1-800-GOT-JUNK Prices: What They Actually Charge [2026 Data]

The average 1-800-GOT-JUNK job costs $240, according to MoveBuddha's 2026 analysis. But that average hides a wide range. The minimum charge for the smallest load (1/8 of a truck, roughly 60 cubic feet) runs $100–$150 depending on your city. A half-truckload costs $400–$600. A full truckload runs $700–$1,000. MyGoodMovers puts the overall range at $129–$799+. Forbes reports $100–$700. The national industry average for junk removal is $234–$250 per load, which means 1-800-GOT-JUNK lands right at or slightly above market rate for their average job — but significantly above it for smaller pickups.

1-800-GOT-JUNK prices by truck volume, measured in 1/8 increments. Their truck bed is approximately 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 5 feet high — roughly 400–480 cubic feet total. When you book, you schedule a free on-site estimate. Two crew members arrive, look at your items, and quote a price based on how much truck space they'll fill. You can accept or decline on the spot. For single items, they price individually based on item size — a dresser costs more than a microwave. For multiple items, they switch to the truck-volume model. The key thing to understand: you won't know the exact price until the truck is at your door.

1-800-GOT-JUNK says "no hidden fees" on their website, but their own blog and terms reveal several potential add-ons. Heavy materials like dirt, gravel, and concrete are priced by volume up to a maximum of one foot of height in the truck. E-waste, tires, and mattresses may carry surcharges due to local disposal regulations. Additional labor fees apply when extra crew members are needed or when items are in hard-to-access locations (upstairs, narrow hallways, no elevator). Their commercial terms include a $100 "dry run" fee if you cancel after the truck arrives. And tipping is customary — HomeGuide recommends $10–$20 per crew member, while Move.org suggests $25–$40 per worker for a half-day job. On a $400 job with a 2-person crew, tips alone add $20–$80.

This is the most common complaint in Reddit threads and BBB filings. A customer on r/recycling was quoted $75 over the phone for a TV removal — the on-site price was $148. A Seattle Reddit user was quoted $140 for a mattress; the crew quoted $198 plus tax on arrival. A Brooklyn customer paid $761 for under an hour of work. The BBB's New York profile for 1-800-GOT-JUNK includes a complaint where the crew demanded an additional $2,000 on-site, claiming the job was bigger than described. The pattern is consistent: phone estimates are rough approximations, and the crew's on-site assessment is the actual price. 1-800-GOT-JUNK explains this by saying they can't accurately gauge volume without seeing items in person. The result is that many customers feel blindsided.

According to one pricing analysis, 1-800-GOT-JUNK charges 30–70% more than local independent operators for comparable jobs. The industry average for a full truckload is $600–$800 (HomeAdvisor), while 1-800-GOT-JUNK's full truck runs $700–$1,000. For single items, the gap widens: the industry average is $60–$150 (HomeAdvisor) vs. $100–$170 at 1-800-GOT-JUNK. Dropcurb charges a flat $79 for the first item with transparent add-on pricing ($19/$29/$39 by size) — no on-site estimates, no truck-fraction math. A Reddit user on r/askdfw reported that a local operator charged less than half of 1-800-GOT-JUNK's quote for the same job. The premium you pay with 1-800-GOT-JUNK buys brand recognition, a uniformed crew, and same-day availability — but the actual removal work is identical.

Since 1-800-GOT-JUNK prices by volume rather than per item, costs vary. But cross-referencing multiple review sites gives us reliable ranges. A single couch: $100–$170 (MyGoodMovers). A mattress: $100–$130 (Fixr), though one HomeGuide source puts single large items at $130–$400. A refrigerator or large appliance: $100–$170 (MyGoodMovers). A hot tub: $150–$800 depending on size and accessibility (Angi). A garage cleanout (half to full truck): $400–$1,000. An estate cleanout can run $1,800–$3,000 according to one estimate that includes disposal fees and access surcharges. For context, Dropcurb charges $79 for any single item — couch, mattress, appliance, or otherwise.

1-800-GOT-JUNK won't remove hazardous materials: paint, chemicals, asbestos, oil, gas, and certain batteries. They also decline to take items they can't physically lift safely without specialized equipment. Some franchise locations have additional restrictions. Their website says "if you can point to it, we can take it," but that's marketing — hazmat and certain heavy industrial items are off the table. If you have items they won't take, you'll need to contact your local municipal hazardous waste program.

It depends on what you value. 1-800-GOT-JUNK offers same-day service in many markets, a uniformed two-person crew, and full-service removal from anywhere inside your home. They'll carry heavy items from a third-floor apartment. They sweep up afterward. The brand is widely known and has thousands of positive reviews alongside the complaints. But you pay a premium for that — 30–70% above local competitors, according to industry analysis. Forbes notes they're not BBB accredited and hold a B+ rating. ConsumerAffairs reviewers give them mixed marks. If you want predictable pricing without waiting for an on-site estimate, Dropcurb offers flat per-item rates starting at $79, visible before you book. You set items at the curb, and a local hauler picks them up — no appointment window, no strangers inside your home.