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How to Get Rid of Junk
3 Best Ways to Get Rid of Junk
Some cleanups are simple: remove trash from your house and toss it in your garbage can. But if you have more clutter than you can manage, consider one of the following junk removal options.
1. Rent a Dumpster for Your Junk
If you’re tossing lots of old furniture, housewares and knickknacks, you can get a dumpster delivered right to your driveway. Roll off containers come in a variety of sizes and are great for throwing out several tons of debris affordably. Here are a few things to think about before renting a dumpster:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No need to be home for delivery or pickup. | Best for larger amounts of junk. |
You get an affordable, flat rate before your dumpster even arrives. | You load your own materials. |
It’s a junk disposal option that you can schedule. | Dumpster sizes, weight limits and accepted materials can vary depending on your location. |
Flexible rental periods allow you to work at your own pace. |
Get More Info on Dumpster Rentals for Junk Removal
Just not sure what to expect when it comes to renting a dumpster? These guides will help:
All Dumpster Sizes
Understanding Dumpster Weight Limits
What Accepted Materials Can Go in a Dumpster?
Rent a Dumpster for Junk Removal Today
2. Hire a Full-Service Junk Removal Company
Hiring a junk removal company is ideal if you’re throwing away one or two big-ticket items and need a little extra help to do it. Because junk hauler pricing is volume-based, keep in mind that your price will increase with every item you get rid of. Consider the following pros and cons of hiring a junk removal company:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Heavy lifting is done for you. | Not ideal for full-scale home cleanouts. |
You schedule the best time to get rid of junk. | Can’t get a quote until the junk removal team has arrived on-site. |
Cleanup time is limited to a two-hour window. |
3. Buy a Dumpster Bag
If you’re tossing several big trash items but not enough to warrant a full dumpster rental, a dumpster bag may be a good option. Dumpster bag pickup services are not available in all areas, so make sure they’re offered near you before purchasing one. Consider the following before renting a dumpster bag for your junk:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Ideal for smaller junk removal or decluttering projects. | Not cost-efficient for more than 3 to 6 cubic yards of junk. |
You can purchase a dumpster bag when you’re ready to get started. | You load your own materials. |
You can schedule your final pickup whenever you’re finished. | Pickups are not available in all areas. |
Other Easy Ways to Remove Trash From Your House
Looking for an option other than a dumpster, dumpster bag or hiring a junk removal company for your cleanup? Consider one of the following methods to get rid of your trash.
Recycle
Recycle textiles, paper products and plastic bottles instead of throwing them in your trash can.
Where to Recycle Junk
- Recycling centers for plastic items
- Elementary schools for paper and cardboard
- Grocery stores for plastic bags
Donate
Purging clothes from your closet? Getting rid of decent furniture? Donate these items to your local charity.
Where to Donate Items
- Goodwill
- The Salvation Army
- Local charities
Dump
You can take small amounts of solid waste and household trash to the dump yourself for no additional cost.
Where to Dump Junk
- Local landfill
- Trash collection points
- Bulk trash pickup
What’s the Cheapest Way to Get Rid of Junk?
If you’re tackling a large-scale cleanup, renting a dumpster is usually your best low-cost junk removal option. But if you’re still on the fence, here’s a full cost breakdown of the different ways you can get rid of trash.
Comparing Your 3 Junk Removal Options
How Much Junk? | Cost to Rent a Junk Dumpster | Cost to Hire a Junk Removal Company | Cost of a Dumpster Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
3 Cubic Yards | $375-$450 (one 10 yard dumpster) | $200-$240 (1/5 full load) | $240 (one bag + pickup) |
10 Cubic Yards | $375-$450 (one 10 yard dumpster) | $410-$450 (2/3 full load) | $405 (three bags + pickup) |
15 Cubic Yards | $450-$550 (one 15 yard dumpster) | $500-$550 (full load) | $465 (five bags + pickup) |
If you're throwing away a lot of junk, a dumpster is going to be your cheapest and most convenient option. But if you only have a few things to get rid of, it may be easier to go with a junk removal company or a dumpster bag. It’s important to consider how much you’re throwing away and your budget before deciding which junk removal method is right for you.
Should You Tip Junk Removal Helpers?
Some junk removal companies may expect a tip for their professionals on top of their original price. Check the website beforehand, and if gratuities are expected, follow the standard tipping guidelines of 15% to 20%.
Know What Factors Impact Your Junk Removal Cost
The cost of junk removal depends on how much trash you have and how you choose to get rid of it. A 15 yard junk removal truck can cost $550 or more to fill, while a 15 yard junk dumpster costs an average of $424 to rent. Dumpster bags can cost around $30 to purchase, plus an additional $129 or more to have them picked up. To make sure you choose the best option for your project and your budget, here's what you should consider before choosing a junk removal method.
1. Get an Idea of How Much You’re Throwing Away
Not sure how much trash you’re throwing away? Use our guide on calculating a cubic yard to better estimate the volume of your trash. If you’re struggling to visualize how big a cubic yard is, think of it as the same size as a washing machine.
2. Calculate the Weight of Your Debris
If you’re renting a dumpster for junk removal, the weight of your trash is just as important as its volume. Your dumpster comes with a set weight limit and going over it will result in extra fees. Already decided to go the dumpster rental route? Use our dumpster calculators to find the best size for your materials.
3. Be Careful About What You Throw Away
Sometimes, the best junk removal option depends on the trash you’re throwing away. Items like mattresses, appliances, batteries and electronics require additional processing at the landfill. This may increase disposal costs if you rent a dumpster or haul these items to the dump yourself. Use the following tips and disposal guides to get rid of these things properly.
Dispose of These Items With Caution
Appliances
Disposing of your old refrigerator or washing machine isn’t always easy, but it can be done. Use these tips to conveniently get rid of, recycle or donate your old appliances.
Electronics
Electronics like computers, box TVs, printers and treadmills aren't accepted by every landfill or disposal facility. In general, your local regulations will determine what you can get rid of, and where.
Upholstered Furniture
In some places, you can’t put upholstered furniture in a dumpster or dumpster bag. If you’re tossing old couches and chairs, use our tips and tricks to find the best way to get rid of them.
Mattresses & Box Springs
It can be tricky to get rid of mattresses and box springs properly. Sometimes you can’t even throw them in a dumpster or take them to the curb. Here are a few ways to get rid of that old mattress.
Batteries
You can only throw certain kinds of batteries in your garbage can. But did you know you can get rid of most batteries sustainably? Instead of throwing them in the trash, check out these ways to get rid of old batteries the right way.
Paint and Paint Cans
If you just finished a home renovation project, you probably have some semi-full paint cans sitting in your basement. You definitely can’t throw paint in your garbage can or haul it to the dump, so use our paint disposal guide to get rid of it properly.
Rent a Dumpster to Get Rid of Your Junk
Think renting a dumpster is the best option for your cleanup? So do we. Call our team or order a dumpster online with a few quick clicks.