1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Appliance Removal Cost by Item
A single refrigerator typically costs about $115 to have 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK haul away, and a mattress is priced between $70 and $100. Those are the base figures you’ll see on the on‑site estimate; the final price can shift up or down within the ranges shown below depending on your zip code, the item’s bulk, and any applicable state recycling fees.
Below is a step‑by‑step guide that tells you exactly how those numbers are derived, when it makes sense to add an appliance to a bigger load, what you need to do before the crew arrives, and which cheaper alternatives exist.
1. Quick Answer: Per‑Item Price Ranges
1.1 Single‑Item Cost Overview
| Item | Typical price range* |
|---|---|
| Mattress | $70 – $100 |
| Refrigerator / large appliance | ≈ $115 |
| Sofa / couch | $59 – $170 (varies by market) |
| Loveseat | ≈ $100 |
| Any single item (average) | $70 – $400 (depends on bulk & weight) |
*All figures are based on 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s verified pricing and include labor, loading, hauling, disposal, recycling fees, and post‑job cleanup.
1.2 How Volume‑Based Pricing Works
If you have more than one bulky item, 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK switches to a truck‑size model measured in eighth‑truck increments. The official truck dimensions are:
| Load size | Dimensions (L × H × W) | Approx. volume |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8) | 1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~0.5 cu yd |
| Half truck | 5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~9 cu yd |
| Full truck | 10 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~18 cu yd |
Pricing bands (rounded to the nearest dollar) are:
- Minimum load (1/8 truck) – $100‑$150
- Small loads – $107‑$396
- Medium loads – $396‑$600
- Large loads – $600‑$1,099
- Half‑truckload – $400‑$600
- Full‑truckload – $600‑$1,000
The average job across all customers sits around $240, reflecting the fact that many homeowners combine several items into one pickup.
2. How the On‑Site Estimate Works
2.1 Booking Process (What You’ll Actually Experience)
- Call 1‑800‑468‑5865 or book online.
- No price is given over the phone or on the website. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK only provides a free on‑site estimate.
- A local crew contacts you 25–30 minutes before arrival to confirm the window.
- The crew arrives, measures the load (or inspects the single item), and gives you a written quote. No credit card is required for the estimate.
- If you accept, they load and haul away on the same day (often same‑day service is available).
2.2 What’s Included in the Quote
- All labor – crew members lift, carry, and load the item(s) from anywhere on your property (no curb‑side requirement).
- Hauling & disposal – transport to a licensed landfill, recycling center, or donation hub.
- Disposal/recycling fees – e.g., the $10.50 per‑unit mattress recycling fee in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island (passed through to you).
- Post‑job cleanup – crew sweeps the area to leave it tidy.
- Insurance & licensing – you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Because the estimate is made on‑site, the price you see is the final price—there are no hidden “service fees” added later.
3. When a Single‑Item Pickup Makes Sense
3.1 Solo vs. Combined Load
| Situation | Cost (single‑item) | Cost (combined load) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| One refrigerator only | ≈ $115 | Part of a minimum‑load (1/8 truck) – $100‑$150 | $0‑$35 (if the minimum load already covers other trash) |
| One mattress only | $70‑$100 | Minimum load – $100‑$150 (if no other items) | $0‑$30 (same logic) |
| Two large appliances (fridge + dryer) | ≈ $230 | Small load – $107‑$396 | $0‑$166 (depends on total volume) |
| Three items (fridge, mattress, sofa) | ≈ $285‑$385 | Small load – $107‑$396 | Potentially $0‑$109 if total volume stays under the small‑load ceiling |
Key insight: If your single item fills less than half of the minimum‑load volume, you’ll still pay the minimum‑load price. Adding a second item that fits within the same 1/8‑truck space often doesn’t increase the price at all.
3.2 Worked Example: Refrigerator + Mattress
- Refrigerator price: $115
- Mattress price: $85 (mid‑range)
If you called for each item separately, you’d be looking at $115 + $85 = $200.
Instead, the crew measures the combined volume:
- Refrigerator (≈ 3 cu ft) + Mattress (≈ 4 cu ft) = 7 cu ft
- This fits comfortably within a minimum‑load (≈ 0.5 cu yd ≈ 13.5 cu ft).
The on‑site estimate therefore quotes the minimum‑load range: $120 (mid‑point of $100‑$150).
Savings: $200 – $120 = $80.
The arithmetic shows why bundling items is almost always cheaper than separate pickups.
4. Preparing Your Appliance for Removal
4.1 Disassembly & Access
- Unplug all electrical appliances at least 30 minutes before arrival.
- Defrost freezers if there’s ice buildup (water can leak during transport).
- Remove doors from large refrigerators or ovens if they’re a tight fit for the truck.
- Clear a pathway at least 3 ft wide from the item to the loading zone.
