1-800-GOT-JUNK for Electronics Recycling
Yes, 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK will haul your TVs, computers, phones and other e‑waste, but you’ll pay a volume‑based fee that can range from $100 to $1,099 per load. Below is everything you need to know before you call, from exact pricing to what happens to your devices after they leave your driveway.
How 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK Pricing Works
Volume‑Based Pricing (the only numbers you’ll see)
| Load Size | Approx. Dimensions | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8 truck) | 1.25 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | $100 – $150 |
| Small load | up to 1/8‑truck volume | $107 – $396 |
| Medium load | roughly 1/4‑truck | $396 – $600 |
| Large load | up to 1/2‑truck | $600 – $1,099 |
| Half truck | 5 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | $400 – $600 |
| Full truck | 10 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W (≈ 18 cu yd) | $600 – $1,000 |
*Ranges reflect the full national spread; most mid‑size metros land near the middle of each band.
The average job across all customers is about $240, which is a useful benchmark if you’re not sure how much space your junk will occupy.
What’s Included
- All labor (no need to move items to the curb)
- Loading from anywhere on your property
- Hauling, disposal, and recycling fees
- Post‑service cleanup (crew sweeps the area)
- Fully licensed and insured crews
No hidden “dump” fees appear after the crew leaves.
Booking Process – No Surprise Quotes
- Call 1‑800‑468‑5865 or book online.
- The franchise schedules a free on‑site estimate; no credit card is required.
- The crew calls 25–30 minutes before arrival. Same‑day service is often available.
- If you prefer a DIY bag or container, the “Flex” product lets you load it yourself and the crew picks it up for a flat $39 fee (price shown online).
No price is given over the phone or on the website; the estimate is always done in person.
What Happens to Your Electronics?
Certified Recycling Partners
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK works only with R2 and e‑Stewards certified recyclers. These programs require third‑party audits that confirm hazardous metals, plastics and rare earths are properly recovered and not dumped in a landfill.
Data Destruction
- Hard drives and SSDs are either physically shredded or de‑gaussed before entering the recycling stream.
- For laptops, tablets and phones, the crew removes batteries (which are sent to a separate hazardous‑waste facility) and then the remaining chassis go to the certified recycler.
Materials Recovered vs. Landfilled
| Material | Typical Recovery Rate* |
|---|---|
| Copper (wiring, circuit boards) | ≈ 30 % |
| Aluminum (frames, heat sinks) | ≈ 20 % |
| Plastics (casings, cables) | ≈ 15 % |
| Precious metals (gold, palladium) | < 1 % |
| Residual waste (non‑recyclable) | ≈ 34 % |
*Numbers are industry averages from R2/e‑Stewards reports; the exact split varies by device mix.
State Regulations and What You Can’t Toss
Federal & State E‑Waste Laws
- U.S. EPA classifies many electronics as hazardous waste because of lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants.
- California, New York, Massachusetts, Washington and a handful of other states require special permits for disposal; most junk‑removal firms, including 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK, have those permits.
Items Typically Excluded from General Junk Removal
| Item | Why It May Be Excluded |
|---|---|
| CRT televisions | Heavy leaded glass; many franchises charge extra handling fees. |
| Large server racks | Often require specialized disassembly and data‑destruction services. |
| Lithium‑ion batteries | Treated as hazardous; must be separated and sent to a certified recycler. |
| Fluorescent light fixtures | Contain mercury; separate collection is required by law. |
If a franchise refuses an item, they will tell you on the spot and may suggest a local hazardous‑waste drop‑off instead.
Free and Low‑Cost Alternatives
Manufacturer Take‑Back Programs
- Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung and many other OEMs run mail‑in or store‑drop programs for old devices, often at no cost.
- Some manufacturers even pay you a small credit (e.g., Apple’s Trade‑In) if the device is in working condition.
Retail Drop‑Off
| Retailer | Accepted Items | Hours / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | TVs, monitors, laptops, phones, small appliances | 7 days/week; no appointment needed |
| Staples | Computers, printers, keyboards, small electronics | Same‑day drop‑off; limited to 20 items per visit |
| Home Depot (selected stores) | Small e‑waste, batteries | Often tied to local recycling events |
These programs are free and usually faster than scheduling a full‑truck pickup.
Municipal Collection Days
Most cities hold annual or semi‑annual e‑waste collection events. Check your city’s website for dates; they typically accept all electronics (including CRTs) at no charge.
Bottom line: If you have only a few items (under a half‑truck load) and a free drop‑off is available nearby, that option almost always beats a $100‑$400 pickup fee.
