Figuring out the cost of professional junk removal in NYC can be difficult as so many factors affect the cost. You need to consider the type of removal, the amount of junk to be removed, whether permits or dumpsters will be required, any parking fees or restrictions, access issues, and more.
Let's explore these factors in more detail, consider the various options, discuss the pros and cons of DIY junk removal and other tips to reduce costs, and finally provide advice on how to choose a professional junk removal service.
● The cost of junk removal in NYC varies greatly based on many factors.
● Additional charges can include permit costs, specialized equipment required, disposal fees, and access issues.
● Junk is a broad term that can refer to anything from a broken or obsolete appliance to yard litter after a storm. As a result, junk removal covers a wide range of services and prices.
● If you are looking for a way to remove clutter and junk in your home or business, the preferred option for most is hiring a junk removal service.
What Is the Average Cost of Junk Removal?
Junk removal costs in NYC typically range from $100 to $800, depending on the specific removal needs. Drawing on our firsthand experience and the services we've provided, the average cost for a full-service junk removal is around $250.
It’s important to make clear that junk removal is not the same as traditional residential trash removal. Junk removal refers to the collection and disposal of bulky items that will not be removed by the standard City trash disposal due to the size of the items or the sheer amount of junk. Typically, junk items include electronic devices, electrical appliances, and furniture that won’t fit in the trash bins.
Most junk removal companies calculate their price by how much volume the junk will take up in their truck, normally they charge a one-eighth truckload minimum. But some junk removal companies also offer fixed per-item prices such as for mattress removal, the exact cost for single items will vary depending on the type of item.
Factors Influencing Junk Removal Pricing
● The size of the haul in terms of weight and bulkiness, the more space it takes up in a standard hauling truck the higher the cost.
● Disposing of certain appliances may require special equipment and permits, such as refrigerators and AC units as they contain refrigerant gases that require special disposal.
● Construction junk removal costs more than traditional home items.
● Large or heavy items that require several people or special equipment to move.
● Fees for parking a dumpster on public property to cover permit costs.
● If the removal requires specialized equipment due to access issues such as cranes or scaffolding, an additional surcharge to cover the rental or operation of the equipment will be charged.
Cost for Different Types of Junk Removal
The prices below are very rough guides for individual types of junk removal. While junk disposal companies offer fixed prices for single items as listed below, after the first item they will likely price by volume. Most haulers will have a minimum fee of around $50-$75.
Appliances:
Smaller appliances like a compact refrigerator, water heater, dishwasher, oven, dryer, or air-conditioning unit, from $75, large freezer from $100, hot tub from $200.
Furniture:
Small chair, mattress, table, from $50-$75. Sofa from $100, patio set from $150, carpet from $80, piano minimum $200.
Electronics:
E-waste requires special disposal and incurs additional costs, particularly if the items have rechargeable batteries. Professional junk removers will charge between $60 and $75 for small items like printers or compact computers, and up to $200 for large desktop computers and big-screen televisions.
Hazardous Waste Removal:
Includes asbestos, mercury, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, mold, refrigerants, aerosol cans, and paints (lead or latex-based). Budget around $5-$10 per gallon for paint, $50–$100 for coolant/refrigerant, and $0.10–$0.50 per foot for fluorescent light tubes.
Additional Junk Removal Costs to Consider
In addition to the basic junk removal costs, there can be additional fees and surcharges for certain types of junk removal.
Dumpster Rental: it may be necessary to hire a dumpster for certain jobs and the additional costs for this range from $300 to $500 per week.
Landfill cost: Most professional junk removal companies and NYC movers will include this cost in the price estimate, but double-check this before deciding as some haulers will add these fees to the quoted price. (at Oz Moving & Storage we always quote inclusive prices and pricing is completely transparent with no hidden fees).
Recycling Services: Certain items are required to be recycled and this can also be an additional cost. Items such as tires, scrap metal, glass, and electronic parts can be recycled but will accrue a recycling fee.
Comparing DIY vs. Professional Junk Removal in NYC
When deciding between DIY junk removal vs hiring a professional company, there are pros and cons to each that need to be considered. If the amount of junk is small and can be disposed of at a landfill site, then if you have access to a vehicle the DIY route makes sound financial sense.
However, for larger jobs/items that may not fit in a car or cannot simply be dumped in a landfill, then generally speaking hiring a junk hauler is likely the better option. Hiring a licensed and insured junk removal professional to haul away junk is much more convenient, and you know the junk is going to be disposed of safely and legally.
The costs will likely be higher but there is no need to worry about strained backs, damage to your vehicle, or whether you have fully complied with local waste legislation, plus you don’t have to deal with the New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY).
Tips for Saving on Junk Removal Costs
There are ways to reduce junk removal costs depending on the type of junk you need to be removed and its condition. For example, if you have items that are still usable that you no longer want or need, contact local charities to check if they can use them. Remember the idiom "One man’s waste is another man's treasure”. You may no longer need or want an item but someone else could find it useful.
If you have branches or tree debris to get rid of, for example, someone may want them as firewood. Electronic hobbyists will often take old TVs and gadgets to salvage for parts. That computer that is too old to run the games/software you need might still be perfectly good for someone who just wants a basic desktop.
If hiring a professional junk removal company, you may still be able to reduce costs by removing items you can dispose of yourself and then moving all the remaining junk into one easy-to-access area for them.
Hiring a Professional Junk Removal Service in NYC
When hiring a junk removal company, it’s essential to do some research rather than just choose based on the lowest price quoted. Always check ratings and reviews and make sure the companies you consider hold all necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance required.
Asking friends and family for referrals is a great way to find reputable companies, 9 out of 10 of our customers refer us to others and this makes up a large part of our new business.
We pride ourselves on our exemplary record and are registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), are a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, are legally authorized to provide moving services in all five boroughs of NYC, and are certified by the New York State Department of Transportation. To get a quote, click here.
About the author |
Nancy Zafrani | General Manager |
Nancy Zafrani is the experienced General Manager of Oz Moving & Storage, with 30 years in the industry and a lifetime of knowledge as a New Yorker. She helped grow the company from 3 employees to 200 with 50 trucks and locations across the US. Her experience and organizational skills have led to over 500.000 successful moves. She is proud to lead a company that provides the best possible moving experience
