Waste management is a global problem, and the United States is no exception. American citizens create trash on a daily basis. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 292.4 million tons of trash were created in the United States in 2018 alone. That amount did not include trash created as a result of the demolition and construction industries.
If you are like many Americans, you have trash or junk in your home or office that you need removed. You probably already have a weekly trash pickup service. However, you may need extra junk removal and trash hauling for a one-time reason, such as hauling away junk relating to renovating or moving. Finding affordable junk removal or trash hauling is important. That way you can keep your home or place of business clutter-free without breaking your budget. Here is what you need to know about hiring a trash or junk removal service at an affordable rate.
Junk Removal and Trash Hauling Versus Standard Trash Pickup
When you schedule a standard trash pickup service your trash is picked up once every week or two. That trash typically includes food waste and other materials that are not easily recycled. It also includes only items that can physically fit into the dumpster assigned to you by your trash pickup service. A trash hauling service is a specialty service that provides a much larger dumpster to you. You can fill that dumpster with large waste materials yourself or have a crew do the work for you for an added fee.
Similar to large dumpster trash hauling, a junk removal service provides you with a dumpster, and often access to a crew of workers. The workers fill the dumpster with the junk you wish to remove. The difference is junk often consists of items that are not trash. They are simply items you no longer need. Many of those items are given to other individuals who can use them. Alternatively, they are often recycled and made into other items. Examples of items you may need a junk removal service to haul away for you include:
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Tools
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Exercise Equipment
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Furniture
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Pianos or Other Large Musical Instruments
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Electronics
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Bicycles
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Appliances
Items Junk Removal Services Cannot Remove
Junk removal services typically cannot remove hazardous or potentially hazardous materials from your home. Disposal of such materials is done in specific places using specific hazardous waste removal methods. For such a service, you must call a hazardous waste removal company. Although, some junk removal companies are also properly certified for hazardous waste removal. Examples of household materials that are considered hazardous waste include:
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Asbestos Shingles
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Paint or Spray Paint
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Gasoline
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Various Types of Chemicals
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Oil
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Fluorescent Light Bulbs
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Medical Waste
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Household Cleaners
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Explosives
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Ammunition
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Fireworks
Where Your Hauled Junk Goes
According to Moving.com, most junk removal services seek to reduce landfill waste. Owners of such services tend to work closely with local shelters and other organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity. Those organizations take items you may consider junk and distribute those items to families in need. Some junk companies also see to it that unwanted junk is disassembled. Then the components are organized for recycling purposes.
Not every junk removal company uses redistribution, recycling, or other environmentally conscious methods to dispose of your unwanted junk. When selecting a junk removal company, always check its methods and reputation. Make sure the staff is transparent and forthcoming regarding information about where removed goods are taken. Avoid doing business with a junk removal company if the staff refuses to provide such information.
The Average Cost of Junk Removal Services in the United States
The average cost of junk removal services varies by geographic location and company. It also depends upon how much junk you need removed and the type of removal service you need. For example, removal of hazardous waste is almost always more expensive than standard junk removal. According to HomeAdvisor by Angi, the average cost of junk removal in the United States in 2022 is as follows:
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Single Large Item – $60 to $150
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Full Truck – $400 to $800
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Full Truck of Construction Materials – $100 to $600
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Per Week Dumpster Rental – $300 to $600
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Hazardous Waste – $50 to $500 (Potentially More, Depending on Type and Amount of Waste)
How to Find Local Junk Removal Services
When seeking a local junk removal service, you can opt for a nationally-recognized company. For example, Junk King serves customers in 33 states. Similarly, 1-800-Got-Junk services most of Canada and the United States, as well as parts of Australia. Such companies frequently advertise on television, in newspapers, and online. However, top national junk removal companies often charge more for services than smaller local companies. To find smaller junk removal services in your local area with good reputations, ask for recommendations from neighbors or friends. Also, check online reviews to see which local services are viewed most favorably.
Choosing a Junk Removal Service
One way to afford junk removal is to have it done for free. Some organizations haul junk away at no cost to you. Those companies only do so when the items being hauled are in good condition. The organizations re-purpose the items for families in need. Such organizations include American Veterans (AMVETS), Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. Often, they focus primarily on picking up furniture in good condition. Some companies also haul away other household goods for free. However, policies vary by company and branch office location.
If you must pay for junk removal in your local area, take care when selecting a company to do the job. Consider price, but do not make it the only factor. Check the company's reputation and practices. Also, consider factors like:
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Professionalism of the Company's Website
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Ease of Contact (Available Phone Number, Email Address Etc.)
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Hours of Operation/Ease of Scheduling
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Items the Company is Certified and Equipped to Haul
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Maintenance and General Condition of Dumpsters and Trucks
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Years in Business and References
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Insurance
Efficient Junk Removal
When hiring a junk removal service, make sure you make the most of it. If the company provides full service, you may have to pay an hourly charge. Make sure the junk you need hauled is ready to go before you call. That way no time is wasted. If you are paying a per dumpster fee, make sure you fill the dumpster completely. That way you can make the most of the experience and avoid wasting money.