Hauling professionals near you

In most areas, the city’s waste or sanitation department handles trash pickup, but you can also hire a professional for private trash removal if needed. This service might be helpful for:

• Excess garbage from cleaning out your home

• Large loads or bulky items

• Specialized disposal like hazardous waste

When looking for a professional trash hauler, make sure you: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Check your local requirements for solid waste disposal permits.

• Check out their list of services: Find out if the hauler removes the specific types of trash you’re getting rid of.

• Read their reviews: Check reviews from customers in your area for disposal methods, scheduling and materials the company handles.

• Get several estimates: Gather a few quotes before you make a decision.

• Ask important questions: For example, ask if they charge by weight, volume or material type.

The national average cost to hire a professional to haul away trash and junk ranges from around $160 to $330*, according to Thumbtack data.

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Size and weight: Trash haulers have to factor the cost of fuel, labor and weight into their fee, meaning heavy or bulky items will cost more to remove.

• Amount of trash: If you have a large number of items you need removed, it may require multiple trips, which will increase the cost. 

• Type of waste: Certain items, like hazardous or bulky materials, are more difficult to dispose of and may cost more.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Usually, the easiest way to get rid of bulky trash is with a junk removal company. Companies may also refer to themselves as "private trash removal services" or a "junk haulers." Many city waste management services don’t handle oversized items like mattresses, furniture and appliances.

In most cases, a professional trash hauler will:

• Conduct a project assessment: The company will usually schedule a time to assess the volume and type of the items you want hauled away.

• Pickup: The team will load your unwanted items onto a vehicle to haul them away.

• Removal and disposal: The service will dispose of your items safely, following any local requirements and regulations.

Research your local trash haulers to find the ones that specialize in the items you need removed.

Here are a few possible ways to save money on trash removal:

• Ask your city trash service: Check with your local waste management to see if there are any days they offer additional trash removal services (like bulk trash pickup) for free or at a reduced fee.

• Compare quotes: If you decide to hire a trash or junk removal company, gather estimates from several top contenders to get the best price. 

• Donate or sell usable items: If any of your items — like furniture or electronics — are still in good condition, you may be able to donate or sell them to get some money back.

• Recycle: Many scrap yards accept recyclable materials like metal, wood and electronics — and may even pay for them. Ask if local recycling centers offer pickup.

It isn’t required to tip trash haulers, but it’s a nice gesture if you receive excellent service. Trash removal workers generally receive an hourly wage or flat fee, so a tip is a bonus you can offer for extensive or difficult removals. 

You might consider offering a tip for:

• Exceptional service: The removal team went above and beyond the scope of the project, like cleaning the area after removing trash.

• Difficult jobs: Some of your items needed to be taken apart, were difficult to load or required heavy equipment.

• Multiple trips: You had a large volume of trash that required multiple trips to the disposal site.

• Scheduling difficulties: The trash hauler worked around your busy schedule or accepted a same-day job.

You can also show your appreciate by leaving a review for the trash removal company, which can help them grow their business.

The average cost to haul away junk is $150, though this price can be expected to vary between around $75 and $375, depending on several factors. 

The first factor is the quantity of junk removed. Most junk removal services charge by the truckload, and most residential projects only require filling up part of a truckload.

Another factor is the type of junk. E-waste like computers and TVs may cost more to dispose of, as will more hazardous materials like mercury, paint and used motor oil. It also may cost more to remove big items like beds and couches.

To find out how much it will cost to get rid of your junk, get free estimates from the best junk removal companies near you.

To prepare for junk removal, start by listing all the items you should get rid of. Organize your list by which items are appropriate for the junk collection team and which may have some resale value or could be donated. 

Move through your house and hit problem spots like closets, attics and basements. Make a pile of items you plan to keep, give away, sell, donate and have the junk removers pick up. Finally, contact at least three junk removal companies for price quotes.

To get rid of your junk fast, start by organizing and making a list of what you have. Sell what you can, and give away items that you value but you don’t want to friends and family. 

If you don’t have the means to transport items or if you have too much junk to get rid of on your own, it’s time to hire a pro. A junk removal service can quickly and efficiently get rid of junk for you, including lifting heavy objects and making sure nothing is damaged.

Find a junk removal service near you and start asking for free estimates.

You may want to tip your junk removal team if they did an exceptional job. For instance, if they show up on time, are courteous and professional, take extra care not to damage your possessions and home, and leave a clean site afterwards, you may feel like giving them a tip. A reasonable tip might be $20 per crew member.

It’s also nice to tip them on especially hot days, or when the weather is inclement. You can also provide food and drinks for them.

You can get rid of a couch by hiring a junk removal pro who can get it safely out of your house and dispose of it. There are other options as well, including renting a trailer and hauling it to a proper disposal facility, or leaving it out for someone to pick up. 

However, a junk removal service is the easiest option. This keeps you from having to lift a heavy object or risk scuffing up your walls. Furthermore, a licensed junk removal service can responsibly dispose of a couch, saving you from having to find a site.