How Much Does Junk Removal Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 8 sources comparedHow we estimate
Most homeowners pay $150 to $400 for a junk removal pickup, with an average of about $250. That figure is the mean of the national averages published by HomeGuide ($210), Angi ($242) and Fixr ($300). Price depends mainly on how much of the truck your junk fills, how heavy it is, whether it includes specialty items like hot tubs or appliances with refrigerant, and local landfill fees.
- Typical cost
- $150–$400
- National average
- $250
- Full range
- $60–$800
The typical range covers a single pickup filling about a quarter to a half of a standard junk truck with household items, including labor, loading and disposal fees; a full truck of heavy debris or specialty items like hot tubs can reach the national high. Prices are per pickup.
Junk removal cost by truck load
Most haulers charge by volume: how much of their truck your items fill. A standard junk truck holds roughly 15 to 18 cubic yards (Angi describes a 20-yard truck; Junk Happens lists 18 cubic yards for a full load). The table compares four price lists.
| Load size | Fixr | HomeGuide | Angi | QuoteRuler range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum or 1/8 truck | $75–$125 | $70–$100 (minimum) | $75–$125 | $75–$200 |
| 1/4 truck | $125–$175 | $100–$150 | $125–$200 | $125–$300 |
| 1/2 truck | $175–$375 | $200–$300 | $200–$400 | $200–$450 |
| 3/4 truck | $375–$450 | $300–$380 | $400–$600 | $350–$600 |
| Full truck | $450–$650 | $400–$450 | $600–$800 | $450–$800 |
Our ranges are wider than any single source because local prices differ a lot. For example, Junk Happens, a Minneapolis–St. Paul hauler that publishes its rates, charges $199 for 1/8 of a truck, $314 for 1/4, $449 for half and $674 for a full 18-yard load. Those sit at or above the high end of the national guides, which is typical for big metro areas with higher labor and disposal costs.
Thumbtack's lower figures ($138–$308 on average) are based on pickup-truck loads, which hold far less than a box truck, so a "full truck" there is a much smaller job.
Estimate your cost
Choose how much of the truck your junk will fill, tick any specialty items, and pick how easy the items are to reach.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Cost to remove single items
If you have one or two bulky items, many haulers quote a flat single-item price instead of a load fraction.
| Item | Fixr | Angi | HomeGuide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress | $75–$150 | $75–$150 | $70–$100 |
| Couch | $100–$200 | $100–$200 | $200–$375 (3-piece sectional) |
| Refrigerator or freezer | $100–$200 | $50–$150 (fridge) | $35–$60 surcharge |
| Washer or dryer | $75–$200 | $75–$200 | $70–$205 |
| Hot tub | $150–$600 | $200–$600 | $100–$150 |
| Piano | $200–$400 | $200–$400 | $50–$100 surcharge |
| TV or electronics | $75–$200 | $20–$200 | $70–$90 (computer or printer) |
HomeGuide's piano and refrigerator figures are landfill surcharges added to a load price, not full removal prices, which is why they look low. Hot tubs vary most because the crew may need to cut the shell apart, and the electrical supply should be disconnected first by a licensed electrician.
Labor vs. disposal costs
A junk removal price bundles three things: labor (usually a two-person crew), the truck and fuel, and dump or recycling fees. Angi puts typical labor at $100 to $300 against an average job of $242, and Thumbtack says pricing is driven by fuel, labor and the weight of what's removed. Landfill fees are a smaller slice: HomeGuide estimates about $50 for a DIY landfill trip and $70 to $150 for a professional's average load.
We use a labor share of 50% for our state adjustment. That reflects Angi's labor range sitting at roughly half of a typical job, with the rest going to the truck, fuel and disposal fees, which vary less with local wages.
What drives the price up or down
- Volume. This is the main driver. Fixr's minimum load works out to $1.25 to $2.08 per cubic foot, and HomeGuide uses about $1.50 per cubic foot.
- Weight. Dense loads like concrete, dirt, roofing shingles and construction debris cost more per cubic yard because landfills charge by weight. 1-800-GOT-JUNK sets separate weight limits for heavy materials, and Fixr lists construction debris at $200 to $600.
- Specialty items. Refrigerators, freezers and AC units need refrigerant handled properly, and mattresses and tires often carry recycling or eco-fees (1-800-GOT-JUNK, HomeGuide).