4.2 State‑Specific Recycling Fees
- California, Connecticut, Rhode Island: Mattress removal includes a $10.50 per‑unit “Bye Bye Mattress” fee. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK passes this cost directly to you, so the final quote for a mattress in those states will be $80‑$110.
- Other states have no mandatory mattress fee, so the quoted range stays $70‑$100.
5. Cheaper Alternatives & When to Use Them
| Option | Typical cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal bulk‑pickup | $0‑$30 (often free for residents) | No private‑company markup; often scheduled monthly | Limited to certain items, strict size/weight limits, may require you to bring items to the curb |
| Retailer haul‑away (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s) | Free with purchase or $25‑$50 drop‑off fee | Convenient if you’re already buying a new appliance | Only works on the same day of delivery; may not take large or broken items |
| Donation (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity) | Free | Tax‑deductible receipt; helps community | Must be in usable condition; you must transport it yourself |
| Scrap metal yard | $0‑$20 (you may get paid) | Potential earnings for metal appliances | Requires you to load and drive; not all parts accepted |
| DIY junk bag/box (1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Flex) | Starts at $39 (you load the container) | Cheapest paid option if you can lift and load yourself | No labor; you must bring the bag/box to the curb |
When to choose a cheaper route:
- Item is still functional – donate or sell.
- Your city offers free bulk pickup and the item fits the size limits.
- You’re moving – many moving companies include a “remove unwanted items” clause for a small fee.
If none of those apply, a professional service like 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK remains the most hassle‑free option.
6. Competitor Comparison
| Company | Minimum charge | Pricing model | Typical price for a refrigerator | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | $100‑$150 (minimum 1/8‑truck) | Volume‑based (truck size) | ≈ $115 (single‑item) | All 50 states |
| LoadUp | $89 minimum | Per‑item, guaranteed online price | $89‑$120 (online quote) | All 50 states |
| Junk King | $99 minimum | Volume‑based (approx.) | $99‑$130 (on‑site) | Gaps in several states |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150‑$750 per job | Volume‑based + $99 dispatch fee | $120‑$150 (estimated) | Nationwide, but hidden fee |
What the numbers tell you:
- LoadUp offers the lowest guaranteed price for a single refrigerator, but you must rely on an online estimate that can’t be altered on‑site.
- Junk King and College Hunks have higher minimums and may add hidden fees (e.g., the $99 dispatch charge).
- 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK sits in the middle of the range but includes all labor, loading, disposal, and cleanup in the quoted price, with no surprise fees.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
7. Common Mistakes & Frequently Asked Questions
7.1 Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts you | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Calling for a price before the on‑site estimate | You’ll get vague “starting at $X” numbers that don’t reflect your actual load. | Book the free on‑site estimate; let the crew measure. |
| Assuming the minimum‑load price applies to a single item | If the item is tiny, you still pay the $100‑$150 minimum, which can be higher than a per‑item competitor. | Compare the single‑item quote from LoadUp or a municipal service first. |
| Not consolidating items | Separate pickups double the minimum‑load fee. | Gather all unwanted bulk items and request one pickup. |
| Leaving items at the curb | You may be charged extra for the crew to retrieve them from the street. | Let the crew load from wherever the item sits; no curb‑side requirement. |
| Ignoring state recycling fees | Unexpected $10.50 mattress fee shows up on the invoice. | Check if your state mandates a fee and factor it into the estimate. |
7.2 FAQ
Q1: How long does a typical 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK appliance pickup take?
A: The crew usually finishes loading and loading the truck in 15–30 minutes for a single appliance, plus travel time.
Q2: Do I need to be home when they arrive?
A: No. The crew can load items without you present, but you must give them clear access and any necessary keys or gate codes.
Q3: What if my refrigerator is broken and still plugged in?
A: Unplug it before the crew arrives. If you can’t, the crew will safely disconnect it at no extra charge.
Q4: Are there any hidden fees for hazardous components (e.g., refrigerant)?
A: No. The quoted price includes all disposal and recycling fees, including any required refrigerant handling.
Q5: Can I get a discount by being a veteran, senior, or AAA member?
A: No official discounts exist for those groups. The only reliable way to save is by signing up for the company’s email list (you’ll receive $10‑$25 off codes) or by bundling multiple items into one load.
Q6: What happens to the appliance after it’s hauled away?
A: 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK disposes of items at licensed landfills or recycles components (metal, wood, foam) according to local regulations.
Takeaway
If you need one refrigerator or one mattress removed, expect to pay about $115 or $70‑$100, respectively. Adding more items to the same pickup usually lowers the per‑item cost because the price shifts to a volume‑based truck load. Always request the free on‑site estimate, compare it with per‑item competitors like LoadUp, and consider free municipal bulk pickup or donation when the item is still usable.