Find a junk removal company near you
A junk removal company hauls away unwanted furniture, appliances, debris and clutter, and does the lifting for you. People call one when moving, clearing out an estate, cleaning a garage or finishing a renovation. A good company gives a clear price before loading, disposes of items legally, and donates or recycles what it can.
Find junk removal companies by city
What do junk removal companies do?
- Furniture and mattress removal
- Appliance removal
- Garage and basement cleanouts
- Estate and move-out cleanouts
- Construction and renovation debris
- Yard waste removal
- Hot tub and shed removal
- Office cleanouts
- Electronics recycling
- Single-item pickups
How do you choose a good junk removal company?
- Get the price in writing before they start loading, based on how much space your items take in the truck.
- Ask where items go. Good companies donate and recycle, and use licensed disposal sites.
- Check that they carry liability insurance in case they damage your home.
- Ask about items they cannot take, like paint, chemicals, tires or propane tanks.
- Ask whether the price includes labor, disposal fees and taxes.
- Ask for a receipt for donated items if you want one.
Some states and cities require haulers to hold a waste hauling license or permit; ask how the company is licensed where that applies.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is the total price, and what could change it?
- Do you charge by volume, weight or item?
- Are you insured?
- What items can you not take?
- Do you donate or recycle?
- Can you take items from inside the house and upstairs?
Red flags to watch for
- Refusing to give a price until the truck is loaded.
- Very low prices that may mean illegal dumping. You can be held responsible if your items are dumped.
- No business name on the truck or invoice.
- Cash only with no receipt.
What changes the price?
- How much space your items take in the truck
- Heavy items like concrete, dirt or pianos
- Items with special disposal fees, like mattresses, tires or appliances
- Stairs and long carries
- Labor for demolition or disassembly
- Same-day or after-hours service
Questions people ask
What can junk removal companies not take?
Most will not take hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, chemicals, asbestos or propane tanks. Ask your local waste agency about drop-off days for these.
Is junk removal or a dumpster better?
Junk removal is better when you want someone else to lift and load. A dumpster can be better for a long project where you load it yourself over days or weeks.
Do I need to be home for the pickup?
Usually you need to be there to approve the price. Some companies allow curbside pickup without you there if you agree on the price first.