- Access. Stairs, long carries and tight hallways add time. Thumbtack's averages show jobs with stairs at $197 versus $188 without, about 5% more.
- Demolition. Taking apart a shed, playset or hot tub before hauling costs extra. HomeGuide prices shed removal at $200 to $2,000.
- Location. Metro areas with high labor and landfill fees cost more, as the Junk Happens price list above shows.
Junk removal cost by state
Because about half of the price is local labor, junk removal costs track regional wages fairly closely. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (50%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.0% |
| Alaska | $150–$400 | $250 | +0.9% |
| Arizona | $150–$400 | $250 | +0.6% |
| Arkansas | $140–$370 | $230 | -6.8% |
| California | $160–$430 | $270 | +6.3% |
| Colorado | $150–$400 | $250 | +0.7% |
| Connecticut | $150–$410 | $250 | +1.8% |
| Delaware | $150–$400 | $250 | -0.4% |
| District of Columbia | $160–$420 | $260 | +5.4% |
| Florida | $150–$410 | $250 | +1.8% |
| Georgia | $150–$390 | $250 | -1.6% |
| Hawaii | $160–$420 | $260 | +4.3% |
| Idaho | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.3% |
| Illinois | $150–$400 | $250 | -0.5% |
| Indiana | $140–$380 | $240 | -3.9% |
| Iowa | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.6% |
| Kansas | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.0% |
| Kentucky | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.7% |
| Louisiana | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.8% |
| Maine | $150–$390 | $250 | -1.4% |
| Maryland | $150–$410 | $260 | +2.0% |
| Massachusetts | $160–$420 | $260 | +4.1% |
| Michigan | $150–$390 | $240 | -2.9% |
| Minnesota | $150–$400 | $250 | -0.8% |
| Mississippi | $140–$370 | $230 | -6.3% |
| Missouri | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.1% |
| Montana | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.9% |
| Nebraska | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.8% |
| Nevada | $150–$390 | $250 | -1.5% |
| New Hampshire | $150–$410 | $260 | +2.6% |
| New Jersey | $160–$420 | $260 | +4.4% |
| New Mexico | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.8% |
| New York | $160–$420 | $260 | +3.8% |
| North Carolina | $150–$390 | $240 | -3.0% |
| North Dakota | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.7% |
| Ohio | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.1% |
| Oklahoma | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.8% |
| Oregon | $150–$410 | $260 | +2.3% |
| Pennsylvania | $150–$400 | $250 | -1.2% |
| Rhode Island | $150–$400 | $250 | +0.7% |
| South Carolina | $140–$390 | $240 | -3.4% |
| South Dakota | $140–$380 | $240 | -6.0% |
| Tennessee | $140–$380 | $240 | -3.7% |
| Texas | $150–$390 | $250 | -1.4% |
| Utah | $150–$390 | $240 | -2.5% |
| Vermont | $150–$390 | $250 | -1.7% |
| Virginia | $150–$400 | $250 | +0.4% |
| Washington | $160–$420 | $260 | +4.3% |
| West Virginia | $140–$380 | $240 | -5.1% |
| Wisconsin | $140–$390 | $240 | -3.4% |
| Wyoming | $140–$380 | $240 | -4.6% |
Landfill tipping fees also vary by county, so two haulers in the same state can quote noticeably different prices for the same load.
Junk removal vs. dumpster rental
| Option | Typical cost | Who loads it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service junk removal | $150–$600 (Fixr) | The crew | One-day cleanouts, heavy furniture, appliances |
| Dumpster rental, 10-yard | $250–$575 per week (Angi) | You | Small renovations over several days |
| Dumpster rental, 20-yard | $275–$700 per week (Angi) | You | Remodels, roofing, large cleanouts |
| Bag-style dumpster (Bagster) | $120–$200 (Fixr) | You | Small DIY projects with light debris |
A dumpster can be cheaper per cubic yard when you have a lot of debris and the time and help to load it. Add a street or sidewalk permit ($10 to $100 per week, Angi) if it can't sit on your driveway. Junk removal wins for smaller loads, heavy items you can't lift, and jobs you want done in an afternoon. If you're clearing out debris from a remodel, a dumpster is often part of the contractor's price; our bathroom remodel cost guide shows how that fits into a project budget.
