away. Professional junk haulers near you not only sort the pile into the proper disposal categories, but they can take it off your hands quickly and safely.
Let's review how to find a top-rated junk hauler and if your project even needs one at all.
An experienced junk hauler does more than swing by your curb and throw everything in the back of a truck. Professional junk haulers understand local regulations and the most eco-conscious methods for disposing of tricky and oversized items.
For example, junk haulers know how to dispose of box springs, mattresses, and furniture. They can help you dispose of toilets, plumbing debris, and general construction materials, depending on the project.
And while there are items that junk haulers will often not accept—such as chemicals, oil, cars, and batteries—they may be able to refer you to a service that handles these as well.
Junk removal costs between $60 and $150 or up to $600 for large and complicated items such as multiple appliances. For large piles of various items, junk haulers may charge by the size of the truck required to haul it away.
The top benefits of hiring a well-rated junk hauler include:
Transparent quotes tailored to your type and amount of junk
Local expertise in dumpster permits and recycling standards
Access to large equipment and teams for transporting junk
Both pre-scheduled and last-minute pick-up options
Some companies offer basement, garage, and backyard cleanouts
Donation options may be available for lightly used items
There are several DIY junk removal options if you choose not to hire a professional. In some cases, your local garbage and recycling center will open on special days for bulk trash and large items such as furniture or construction debris.
However, you will need a truck or van to transport the item as well as help getting it safely to your vehicle. It is also important to strictly follow instructions when going it alone to avoid illegal dumping laws.
You may also consider renting a dumpster for a longer renovation or deep cleaning project, which we'll go into more below. In this instance, you can fill the dumpster yourself but a professional will haul it away.
Debating junk removal versus dumpster rental is also a common problem. Dumpster rental costs an average of $380, or as low as $200 for small home and landscape projects. While there are still restrictions to what you can put in a dumpster, you have more flexibility around the timing of your project. However, parking a dumpster on your property often requires a permit and has time restrictions.
While dumpster rental offers more control during large home projects, you will need to transport the trash to the dumpster yourself and ensure you follow all local laws to avoid fines.
"For larger cleanup projects, such as home renovations, construction debris, or large-scale landscaping projects, renting a dumpster is often more practical than hauling waste multiple times."
— Sean Foley, President of redbox+ Dumpsters
Junk haulers will begin each project with a quick consultation. They may request that you list the items for disposal online or over the phone. At this point, you can ask your pro to clarify more specific fees, such as the cost to remove furniture.
They will then clarify any items that they are not able to remove and special information for complex items—such as those that contain a refrigerant. Some companies will also specify items that they can donate or bring to a special recycling facility.
Once you approve the quote and schedule, you will sign a contract and prepare for their visit. In many cases, you will need to move the junk to an accessible area for pick up. At other times, junk haulers will carry and clean the area where the junk is currently stored. Basement and garage cleanouts may be an option for an additional fee. And while tipping your junk haulers isn't a must, it is a nice gesture for teams that go above and beyond.
