Junk removal costs $150–$600 per truck load in the US, with most jobs falling in the $200–$400 range. A single-item pickup (couch, mattress, appliance) runs $60–$150, while a full truck load for a garage cleanout or estate clearing costs $400–$800+. National companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK charge at the top of the range; local operators are typically 20–40% cheaper. Pricing is volume-based — you pay for the space your junk fills in the truck.
Average junk removal costs
| Load size | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single item (couch, mattress, TV) | $60–$150 |
| Minimum load (⅛ truck) | $100–$200 |
| Quarter truck load | $150–$300 |
| Half truck load | $250–$450 |
| Full truck load | $400–$800 |
| Garage/basement cleanout | $300–$700 |
| Estate/hoarding cleanout | $800–$3,000+ |
Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025, 1-800-GOT-JUNK published rates, Angi service pricing reports.
Junk removal costs in the United States
US junk removal companies charge $150–$600 per truck load, with most trucks holding 10–15 cubic yards. National franchises (1-800-GOT-JUNK, Junk King, College Hunks) charge $200–$700 per load with consistent service but premium pricing. Local operators typically charge $100–$500 per load — 20–40% less for the same volume. Labor is included: the crew comes to your home, loads everything, and handles disposal. Prices are highest in coastal metros (NYC, SF, Boston) at $250–$800, and lowest in the South and Midwest at $100–$400. Tipping is not expected but $10–$20 per crew member is appreciated for large jobs.
What affects the cost?
- Volume — the primary pricing factor; most companies price by how much of the truck you fill
- Weight — heavy items (concrete, dirt, piano) cost more due to disposal fees and labor
- Item type — mattresses, appliances with refrigerants, and electronics often carry surcharges ($25–$75) for special disposal
- Location in the home — curbside pickup is cheapest; hauling from a basement, attic, or upper floor adds $25–$100
- Hazardous materials — paint, chemicals, and tires are usually excluded or carry extra fees
- Dumpster rental alternative — a 10-yard dumpster ($250–$450/week) can be cheaper for large DIY cleanouts where you load it yourself
How to save on junk removal
- Donate first — charities, thrift stores, and Buy Nothing groups take usable items for free pickup
- Sell what you can — Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Marktplaats can turn junk into cash
- Use municipal pickup — most cities offer free or cheap bulky-item collection on scheduled dates
- Consolidate into one load — two ¼-truck loads cost 50–100% more than one ½-truck load
- Move items to the curb — basement and attic pickups cost $25–$100 more than curbside
- Get 3 quotes — junk removal pricing varies 30–50% between companies for the same volume
Frequently asked questions
How much does junk removal cost per truck load?
A full truck load costs $400–$800 in the US, with most companies pricing by volume (how much of the truck you fill). A minimum load (⅛ truck) runs $100–$200, a quarter truck $150–$300, and a half truck $250–$450. National franchises charge 20–40% more than local operators for the same volume.
Is junk removal cheaper than renting a dumpster?
It depends on the volume and whether you want to do the loading yourself. A 10-yard dumpster rental ($250–$450 for 3–7 days) is cheaper for large DIY cleanouts. But junk removal ($200–$600 per truck load) includes labor — the crew loads everything. For small-to-medium jobs, junk removal is often more cost-effective when you factor in your time.
What items do junk removal companies not take?
Most won't take hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, asbestos), medical waste, or ammunition. Appliances with refrigerants (fridges, AC units) are accepted but usually carry a $25–$75 surcharge for proper Freon disposal. Always ask about excluded items when getting a quote.
How do I get the best price on junk removal?
Consolidate everything into one load (two ¼-loads cost 50–100% more), move items to curbside or ground floor (saves $25–$100 in labor), donate usable items first, and get 3+ quotes. Local operators are typically 20–40% cheaper than national franchises.