What junk haulers won't take
Standard junk removal companies don't accept hazardous waste. Fixr lists paint, chemicals, mold and asbestos as typical exclusions, and Junk Happens refuses paint, fluorescent bulbs, oil and gas. The EPA classifies paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides as household hazardous waste and recommends taking them to a local collection program rather than putting them in the trash or down a drain. Where haulers do take some hazardous items, HomeGuide reports fees from about $10 per item to $60–$125, and about $10 per gallon of latex paint.
Moldy materials and suspected asbestos need specialists. Asbestos must be handled by a licensed abatement contractor, and mold-damaged drywall or carpet is usually removed as part of remediation; see our mold removal cost guide.
National franchises vs. local haulers
Fixr reports these typical price ranges for the big national brands:
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK?: $129–$600
- College Hunks Hauling Junk: $110–$590
- Junk King: $125–$650
1-800-GOT-JUNK says its price is based on truck space in one-eighth increments and is set on site after a free estimate, and that it includes loading, disposal and environmental fees, donation and recycling, and a sweep-up. It also advertises a curbside Flex option starting from $39 when you leave items outside.
Franchises typically offer online booking and standardized price tiers. Local haulers can be cheaper or more flexible, especially for small jobs, but quality varies more. Either way, ask for proof of liability insurance and get the price confirmed before loading starts.
How to save money on junk removal
- Donate first. Charities and reuse stores often pick up furniture and working appliances for free. Under IRS Publication 526, donated household items must be in good used condition or better to be deductible, and you generally have to itemize to claim them.
- Use city services. Many cities offer bulk trash days and free household hazardous waste drop-off.
- Recycle metal and electronics. Scrap yards may take appliances and metal, and retailers often take back electronics or old mattresses when you buy new ones.
- Consolidate. Pile everything in one spot, such as the garage or driveway, so the crew loads faster. Curbside options are usually cheaper than full-service pickup.
- Book a bigger load once. Price per cubic yard usually drops as the load grows, so one half-truck pickup costs less than three separate small ones.
- Get two or three quotes with photos of the pile, and ask for the price per load fraction.
How to compare junk removal quotes
A fair quote should state:
- The load fraction or cubic yards, and the price for each step up or down if the pile turns out smaller or bigger.
- What's included: labor, loading from inside the house, disposal and recycling fees, and cleanup.
- Surcharges for mattresses, tires, appliances with refrigerant, TVs or heavy materials.
- Any stairs, distance or demolition charges.
- Proof of insurance.
Red flags: a low phone quote that triples on site without explanation, cash-only crews who won't give a business name, and haulers who say they'll take paint, chemicals or asbestos without explaining how they'll dispose of them legally.
Hidden costs people forget
- Weight overages on dense loads like concrete, dirt or shingles.
- Eco-fees for mattresses, tires and electronics.
- Second truck for whole-house or estate cleanouts.
- Yard debris beyond a few bags; large brush piles may be cheaper as part of a tree removal or yard cleanup job.
- Dumpster permits and overage fees if you go the rental route.
Bottom line
A typical junk removal pickup costs $150 to $400, and about $250 is a realistic national midpoint. A full truckload runs about $450 to $800, while single items like a mattress or couch cost $75 to $200. Haulers won't take hazardous waste, so plan separate disposal for paint and chemicals. Donate what you can, consolidate the pile, and get quotes based on load size before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of junk removal?
Published national averages range from $210 (HomeGuide) to $242 (Angi) and $300 (Fixr), so about $250 is a fair midpoint. Most single pickups cost $150 to $400. A full truckload runs about $400 to $800 depending on the source and your local disposal fees.
How much does 1-800-GOT-JUNK cost?
1-800-GOT-JUNK prices by how much truck space your items take, in one-eighth increments, and sets the final price on site after a free estimate. Fixr reports typical prices of $129 to $600. The company also advertises a curbside Flex option starting from $39 when you leave items outside.
What's included in a $99 junk removal service?
A price near $100 usually matches a minimum load or a single item: Fixr lists minimum loads at $75 to $125 and HomeGuide at $70 to $100. That typically covers one or two bulky pieces or about one-eighth of a truck, including loading and disposal. Ask whether stairs, heavy materials or eco-fees for mattresses and tires cost extra.
Is it cheaper to rent a dumpster or hire junk removal?
