How Much Does 1-800-GOT-JUNK Cost? Pricing, Fees & What to Expect

Prices are estimates and can vary significantly by location and specific items. Always get an on-site quote for accuracy.

Location matters more than you’d think. My sister in San Francisco pays about 30% more than I do in Seattle for the same volume. Urban areas with higher disposal fees and stricter recycling fees definitely see higher prices.

The type of junk makes a difference too. Electronics and appliances often carry additional recycling fees. My old rear projection TV cost an extra $30 for proper disposal. Hot tubs? Those are labor-intensive and can push you into a higher pricing tier even if they don’t take up that much truck space.

Accessibility is a hidden factor many people don’t consider. Items on the curb cost less than stuff in your attic. When they hauled away my grandfather’s workshop contents from his basement, the tight staircase and multiple trips added complexity that pushed me from a 1/4 truck price to nearly 1/2 truck pricing.

Timing can affect availability and sometimes pricing. I learned the hard way that end-of-month moving season means booking online fills up fast. Their immediate service option during peak times might come with a premium.

Weight technically doesn’t affect pricing directly, but extremely heavy items (piano, safe, hot tub) might require special equipment or additional team members. My neighbor’s piano removal required a special dolly and three people instead of the usual two-person team.

Mixed loads with some recyclables and some trash actually work in your favor. They told me they offset some costs by taking metals and electronics to recycling centers that pay for materials.

Let me break down some real-world examples from my own experience and what I’ve seen with neighbors and family members.

Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.

After trying multiple services for different projects, here’s my honest comparison:

The real comparison isn’t just price though. When my back went out last year, there’s no way I could’ve loaded a dumpster myself. The full-service aspect of 1-800-GOT-JUNK became worth every penny.

Junk King came close in pricing but took three days to schedule. When you need junk gone NOW (like when selling a house), that immediate service matters.

DIY dumpster rental seems cheaper on paper until you factor in:

• Your time and labor
• Potential injury risk
• Permit fees (my city requires one for street placement)
• Overage charges if you exceed weight limits
• The ugly dumpster sitting in your driveway for days

Honestly? It depends on your situation. For me, it’s been worth it about 70% of the time I’ve considered using them.

The convenience factor can’t be overstated. Last month, I watched my neighbor spend an entire weekend making multiple dump runs for what 1-800-GOT-JUNK could’ve handled in an hour. His “savings” of maybe $200 cost him his entire weekend.

The professionalism matters too. They’ve never damaged my walls, tracked mud through my house, or left a mess behind. Can’t say the same for the “guy with a truck” from Craigslist I tried once.

After using them multiple times, I’ve figured out some ways to reduce costs:

• Bundle your junk. Wait until you have enough to justify the minimum charge. I keep a running list and schedule pickup when I hit critical mass.
• Do your own sorting first. Separate obvious donations and take those to charity yourself. I saved $100 by dropping off good furniture at Goodwill before calling for the remaining junk.
• Check for promotions. They occasionally run deals through their email list or partnership programs. I saved 10% through my AAA membership once.
• Be flexible with timing. Off-peak scheduling (mid-week, mid-month) sometimes comes with better availability and occasionally lower prices.
• Consider partial service. If you can get items to the curb or garage, mention this when booking online. Easier access sometimes means lower quotes.
• Compare multi-location quotes. If you’re between service areas, check both. My friend lives on the border of two zones and saved $50 by choosing the right one.
• Ask about weight limits. For heavy items, confirm you won’t exceed truck weight limits. Surprise overages are rare but expensive.

After using 1-800-GOT-JUNK five times over the past three years, here’s my honest take: they’re expensive but reliable. The 1-800-GOT-JUNK pricing makes sense when you value your time and back health over saving a couple hundred bucks.

For single-item removal or small loads, explore other options first. Their minimum charge means removing just one couch isn’t cost-effective unless you’re desperate.

For medium to large cleanouts, especially with mixed materials or difficult access, they’re often the best choice despite the higher price. The peace of mind knowing everything will be handled properly – from recycling to donations to disposal – has value beyond the dollar amount.

If the job would take me a full day or require multiple dump runs, I call them. If I can handle it in one trip with my SUV, I do it myself. And when my back is acting up or I’m on a deadline? They’re on speed dial.

The key is understanding what you’re paying for: convenience, labor, proper disposal, and time savings. Once you factor in all those elements, the got junk pricing starts making a lot more sense. Just don’t expect bargain-basement prices for premium service – you get what you pay for, and in this case, that’s actually a good thing.