Large item pickup costs $0 to $400+ in 2026. Most cities offer free bulk pickup with a 2–8 week wait. Dropcurb picks up large curbside items same-day for $79. Full-service junk removal companies charge $150–$400+ and require on-site estimates.
| Pickup Method | Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bulk pickup (311) | Free | 2–8 weeks | Patient, item already at curb |
| Dropcurb | $79 flat | Same day | Need it gone today, one trip |
| LoadUp | $55–$200+ | 1–3 days | Need indoor pickup, online pricing |
| Local junk hauler | $60–$150 | 1–2 days | Supporting local businesses |
| 1-800-GOT-JUNK | $150–$400+ | 2–3 days | Full-service with in-home removal |
| Transfer station (self-haul) | $10–$50 | Same day | Own a truck, save money |
| Dumpster rental | $250–$500 | 3–7 days | Multiple large items at once |
How Does Large Item Pickup Work?
Large item pickup removes bulky household items that don't fit in your regular trash bin. Couches, mattresses, appliances, dressers, desks, and exercise equipment all qualify.
City programs typically offer free scheduled pickups. You call 311 or submit an online request, then place items at the curb on your designated day. Most cities limit you to 3–8 items per pickup and schedule once per month or quarter.
Private services like Dropcurb work differently. Book online, place the item at the curb, and a local hauler picks it up the same day. No scheduling weeks ahead, no item limits, no phone calls. You see the exact price before booking.
How Much Does Large Item Pickup Cost?
The cost depends entirely on which service you use:
- •Free (city bulk pickup): Available in most US cities. Call 311 or check your city's website. Cities like Denver, Charlotte, LA, and Louisville offer free pickup with scheduling. Wait times: 2–8 weeks.
- •$10–$50 (transfer station): Self-haul to your municipal dump or transfer station. You need a truck or SUV and the ability to load the item yourself.
- •$79 (Dropcurb): Flat-rate curbside pickup. One large item, same-day service, instant online booking. Additional items $19–$39 each.
- •$55–$200+ (LoadUp): Per-item pricing for in-home pickup. Prices vary by item type and location. Service includes pickup from any room.
- •$150–$400+ (1-800-GOT-JUNK, College Hunks): Full-service removal. Two-person crew, branded truck, in-home pickup. No prices online—requires an on-site estimate. Average job runs $240.
Free Large Item Pickup Through Your City
Most US cities offer free large item pickup for residents. Here's how the biggest programs work:
- •Los Angeles: 3 free bulky item pickups per year through LA Sanitation. Up to 7 items per pickup. Schedule at sanitation.lacity.gov or call 311.
- •Denver: Free large item pickup once per month. Schedule online at denvergov.org. Items must be placed in the street (not sidewalk) on pickup day.
- •Charlotte: Free bulky item pickup. Schedule online or call 311. No limit on frequency.
- •Albuquerque: Free pickup of up to 4 large items. Schedule through solid waste department.
- •New York City: Place large items at the curb the night before your regular trash day. No scheduling required. DSNY picks up bulky items with regular collection.
Check your city's website or call 311 to learn your local program's rules, limits, and scheduling.
Can't wait weeks for city pickup? Dropcurb picks up large items same-day for $79. Book online in 60 seconds.
Get Instant PricingWhat Items Qualify for Large Item Pickup?
Most city programs and private services accept these common large items:
- •Furniture: Couches, sofas, loveseats, recliners, dining tables, chairs, dressers, bookshelves, desks, bed frames, entertainment centers
- •Mattresses and box springs: All sizes (twin through king)
- •Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, microwaves, window AC units
- •Exercise equipment: Treadmills, ellipticals, weight benches, stationary bikes
- •Electronics: TVs, monitors, computers (check local e-waste rules)
Items typically NOT accepted: Hazardous waste, construction debris, tires (separate disposal required), automotive parts, paint, chemicals. Check your city's specific rules—some programs exclude appliances with refrigerant (Freon) due to EPA regulations.
City Pickup vs. Private Service: Which Is Better?
The choice comes down to time vs. money:
Choose city pickup when:
Choose Dropcurb or private service when:
| Factor | City Bulk Pickup | Dropcurb | 1-800-GOT-JUNK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $79 | $150–$400+ |
| Speed | 2–8 weeks | Same day | 2–3 days |
| Booking | Call 311 or online form | 60-second online booking | Phone call + on-site estimate |
| Item limits | 3–8 items per pickup | No limit | No limit |
| Pricing | Always free | Upfront, fixed | No prices until on-site visit |
| Indoor pickup | No (curb only) | No (curb only) | Yes |
| Availability | Varies by city | Nationwide | Franchise areas only |
How to Schedule Large Item Pickup With Dropcurb
- 1
Move the item to the curb
Place your large item at the curb or near the street. No wrapping, boxing, or special prep needed.
- 2
Book online in 60 seconds
Visit dropcurb.com/book, select your item type, and see the exact price instantly. No phone calls or estimates.
- 3
Get same-day pickup
A local hauler picks up your item the same day. You don't need to be home—just leave it at the curb.
Skip the 311 wait. Dropcurb picks up large items for $79 same-day. No estimates, no phone calls.
Book Large Item Pickup