Does 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK Take Washers and Dryers? Cost and Rules
Yes. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK will pick up standard residential washers and dryers as part of a regular junk‑removal job. The price you pay depends on how much total volume you’re loading onto the truck, not on the appliance type alone. Below you’ll see the typical cost bands, what preparation is required, and the few exceptions that will make the crew refuse the load.
1. What 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Will Take
1.1 Standard appliances are welcome
- Washing machines (front‑load or top‑load, any size up to 5 ft high).
- Clothes dryers (electric or gas, standard residential models).
These items are treated like any other bulky furniture—no extra fee, no special handling. The crew will load them from wherever they sit on your property, haul them away, and take care of disposal or recycling.
1.2 Items that trigger a “no”
The company refuses loads that contain any of the following, because they require special permits, hazardous‑material handling, or extra disposal fees that are not covered by the standard price:
| Category | Why it’s a problem | Typical alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerants (old fridge/freezer, AC units) | Must be removed by a certified technician under EPA rules. | Call a certified appliance recycler or a local HVAC service. |
| Fuel‑powered equipment (gasoline‑powered washers, propane dryers) | Contains hazardous fuel that cannot be placed in a regular landfill. | Drain fuel, then schedule a hazardous‑waste pickup. |
| Asbestos‑containing parts (older dryer drums, insulation) | Federal law requires asbestos testing and certified removal. | Hire an asbestos abatement contractor. |
| Structural demolition (walls, concrete, large built‑in units) | Requires a demolition permit and may need a separate waste‑transfer permit. | Contact a demolition specialist or your city’s public works. |
| Large commercial‑grade machines (industrial washers/dryers) | Often exceed the truck’s height/weight limits and need special transport. | Seek a commercial‑equipment removal service. |
If any of the above are present, the crew will politely decline and advise you on the proper disposal channel.
2. How Pricing Works
2.1 Volume‑based pricing, not per‑item
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK does not charge a flat fee for a washer or dryer. Instead, they price the entire load based on how much space it occupies in the truck. The truck is divided into eighths, and each increment has a price range.
| Load Size | Approx. Dimensions | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (1/8 truck) | 1.25 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | $100 – $150 |
| Small loads | — | $107 – $396 |
| Medium loads | — | $396 – $600 |
| Large loads | — | $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 |
The “average job across all customers” is about $240, which usually falls in the small‑load bracket.
2.2 Single‑item price examples (for reference)
- Sofa – ≈ $170
- Loveseat – ≈ $100
- Refrigerator – ≈ $115
These figures illustrate how a single bulky item compares to the volume‑based ranges. A washer or dryer typically lands between the loveseat and refrigerator numbers, but the final cost will still depend on the total cubic footage of everything you load.
2.3 Worked example: Two washers + a dryer + a sofa
Measure the load
- Washer 1: 2.5 ft L × 3 ft H × 2 ft W = 15 cu ft
- Washer 2: same = 15 cu ft
- Dryer: 2.5 ft L × 3 ft H × 2 ft W = 15 cu ft
- Sofa: 6 ft L × 3 ft H × 3 ft W = 54 cu ft
Total volume = 15 + 15 + 15 + 54 = 99 cu ft
Translate to truck space
- Minimum load (1/8) ≈ 9 cu ft (1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft ÷ 8).
- Half‑truck (5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft) = 200 cu ft.
Your 99 cu ft fits comfortably in a half‑truck but exceeds the minimum load.
Apply price range
- Half‑truck price range: $400 – $600.
- Assuming a mid‑range estimate of $500.
What you actually pay
- Labor, loading, hauling, disposal, and post‑job cleanup are all included.
- No hidden fees unless the crew encounters an excluded item (e.g., refrigerant).
Result: You’d likely be quoted $500 for the job, covering the two washers, dryer, and sofa.
2.4 How the “Flex” product differs
If you prefer to do the heavy lifting yourself, 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s Flex service starts at $39. You load a bag or container, the crew picks it up, and you pay a flat fee. This option is not volume‑based and is only useful for small, bag‑sized junk.
2.5 Competitor pricing snapshot (for context)
- LoadUp – $89 minimum, per‑item pricing, guaranteed online quote.
- Junk King – ~ $99 minimum, half‑truck $389‑$488, full‑truck $589‑$658.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk – $150‑$750 per job, plus an often‑surprising $99 dispatch fee.
These numbers show that 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s price range is competitive, especially when you need a full‑service crew that handles loading from anywhere on your property.
3. Preparing Your Load
3.1 No curb‑side requirement
The crew will load from wherever the items sit—garage, basement, upstairs, or the front yard. You do not need to move the washer or dryer to the curb.
3.2 Steps to speed up the pickup
- Clear a path to the appliance. Remove any rugs, boxes, or obstacles that could slow the crew.
