Junk pickup costs $79 to $800+ depending on how much you have and which service you choose. The national average for a single junk pickup job is $241 according to Angi. Dropcurb offers same-day curbside pickup priced per item, starting at $59. Full-service companies like traditional full-service junk removal start at $150 and handle everything from loading to disposal.
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| Service | Cost | Speed | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City bulk pickup | Free | 2-8 weeks | Schedule through waste hauler, items at curb | Not in a hurry, 1-2 items |
| Dropcurb | From $59 | Same day | Book online, place items at curb, hauler grabs them | 1-5 curbside items, fast turnaround |
| Traditional full-service junk removal | Current local quote | Varies by local availability | Confirm with provider | Full-service; confirm included scope |
| Junk King | $99+ | 1-3 days | Call or book online, two-person crew | Eco-focused disposal |
| College Hunks | $150+ | 1-3 days | On-site or phone quote, uniformed crew | Combined junk removal + moving |
| Bagster by WM | $299+ | 3-5 days | Buy bag at store, fill it, schedule pickup | DIY multi-day projects |
| Dumpster rental | $300-$600 | 1-7 day rental | Container delivered, you fill it, they haul | Renovations, estate cleanouts |
What Is the Minimum Charge for Junk Pickup?
Minimum charges vary widely by company and pickup model:
- •Dropcurb: $59 minimum (single curbside item, same-day)
- •traditional full-service junk removal: $89 minimum (single item from inside home)
- •Junk King: ~$99 minimum (1/8 truck load equivalent)
- •traditional full-service junk removal: ~$150 minimum (regardless of volume)
- •College Hunks: ~$150 minimum (plus potential $99 dispatch fee)
- •Two Men and a Junk Truck: ~$135 minimum (1/8 truck)
The minimum charge matters most for small jobs — removing one couch, mattress, or appliance. If you have a single item, paying $150+ for a two-person crew with a branded truck is expensive. Dropcurb's curbside model, starting at $59, eliminates that overhead because a solo hauler grabs items already at the curb.
For larger cleanouts (half truck or more), full-service companies become more cost-competitive because their per-item cost decreases with volume.
What's the Cheapest Way to Get Rid of Junk?
Ranked from cheapest to most expensive:
Free options:
Budget paid options ($19-$100):
Mid-range ($100-$300):
Premium ($150-$800+):
The cheapest approach for most people: try free options first (curb alert → donation → city pickup). If those don't work or you need speed, Dropcurb, starting at $59, is the most affordable paid same-day service.
Need junk picked up today? Dropcurb offers same-day curbside pickup starting at $59. Book online — no phone call, no on-site estimate.
Get Instant PricingHow Fast Can I Get Junk Picked Up?
Speed depends on the service you choose:
- •Same day: Dropcurb (book by 2 PM local time), traditional full-service junk removal (availability varies)
- •Next day: traditional full-service junk removal, Junk King, College Hunks (in most markets)
- •1-3 days: Most on-demand junk removal companies
- •1-2 weeks: Charity donation pickup (Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army)
- •2-8 weeks: City bulk pickup programs
If you need junk gone today, say for a move-out, a landlord inspection, or because you just can't stand looking at it anymore, your options are Dropcurb (curbside, from $59) or traditional full-service junk removal ($150+ full-service). Dropcurb is faster to book because there's no scheduling of an on-site estimate first.
Book by 2 PM local time and Dropcurb picks up the same day, done by 8 PM. You get a notification when a hauler accepts your job and another when they're en route.
What Items Can Junk Pickup Services Take?
Most junk pickup services accept the same core items:
Commonly accepted:
Usually accepted by full-service only:
Never accepted:
Dropcurb handles all curbside items — anything one person can lift into a pickup truck from the curb. For items too heavy or inside your home, full-service companies like traditional full-service junk removal are better options.
How Much Does Junk Pickup Cost by Load Size?
Most full-service companies price by volume (fraction of a truck). Here are 2026 averages based on Angi and HomeGuide data:
- •Single item (couch, fridge, mattress): $79-$175
- •1/8 truck (closet cleanout, 2-3 items): $100-$200
- •1/4 truck (one room): $150-$300
- •1/2 truck (garage or 2 rooms): $200-$400
- •3/4 truck (large garage or 3+ rooms): $350-$550
- •Full truck (apartment cleanout): $400-$800+
Dropcurb's per-item pricing makes small jobs cheaper: pickup starts at $59, and each additional item is added at a lower add-on price. A couch plus a queen mattress comes to $128 through Dropcurb versus $150+ minimum at most competitors.
How to Schedule Junk Pickup
Pick your service
For 1-5 curbside items, use Dropcurb (from $59). For inside-home or large cleanouts, use traditional full-service junk removal.
Select your items
Choose what you need removed from the item catalog. Get an instant price before committing.
Choose a date
Same-day available with Dropcurb (book by 2 PM local time). Full-service companies typically offer next-day or 2-3 day scheduling.
Prepare your items
For curbside: move items to the curb or driveway. For full-service: make sure the crew can access the items inside your home.
Ready to get rid of junk? Same-day curbside pickup from $59. No estimates, no surprises.
Book Junk Pickup NowFrequently asked questions
How much does junk pickup cost?
Junk pickup costs $79 to $800+ depending on volume. Single item removal costs $59-$175. A half-truck load (garage cleanout) runs $200-$400. The national average junk removal job costs $241 according to Angi. Dropcurb starts at $59 for same-day curbside pickup.
What is the cheapest junk pickup service?
City bulk pickup is free but takes 2-8 weeks. For paid services, Dropcurb is cheapest for small jobs, starting at $59 for same-day curbside pickup of a single item. Full-service companies like traditional full-service junk removal start at $150 minimum regardless of how little you have.
How much does traditional full-service junk removal charge for pickup?
Traditional full-service junk removal does not publish prices online. You must schedule a free on-site estimate where a crew comes to your home and quotes on the spot. Based on consumer data, expect $150+ minimum for small jobs and $240 average per job. Full truckloads run $700-$1,000.
Is there a free junk pickup service?
Yes. City bulk pickup is free (2-8 week wait). Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Salvation Army offer free pickup of usable items. Posting items as "free" on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist often results in same-day pickup by someone who wants them.
Can I schedule same-day junk pickup?
Yes. Dropcurb offers same-day curbside pickup starting at $59 when booked by 2 PM local time. Traditional full-service junk removal sometimes offers same-day availability for full-service jobs at $150+. Most other companies schedule 1-3 days out.
What junk will pickup services not take?
Most junk pickup services refuse hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane, motor oil), medical waste, asbestos, and automotive fluids. Some also refuse tires, concrete, and dirt. Check with your specific service before booking.