How Much Does Junk Removal Cost? [2026 Prices]
Junk removal costs $75 to $800 in 2026, with the average homeowner paying $150-350 for a typical job. Single-item pickup runs $79-150, a half truckload costs $200-400, and a full truckload costs $400-800. Dropcurb offers curbside pickup starting at $79 with instant online pricing.
Junk Removal Cost by Volume
Most junk removal companies price by volume, meaning how much space your items take up in their truck. A standard junk removal truck holds roughly 15 cubic yards, equivalent to about 9 pickup truck loads.
The nationwide average for a full-service junk removal job is $241 according to Angi. HomeGuide reports a broader range of $70-570, with most homeowners paying $150-350. Prices vary significantly by region, with coastal cities like San Francisco and New York running 30-50% above the national average.
| Load Size | Price Range | What Fits | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single item | $79-150 | 1 large item | One couch, mattress, or appliance |
| Minimum load (1/8 truck) | $100-200 | 2-3 small items | A few boxes and a chair |
| Quarter truck | $150-300 | Small room cleanout | A closet or half a garage |
| Half truck | $200-400 | Medium job | One bedroom or half a garage |
| Three-quarter truck | $350-550 | Large job | Full garage or 2 rooms |
| Full truck | $400-800 | Major cleanout | Whole apartment or full garage |
How Much Do Major Junk Removal Companies Charge?
Pricing varies dramatically between junk removal companies. Here is what the major players actually charge in 2026 based on reported customer data.
1-800-GOT-JUNK is the most recognizable brand. Their minimum fee is $130-150 depending on your location. Single-item removal runs $70-400, and a full truckload costs $600-800+. They price by volume in 1/8-truck increments and require an in-person estimate before quoting a final price.
College Hunks Hauling Junk charges comparable rates to 1-800-GOT-JUNK with an additional $99 dispatch fee in many markets. Their pricing is less transparent online.
LoadUp offers online pricing starting around $89 for single items. Their average order is $143 plus a $50-80 service fee. LoadUp uses independent hauler teams (minimum 2 people per job).
Dropcurb charges $79 for single-item curbside pickup with prices shown online before you book. No in-person estimates, no hidden fees, no phone calls required. Additional items cost $19-39 depending on size.
| Company | Single Item | Half Truck | Full Truck | Online Pricing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropcurb | $79 | N/A (per-item) | N/A (per-item) | Yes, instant |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $130-250 | $300-450 | $600-800+ | No (in-person estimate) |
| LoadUp | $89-150 | $250-400 | $500-700 | Yes |
| College Hunks | $150-300+ | $350-500 | $650-900+ | No (phone quote) |
| Junk King | $99-200 | $280-420 | $550-750 | Partial (estimate only) |
What Affects Junk Removal Cost?
Four factors determine your final junk removal price:
- •Volume: The single biggest factor. More stuff = higher cost. Most companies price in increments from 1/8 to a full truck.
- •Item type: Heavy items like appliances, mattresses, and exercise equipment cost more due to weight and disposal fees. Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, tires) incur surcharges or may not be accepted.
- •Location: Prices in metro areas like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles run 30-50% above smaller cities. Rural areas may have limited service and higher travel fees.
- •Access difficulty: Ground-floor curbside pickup is cheapest. Stairs, narrow hallways, and items that require disassembly add $25-100+ to the job. This is where curbside services like Dropcurb save money since you handle the stairs and the hauler handles removal.
How to Save Money on Junk Removal
The cheapest option depends on how much junk you have and how much effort you want to put in.
- •City bulk pickup: Free in many cities, but limited to curbside items and can take 2-8 weeks to schedule
- •Donation: Free pickup from Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, or Goodwill for items in good condition
- •Sell or post for free: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor free section move items fast
- •Curbside removal: Dropcurb at $79 per item is the cheapest professional option for 1-3 items since there is no minimum truck charge
- •Dumpster rental: At $300-600 for a 10-yard dumpster, this makes sense only for large cleanouts with 1+ truckloads of junk
The biggest savings come from separating donation-worthy items from true junk. Donate what you can for free, then use a removal service for the rest.
How to Book Junk Removal Through Dropcurb
- 1
Choose your items
Select what you need removed from the item catalog. Couches, mattresses, appliances, exercise equipment, e-waste, and general bulk junk.
- 2
Get instant pricing
See the exact cost per item before you book. No estimates, no phone calls, no in-person quotes. Single items start at $79.
- 3
Place items at the curb
Move your items to the curb or driveway. The hauler picks up from curbside only.
- 4
Done — hauler picks up
A local hauler with a pickup truck grabs your items, typically same day. You get a confirmation when the job is complete.
Skip the estimates and phone calls. See your exact junk removal price online in 60 seconds.
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