If you are looking for someone to help you with junk removal, there are many great options to choose from. We did the research to help you find someone to help you get rid of any type of unwanted items you may have.
Junk Removal Companies
#1. Junk King
Junk King is a national service provider offering a number of different junk removal and hauling services. While their corporate headquarters are in San Francisco, California, they have independently owned and operated locations across the country serving almost all major metropolitan areas.
Some of the items Junk King can help remove:
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Yard Refuse & Waste
- Hot Tubs
- Construction Debris
- Shed Removal
- Mattress Disposal
- Television Recycling
One of the things we like about Junk King is they offer a wide variety of services and they do their part to donate and recycle as much as possible.
The company often partners with non-profit organizations to donate many unused items that are still in good condition. This not only helps reduce the amount going into landfills, but also helps others in the community find high quality items for an affordable price.
As a national franchise, you can also have peace of mind that are following all the necessary laws for hard-to-dispose of items, such as televisions which are governed by strict recycling laws. Getting rid of a TV can be difficult, so it is great to know these companies help recycle them safely and responsibly.
#2. 1-800-Got-Junk
Perhaps the most nationally known junk removal company, 1-800-Got-Junk is another well recognized and trusted option to choose from.
1-800-Got-Junk is not the cheapest junk removal company, but as a national franchise, this is another company you can trust to follow all necessary laws and regulations for safe and responsible disposal of your items.
#3. Bagster Program Through Waste Management
Waste Management offers an excellent hybrid service where you can purchase a bagster bag for your unwanted items and they will come pick it up for you. If you already have Waste Management for your regular curbside garbage pickup, this is a great budget-friendly option to consider.
While this will require a bit of work on your part, it can be an excellent and cost-effective way to get rid of unwanted items easily. You simply buy the bag, place it on your curb in your designated trash pickup spot and fill it with the things you want to get rid of. Once the bag is full, you simply need to use the contact info provided to schedule the pick-up time.
You can purchase Bagster Bags online at Amazon as well as at a variety of different home improvement centers.
Things to Know Before Hiring a Junk Removal Company
Before you hire someone to take unwanted items, it is very important that you do a little bit of research about the company beforehand.
1. Understand How The Junk Removal Company Works
The majority of junk removal companies will set up an appointment with you either one the phone or online. Usually these appointments are scheduled within a 2 hour window, with the hauler calling you between 15-30 minutes before they arrive.
Most companies will also require that you have an adult over the age of 18 present while the workers are at the home.
Once the person arrives, they will often take a look at what items you want them to take. At this point, they will usually give you an estimate prior to starting any work and payment is typically due upon completion.
Most companies today accept credit card, cash and check, but it is important to check with them before they come so you are properly prepared.
2. Realize Some Items May Cost More for Disposal
Costs will vary from company to company, but some items may cost more to get rid of than you may expect.
Most companies will charge by weight, because items which are very heavy will cost more to dump. Another reason to consider this is that most trucks are limited in the amount they can haul based on the legal and safe weights.
A good way to think of this is to compare what one ton of feathers would look like compared to one ton of bricks. The pile of feathers would be huge, whereas the pile of bricks would be much smaller.
If you have very heavy or hazardous or hard to recycle items, it is also important to understand that many companies are not legally allowed to dispose of certain items, or may be subject to additional fees to safely recycle the item.
Televisions are one such example, where one must pay per pound to recycle them in accordance to EPA guidelines. Tires are another example where companies may have to charge more for disposal because they have to be taken to specialty recycling centers.
2. How Eco-Friendly is the Company?
Many junk removal companies do as much as they possibly can to recycle and donate items to reduce waste and their own operating costs.
However, other companies may try to cut corners and instead simply throw away many items that could be salvaged or sent to recycling and reuse centers.
Before hiring a company, check with them to see if they partner with any types of charities or ask them how they process the materials you give them and where they may go.
3. Is the Company Licensed and Insured?
While licensing can vary greatly between jurisdictions, almost all companies are required to carry some form of liability insurance. If a person you hire damages your property, you need to make sure the person or company will be able to pay for the costs of repairs.
Typically most companies will provide information about their licensing and insurance on their website if applicable.
4. Do Your Research
It is very important before hiring someone that you research a little bit about the company to understand the level of service they provide and what their costs and fees may be. Fortunately, it is very easy to research different companies online through reviews and social networks.
If you are hiring an independent contractor or someone who you have not heard of before, be sure you ask them some basic questions such as how long they have been in business, what type of equipment and tools they use, and of course whether they are properly licensed and insured.
I hope this list of junk removal companies will help you to find the best choice for your needs. If you are not sure if hiring a junk removal company is right for you, you may want to explore our site for more helpful resources:
- Estate Clean-Outs: When a Loved One Passes
- 12 Tips for Getting Rid of Items When Downsizing
- Are Your Unwanted Items Valuable?
- How to Sell Your Stuff Quick
- The Surprising Places You Might Find Money
- DIY Demolition Tips
Do you have a junk removal company you recommend? Have you had an experience with getting rid of stuff that you would like to share? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments section below!