For a small or medium load, junk removal is often cheaper because labor and disposal are included. Angi puts a 10-yard dumpster at $250 to $575 and a 20-yard at $275 to $700 per week, plus $10 to $100 for a street permit, and you do all the loading. Dumpsters make more sense for multi-week renovation projects or heavy debris you'll fill over time.
How much does mattress removal cost?
Removing a mattress typically costs $75 to $150 (Fixr, Angi), or $70 to $100 according to HomeGuide. Some haulers add a recycling or eco-fee for mattresses. Retailers often take your old mattress when they deliver a new one, and some cities collect them on bulk pickup days.
How much does hot tub removal cost?
Hot tub removal runs $150 to $600 at Fixr and $200 to $600 at Angi, depending on size and whether the crew must cut it apart. HomeGuide lists a lower $100 to $150, so ask whether a quote covers cutting, loading and disposal. The electrical supply should be disconnected by a licensed electrician before the haul.
What is the cheapest way to get rid of junk?
Donate usable furniture and appliances to charities that pick up, use your city's bulk trash or household hazardous waste days, and haul small loads to the landfill yourself (HomeGuide puts a DIY landfill trip at about $50). For larger amounts, curbside-pickup options and splitting a load with a neighbor can lower the per-item price.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (50% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- How Much Does Junk Removal Cost? — Fixr. Used for: Updated January 31, 2025. National average $300; range $150–$600; low $75, high $800; minimum and 1/8 load $75–$125, 1/4 $125–$175, 1/2 $175–$375, 3/4 $375–$450, full $450–$650; mattress $75–$150; refrigerator $100–$200; hot tub $150–$600; piano $200–$400; couch $100–$200; TV $75–$200; construction debris $200–$600; companies: College Hunks $110–$590, Junk King $125–$650, 1-800-Got-Junk $129–$600, Bagster $120–$200; dumpster rental $200–$550; haulers do not take paint, chemicals, mold or asbestos..
- Junk Removal Prices — HomeGuide. Used for: National average $210; most pay $150–$350; minimum $70, maximum $570; $1.50 per cubic foot; minimum load $70–$100, 1/4 $100–$150, half $200–$300, 3/4 $300–$380, full $400–$450; mattress $70–$100; hot tub $100–$150; piano $50–$100 and fridge or AC $35–$60 (landfill surcharges); dumpster $300–$800; hazardous waste $10 to $60–$125 per item; latex paint $10/gallon; DIY landfill about $50. No update date shown..
- How Much Does Junk Removal Cost? — Angi. Used for: 2025 data from a survey of 30,000+ customers. Average $242; typical $133–$372; broad range $60–$700+; 1/8 truck $75–$125, 1/4 $125–$200, 1/2 $200–$400, 3/4 $400–$600, full $600–$800 (20-yard truck); mattress $75–$150; couch $100–$200; hot tub $200–$600; piano $200–$400; fridge $50–$150; typical labor $100–$300; dumpster weekly average about $380, 10-yard $250–$575, 20-yard $275–$700, street permit $10–$100/week; hazardous removal $150–$300..
- How Much Does Junk Removal Cost? — Thumbtack. Used for: Updated October 13, 2026. National average range $138–$308, low $80, high $599 (pickup-truck based loads: 1/2 truck $97–$201, 1 truck $132–$273, 2 trucks $190–$393); access: no stairs $188 vs stairs $197 average (about 5% more), used for the calculator's access factor..
- Junk & Trash Pickup and Removal Pricing — Junk Happens (Minneapolis–St. Paul local hauler). Used for: Example of a published local price list: minimum $129; 1/8 load (2.6 cu yd) $199; 1/4 (4.5 cu yd) $314; 1/2 (9 cu yd) $449; 3/4 (13.5 cu yd) $584; full (18 cu yd) $674; does not accept paint, fluorescent bulbs, oil or gas..
- Junk Removal Pricing — 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. Used for: Volume-based pricing in 1/8-truck increments set on site after a free estimate; single items priced individually; curbside Flex option from $39; price includes loading, disposal and environmental fees, donation and recycling and sweep-up; possible eco-fees for tires and mattresses and weight limits for dense materials..
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Used for: Paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides are household hazardous waste; use local HHW collection programs and don't put them in the trash or down drains..
- Publication 526: Charitable Contributions (2025) — IRS. Used for: Donated household items must be in good used condition or better; deducting them generally requires itemizing on Schedule A; items claimed over $500 in poorer condition need a qualified appraisal..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.