- Detach hoses from the washer and dryer, but leave the water supply on. The crew will disconnect safely.
- Secure loose doors on the dryer to avoid damage during transport.
- Stack smaller items (e.g., boxes, small furniture) around the appliances to fill gaps, which helps keep the load within a smaller truck volume.
3.3 What’s not included in the price
- Permit fees for demolition or large‑scale disposal.
- Special handling for hazardous materials (see Section 1.2).
- Extra trips if the crew cannot fit everything in one truck and you refuse a second truck.
If any of these arise, the crew will discuss additional costs before proceeding.
4. When the Answer Is “No” – Alternatives
4.1 Refrigerants and old appliances
If your dryer is a gas‑dry‑type with a propane tank, or your washer contains residual water and detergent, the crew may still accept it, but the refrigerant in a fridge or freezer must be removed first. Call a certified appliance recycler or a local HVAC service that offers free refrigerant recovery.
4.2 Fuel‑powered equipment
For gasoline‑filled washers or dryers that use a fuel tank, drain the fuel into a proper container and arrange a hazardous‑waste pickup with your city’s waste‑management department.
4.3 Asbestos‑containing parts
Older dryer drums sometimes contain asbestos. If you suspect this, do not attempt DIY removal. Hire an asbestos abatement contractor; they will test and safely dispose of the material.
4.4 Structural demolition or large built‑ins
If the washer or dryer is built‑in (e.g., stacked units recessed into a wall), you’ll need a demolition permit and a contractor who can safely dismantle the surrounding cabinetry. Once the unit is free, you can schedule a separate junk‑removal pickup for the now‑standalone appliance.
4.5 Where to find local alternatives
- Municipal bulk‑pick‑up days – many cities schedule quarterly bulk‑trash collection for appliances.
- Scrap metal recyclers – accept metal appliances for a small cash payment.
- Charity donation – if the washer/dryer still works, local shelters or Habitat for Humanity may pick it up for free.
5. Common Mistakes People Make
| Mistake | Why it hurts you | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming a flat fee per appliance | Leads to surprise when the crew quotes a higher volume‑based price. | Ask for a volume estimate before the crew arrives. |
| Leaving hazardous fluids inside | The crew will refuse the load or charge extra disposal fees. | Drain all water and fuel, and remove refrigerants. |
| Not checking for local promotions | Missed $10‑$25 email discounts that can reduce the bill. | Sign up for the email list on the homepage before booking. |
| Scheduling on a holiday weekend | Higher demand can push you into a more expensive “peak” slot. | Choose a mid‑week or off‑season date for a softer price. |
| Attempting DIY loading for a large job | Increases risk of injury and may damage the appliance. | Let the professional crew load from wherever the item sits. |
| Relying on expired coupon codes | Wastes time and may lead to frustration at checkout. | Trust only verified discounts (email list) and local franchise promos. |
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK take a gas‑drying unit?
A: Yes, if the gas line is disconnected and the tank is empty. If there is still fuel or a propane cylinder, the crew will decline and advise a hazardous‑waste pickup.
Q2. How many washers can fit in a half‑truck?
A: A typical residential washer occupies about 15 cu ft. A half‑truck holds roughly 200 cu ft, so you could fit 12‑13 washers plus some additional small items, staying within the $400‑$600 price range.
Q3. Do I need to be present when the crew arrives?
A: No, but you must ensure the items are accessible. The crew calls 25‑30 minutes before arrival to confirm access and any last‑minute changes.
Q4. Is there a “senior” or “military” discount?
A: No. 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK does not offer official senior, military, student, or AAA discounts. The only reliable savings are from the email‑list coupons ($10‑$25) or local franchise promotions.
Q5. What if my washer is still working?
A: You can donate it to a charity or list it on a local “Freecycle” group. If you still want it removed, the price will be the same as any other appliance; the crew does not differentiate between working and non‑working items.
Q6. How does the “Flex” service differ from the regular pickup?
A: Flex starts at $39 and requires you to load the bag or container yourself. The regular service includes full labor, loading from any location, and disposal for a volume‑based price.
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Takeaway
1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK will haul standard washers and dryers as part of a regular, volume‑based junk‑removal job. Expect to pay $100‑$150 for a tiny load up to $600‑$1,000 for a full truck, with the average residential job landing around $240. The price covers all labor, loading, hauling, disposal, and cleanup—provided the items contain no hazardous fluids, refrigerants, or asbestos, and no demolition permits are needed.
If any of those exclusions apply, arrange the appropriate specialized service first, then schedule 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK for the remaining junk. By consolidating everything into one pickup, signing up for the email‑list discount, and being flexible on scheduling, you’ll keep the cost as low as possible.