Home›Categories›Junk Removal & Hauling

Home Services · Updated 2026-10-03

Junk Removal & Hauling near you: costs, licensing & how to hire

Cleanouts, old furniture, appliances and yard debris — hauled away and disposed of the right way. Below: what junk removal companies do, what they cost, how to check a license, and the questions to ask before you hire.

junk removalestate cleanoutfurniture removalappliance removalyard debrisgarage cleanouthot tub removalconstruction debris

What junk removal companies do

The jobs people hire junk removal companies for most.

Household junk

Furniture, mattresses, boxes and clutter.

Cleanouts

Estates, garages, basements, sheds and rentals.

Appliances

Fridges, washers and water heaters, handled the right way.

Yard debris

Brush, branches, old fencing and landscaping waste.

Construction debris

Leftovers from remodels and small demo jobs.

Donation drop-offs

Taking usable items to charities when possible.

How much do junk removal companies cost?

Typical national price ranges. Prices in your town will vary, so always get a written quote.

Job	Typical price	Notes
Typical load	$150 – $350	National average about $210
By truck volume	$70 – $450	Minimum $70–$100; half truck $200–$300; full $400–$450
Single items	$35 – $205	Mattress $70–$100; washer/dryer $70–$205; fridge surcharge $35–$60

Source: HomeGuide junk removal prices (2026). Checked 2026-10-03.

Does a junk hauler need a license?

Junk hauling is usually regulated by your city or county, not by a state trade license. Sacramento County, California, requires junk haulers to hold a special business license with a background check. Illinois EPA tells residents to use a licensed, reputable hauler and get a receipt.

Sources: Hire a licensed hauler (Sacramento County) · Illegal dumping and disposal (Illinois EPA)

Good to know

The person who produced the junk can be held responsible if it's dumped illegally, even after hiring a hauler (Illinois EPA).
Refrigerant must be removed from fridges, freezers and window AC units before they're scrapped (EPA).

Questions to ask a junk hauler before you hire

Ask these on the phone or at the estimate. A good pro answers every one without dodging.

Is the price by volume or by item? What could cost extra?
Where does everything go: landfill, recycling or donation?
Are you licensed (where required) and insured?
Will I get an itemized receipt?
Is there anything you can't take, like paint, tires or chemicals?

Red flags to watch for

Warning signs from consumer protection agencies and trade groups.

A price far below everyone else's. Illegal dumpers skip disposal fees. Source
Cash only and no receipt. Source
No business or hauler license where one is required. Source
They won't say where it goes, or haul old fridges without removing refrigerant. Source

If you get scammed, report it to your state attorney general's consumer protection office and at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Find junk removal companies by state

Pick your state, then your town, to see junk removal companies near you.

Alabama321 towns Alaska56 towns Arizona71 towns Arkansas246 towns California327 towns Colorado176 towns Connecticut155 towns Delaware37 towns Florida322 towns Georgia372 towns Idaho123 towns Illinois846 towns Indiana399 towns Iowa427 towns Kansas264 towns Kentucky291 towns Louisiana205 towns Maine365 towns Maryland120 towns Massachusetts319 towns Michigan419 towns Minnesota477 towns Mississippi193 towns Missouri461 towns Montana79 towns Nebraska195 towns Nevada14 towns New Hampshire214 towns New Jersey490 towns New Mexico73 towns New York509 towns North Carolina402 towns North Dakota88 towns Ohio656 towns Oklahoma292 towns Oregon181 towns Pennsylvania754 towns Rhode Island35 towns South Carolina182 towns South Dakota112 towns Tennessee278 towns Texas917 towns Utah182 towns Vermont214 towns Virginia157 towns Washington216 towns West Virginia149 towns Wisconsin466 towns Wyoming52 towns

Why find junk removal companies on Great Local Pros?

Every pro is checked

We check the business, the license where your state requires one, and that someone answers the phone before we list them. See our standards.

You call them directly

No forms that sell your number to five companies. You see the phone number and you call.

No lead fees in the price

Pros here don't pay per lead, so that cost isn't built into your quote.

Built for small towns

We list pros by the towns they actually serve, across 13,700+ towns under 60,000 people.

Are you a junk hauler?

Most towns don't have a junk hauler listed yet. Get a free profile page with your phone number, services, service area and a link to your website, with no lead fees. If you're licensed where required, insured and quick to answer, you'll fit right in.

Get listed free See our standards

$0Free listing, forever

$0Lead fees, ever

Common questions about hiring junk removal companies

How much does junk removal cost?

Usually $150 to $350 for a typical load. A full truck often runs $400 to $450; minimum loads start around $70 to $100.

Can I get in trouble if my hauler dumps my junk illegally?

Yes, in some places. Illinois EPA warns that the person who produced the junk can be held responsible. Use a licensed hauler and keep the receipt.

What can't junk removal companies take?

Many won't take paint, chemicals, tires or other hazardous waste, or they charge extra. Ask before booking.

Do junk haulers donate items?

Many do when items are in good shape. Ask, and ask for a donation receipt.

Is it cheaper to rent a dumpster?

For a big cleanout you load yourself, sometimes. For a few items or if you need help lifting, a junk removal crew is often easier.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-03. Great Local Pros is a directory; we don't do the work or guarantee it. Terms.