Comparing the Competition
| Company | Minimum Charge | Pricing Model | Typical Full‑Truck Range | Coverage | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | $100 – $150 (1/8 truck) | Volume‑based (truck size) | $600 – $1,000 | U.S. (all 50 states) | Licensed crews, all‑inclusive price |
| LoadUp | $89 (per item) | Per‑item flat rate, online guarantee | N/A (item‑based) | All 50 states | Instant online pricing, price never changes on service day |
| Junk King | $99 (minimum) | Volume‑based | $589 – $658 (full truck) | Gaps in several states | Approximate online estimate, confirmed on site |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150 – $750 (per job) | Volume‑based | N/A | Nationwide | $99 dispatch fee often added after booking |
When is 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK the better choice?
- You need full‑service loading (no curb‑side loading) and want all labor, disposal and cleanup bundled.
- Your load is large enough to fill a half‑truck or more, making the per‑item cost of LoadUp higher than the $400‑$600 range of a half‑truck.
When is a competitor or free option smarter?
- You have few items (< 5 medium electronics). LoadUp’s per‑item pricing may be under $200 total.
- You can drive to a Best Buy or municipal drop‑off; that is $0.
Worked Example – Calculating Your 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Bill
Assume a suburban household wants to discard the following:
- 55‑in CRT TV (≈ 12 cu ft)
- 24‑in flat‑panel TV (≈ 5 cu ft)
- Desktop computer with monitor (≈ 8 cu ft)
- Laptop (≈ 2 cu ft)
- Printer (≈ 1 cu ft)
- Small sofa (≈ 15 cu ft)
Step 1 – Add volumes 12 + 5 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 15 = 43 cu ft
Step 2 – Convert to truck size
- Minimum load (1/8 truck) ≈ 6 cu ft (1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft)
- Half‑truck ≈ 30 cu ft (5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft)
43 cu ft exceeds a half‑truck, so the crew will need a large/near‑full load.
Step 3 – Apply pricing range Large load: $600 – $1,099.
If the franchise assesses the job at the mid‑range ($850), that’s the final price.
Step 4 – Compare to alternatives
- LoadUp: 6 items × $89 = $534 (price locked online).
- Best Buy drop‑off: $0 (if you can transport the sofa).
In this scenario, LoadUp saves roughly $300 and a free drop‑off saves the entire $850—but only if you can move the sofa yourself.
Common Mistakes When Using Junk Removal Services
- Assuming “all‑inclusive” means “free disposal.” The price already covers disposal, but you still pay the volume fee.
- Not pre‑sorting – crews charge the same for a half‑truck whether it’s 30 cu ft of cardboard or 30 cu ft of heavy electronics.
- Over‑booking multiple pickups – splitting a load into two trips doubles labor and travel costs.
- Believing coupon codes work – most aggregator codes are expired or invalid; the only reliable discount is the $10‑$25 email‑list coupon.
- Skipping free local programs – many cities accept CRTs and large appliances for free; ignoring them can waste $100‑$400.
FAQ
Q1. Does 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK recycle electronics or just dump them? Yes. All electronics are sent to R2/e‑Stewards certified recyclers, where hazardous components are removed and valuable metals are recovered.
Q2. How do I know what size truck I need? The on‑site estimate will measure your load and suggest the smallest truck that fits. The average job is $240, which usually corresponds to a small‑to‑medium load (≈ 15‑30 cu ft).
Q3. Are there any hidden fees for batteries or data destruction? No. Battery removal, data shredding and hazardous‑waste handling are included in the quoted price.
Q4. Can I get a discount for being a veteran or senior? There is NO official military, senior, student, or AAA discount. The only guaranteed savings are the email‑list coupons and local franchise promotions.
Q5. What if my city has a strict e‑waste law? 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s franchise will comply with local regulations; if an item is prohibited, the crew will advise you to use a municipal drop‑off instead.
Q6. Should I choose LoadUp over 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK for a small job? If you have fewer than 5 items and can handle curb‑side loading, LoadUp’s per‑item pricing (starting at $89) often ends up cheaper than the $100‑$150 minimum for a 1/8‑truck load.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Bottom‑Line Takeaway
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK will pick up and properly recycle your electronics, but price is driven by volume, not by item count. For a single TV or laptop, free alternatives (manufacturer take‑back, Best Buy drop‑off, or municipal e‑waste days) almost always beat the $100‑$400 pickup fee. If you have a large, mixed load that you cannot move yourself, the all‑inclusive service (including data destruction and cleanup) can be worth the cost—especially when you consolidate everything into one truck and take advantage of the email‑list discount.