Hauling away junk costs $70-$800 in 2026, depending on volume. A single item runs $59-$150. A half truckload costs $200-$400. A full truckload (450 cubic feet) averages $400-$800. Dropcurb prices curbside pickup per item, from $59: a standard couch is $79, and each additional item is added at a lower add-on price.
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| Load Size | Price Range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Single item | $79-$150 | One couch, one mattress, one appliance |
| Quarter truck (~110 cu ft) | $100-$250 | 2-3 items or a few bags of junk |
| Half truck (~225 cu ft) | $200-$400 | Small garage cleanout, 5-8 items |
| Three-quarter truck (~340 cu ft) | $350-$600 | Medium cleanout, 10-15 items |
| Full truck (~450 cu ft) | $400-$800 | Full garage or basement cleanout |
How Much Do Junk Hauling Companies Charge?
Pricing varies significantly between companies. Here's what the major junk hauling services actually charge:
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| Company | Minimum | Full Truck | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dropcurb | $59 | Per-item pricing | Per item online, from $59; each additional item at a lower add-on price |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Confirm with provider | Full-service; confirm included scope |
| College Hunks | $100-$150+ | $600-$900+ | On-site quote + hidden $99 dispatch fee |
| Junk King | $99+ | $500-$800+ | On-site quote only |
| Local hauler (Craigslist) | $50-$100 | $200-$400 | Negotiated — no insurance, no guarantee |
What Affects Junk Haul-Away Cost?
Four factors determine your final price:
- •Volume: The biggest factor. Most companies price by how much space your junk takes up in the truck, measured in cubic feet. More junk = higher cost.
- •Item type: Heavy items (appliances, exercise equipment) cost more than light items (bags, boxes). Some companies charge extra for items requiring special disposal like refrigerators or e-waste.
- •Location: Prices are higher in expensive metro areas (NYC, SF, LA) and lower in suburban/rural areas. Landfill tipping fees vary by region — $30/ton in some states, $100+/ton in others.
- •Accessibility: Curbside pickup is cheapest. If the crew needs to enter your home, climb stairs, or disassemble items, expect to pay 20-50% more.
Is There a Cheaper Way to Haul Away Junk?
Several alternatives to full-service junk removal can save money:
- •City bulk pickup (free): Most cities offer scheduled bulk item pickup at no cost. Wait times: 2-8 weeks.
- •Self-haul to the dump ($20-$60): Rent a truck or use your own. Landfill fees run $20-$60 per load depending on weight and your local dump's rates.
- •Dumpster rental ($200-$500/week): Best for large cleanouts. You load it yourself, they haul it away.
- •Curbside junk removal (from $59): Dropcurb's model, where you place items at the curb and a hauler grabs them. No home entry, no scheduling windows, lowest per-item cost.
- •Donation pickup (free): Working furniture and appliances can be picked up free by Salvation Army, Habitat ReStore, or local charities.
Need junk hauled away today? Dropcurb starts at $59, with each item's price shown before you book and no waiting around for estimates.
Get Instant PricingHow Much Does It Cost to Haul Away a Single Item?
Single-item junk removal typically costs $79-$150. Here are common per-item costs:
- •Couch or sofa: $79-$175
- •Mattress: $79-$150
- •Refrigerator: $79-$200
- •Washer or dryer: $79-$175
- •TV or monitor: $79-$100
- •Treadmill: $79-$175
- •Dresser or desk: $79-$150
At Dropcurb, each item has its own price: a standard couch is $79, a queen mattress $99 and a refrigerator $109. The highest-priced item is charged in full and each additional item is added at a lower add-on price, so two couches and a queen mattress come to $157.
Should I Tip Junk Haulers?
Tipping is not required but appreciated. If your hauler does a good job, $10-$20 per person is standard. For large or difficult jobs (heavy appliances, multiple trips), $20-$40 per person is appropriate. With Dropcurb, you can add a tip when you book or after pickup.
How to Book Junk Haul-Away
Choose your items
Select what needs to go from Dropcurb's item catalog. See your exact price instantly — no estimates, no on-site quotes.
Move items to the curb
Place items at your curb or driveway before your pickup window. This keeps costs low, since nobody needs to come into your home.
Book pickup
Choose same-day or scheduled pickup. Pay online at the price shown. Done in 60 seconds.
Hauler picks up
A local hauler grabs your items from the curb. They handle disposal, recycling, and donation as appropriate.
Get your exact junk haul-away price in 60 seconds. No estimates. No surprises.
See My PriceFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to haul away junk?
Junk haul-away costs $70-$800 in 2026 depending on volume. Single items cost $59-$150, a half truckload runs $200-$400, and a full truckload averages $400-$800. Dropcurb curbside pickup starts at $59, priced per item.
What is the cheapest way to get rid of junk?
The cheapest options are city bulk pickup (free, 2-8 week wait), self-haul to the dump ($20-$60), and donation of working items (free). For paid services, Dropcurb curbside pickup, priced per item from $59, is the lowest-cost professional option.
How much does traditional full-service junk removal charge?
Traditional full-service junk removal charges $100-$150+ for a single item, $400-$600 for a half truck, and $700-$1,000+ for a full truck. They do not provide online pricing — an in-person quote is required.
Do junk removal companies charge by weight or volume?
Most junk removal companies charge by volume — how much space your items take up in the truck. Some charge per item for single pieces. Weight-based pricing is rare except at landfills and transfer stations.
How much does it cost to haul away one piece of furniture?
Hauling away one piece of furniture costs $79-$175 depending on the company and item size. Dropcurb picks up a standard couch for $79, with other furniture priced per item. Traditional full-service junk removal typically charges $100-$150+ for a single piece.
Is junk removal worth the cost?
Junk removal is worth it when you factor in the alternatives: renting a truck ($50-$100), dump fees ($20-$60), gas, time, and physical effort. Professional removal saves 2-4 hours and avoids injury risk from heavy lifting.