How Much Does Junk Removal Cost? — Chicago, Illinois

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.

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

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.

Junk removal costs in Poland

Junk removal (wywóz śmieci / wywóz gabarytów) in Poland costs PLN 300–1,500 for a typical load. A single large item pickup costs PLN 80–200. A van load (small apartment cleanout) runs PLN 300–700. A full truck for a house cleanout costs PLN 800–2,000. Many Polish companies price by volume (m³), charging PLN 150–350/m³. In Warsaw and Kraków, rates are 20–30% higher. Municipal bulky waste pickup (odbiór odpadów gabarytowych) is free in most Polish cities but limited to scheduled dates. Private companies offer same-day or next-day service.

Junk removal costs in the Netherlands

Dutch junk removal (afvoer van grofvuil) costs €150–€600 for a typical load. Single-item pickups cost €50–€120. A van load runs €150–€400, and a full truck €400–€800. Most Dutch municipalities offer free or low-cost grofvuil pickup (typically €10–€30 per appointment) through the local afvalservice, but slots fill up weeks in advance. Private companies offer same-day service. All prices include 21% BTW. Kringloopwinkels (thrift stores) will pick up usable furniture for free in many Dutch cities — check before paying for removal.

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