Junk King vs 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK: Real Price Comparison
If you need a junk‑removal crew, 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK typically starts at $100‑$150 for a 1/8‑truck load, while Junk King’s minimum is about $99. Both companies charge by volume, but the details of each pricing model, what’s included, and the real‑world cost differences matter when you decide which one to call.
How the Two Services Price Junk Removal
1-800‑GOT‑JUNK’s Volume‑Based Model
1-800‑GOT‑JUNK measures jobs in 1/8‑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 | ~1 cubic yard |
| Half Load | 5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~9 cubic yards |
| Full Load | 10 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft | ~18 cubic yards |
Pricing ranges (all numbers are from verified data):
- Minimum load (1/8 truck): $100‑$150
- Small loads: $107‑$396
- Medium loads: $396‑$600
- Large loads: $600‑$1,099
- Half truckload: $400‑$600 (note overlap with “small” and “medium”)
- Full truckload: $600‑$1,000
The company does not publish a flat price online. You receive a free, on‑site estimate (no credit‑card hold) before work starts. The crew calls 25‑30 minutes prior to arrival, and same‑day service is often possible.
Junk King’s Volume‑Based Model
Junk King also uses a truck‑size model, but the publicly listed ranges are a bit narrower:
- Minimum load: about $99
- Half‑truck load: $389‑$488
- Full‑truck load: $589‑$658
When you request a quote, the online estimate is “approximate” and confirmed on site. Junk King’s coverage map has gaps in several states, so availability can vary.
Key difference: 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK gives a broader price range that reflects local landfill fees and labor costs, while Junk King’s published ranges are tighter but still subject to on‑site confirmation.
What’s Included in the Price
Both companies bundle the same core services:
- All labor – crew members handle loading from anywhere on your property; you never have to move items to the curb.
- Hauling and disposal – they take the load to an authorized landfill or recycling center.
- Cleanup – the crew sweeps the area after loading.
- Licensing and insurance – crews are fully insured and licensed.
Service Variations
- 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK Flex – a self‑load option where you pack a bag or container, they collect it for $39 and up. This is the only “instant‑online‑pricing” product they offer.
- Junk King does not currently list a self‑load program; all jobs are handled by the crew.
Both companies charge no extra fees for disposal or recycling; those costs are baked into the quoted price.
Real‑World Pricing Examples
Single‑Item Jobs
| Item | Typical 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK Cost |
|---|---|
| Sofa | ~$170 |
| Loveseat | ~$100 |
| Refrigerator | ~$115 |
These figures fall inside the “small load” range ($107‑$396) and illustrate how a single bulky item can approach the lower end of a small‑load quote.
Worked Example: Two Sofas + One Refrigerator
- Two sofas: 2 × $170 = $340
- One refrigerator: $115
- Subtotal: $340 + $115 = $455
Now compare to the 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK pricing bands:
- Small load range: $107‑$396 → $455 is above the top of the small‑load band.
- Medium load range: $396‑$600 → $455 fits comfortably inside the medium range.
So a realistic on‑site estimate for this job would likely be $455 (or a number close to it) and would be classified as a medium load.
If you called Junk King for the same items, the quoted range would be $389‑$488 for a half‑truck load. Because the job is under a half‑truck, the final price would probably land near the $389‑$458 area, slightly cheaper than the 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK medium‑load estimate.
Full‑Truck Comparison
A full truck (≈ 18 cubic yards) can hold a mix of furniture, appliances, and construction debris.
- 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK: $600‑$1,000
- Junk King: $589‑$658
Both companies converge on the $600 mark for a full load in high‑cost metros (e.g., NYC, San Francisco). In lower‑cost regions, the 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK price can dip toward $600, while Junk King’s lower bound stays near $589. The difference is usually $0‑$40, essentially negligible, but the broader 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK range reflects local tipping fee variability.
Head‑to‑Head Quick Reference
| Feature | 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK | Junk King |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum price | $100‑$150 (1/8‑truck) | ≈ $99 |
| Pricing model | Volume‑based (1/8‑truck increments) | Volume‑based (half/full‑truck brackets) |
| Price certainty | On‑site estimate; range can vary | Approximate online estimate; confirmed on‑site |
| Coverage | All 50 states (nationwide) | Gaps in several states |
| What’s included | Labor, loading from anywhere, hauling, disposal, recycling, cleanup; crews licensed & insured | Same core services; no extra fees |
| Best‑for | Customers who need same‑day service, want a free on‑site quote, or have irregularly shaped loads that don’t fit neat truck slots | Customers in markets where Junk King operates, who prefer a tighter price range and are comfortable with a slightly less flexible truck sizing |
Common Mistakes & Myths
Discount Myths
- No official military, senior, student, or AAA discounts exist for 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK.
- Coupon‑aggregator codes like “MYJUNK30” are unverified and most do not work at checkout.
- The only reliable way to save is to join the company’s email list; you’ll receive $10‑$25 off codes that actually work.
Quote Expectations
- Don’t assume the posted range is your final price. On‑site conditions (e.g., access, item weight) can push a job from the low end of a band to the high end.
- Half‑truck vs. small‑load overlap can be confusing. 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK lists both “small loads” ($107‑$396) and “half truckload” ($400‑$600). In practice, a job that fills roughly half the truck will be quoted in the $400‑$600 bracket, regardless of the earlier “small” label.
Scheduling Pitfalls
- Mid‑week and off‑season bookings often yield the softer end of the price range.
- Splitting a truck with a neighbor reduces the per‑load cost for both parties, but you must coordinate the pickup date and ensure both parties’ items fit within the same truck size.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know which truck size I need?
Measure the longest item you plan to discard and compare it to the truck dimensions listed above. If the total volume is under 9 cubic yards, a half‑truck or smaller will suffice; larger projects usually require a full truck.
2. Will the crew move heavy items for me?
Yes. Both 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK and Junk King include loading from anywhere on your property, so you never have to carry items to the curb.
3. Are there any hidden fees for disposal or recycling?
No. The quoted price covers hauling, disposal, recycling, and post‑job cleanup. Any local landfill tipping fee is already baked into the estimate.
4. Can I get a price online without a home visit?
Only 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK’s Flex product provides instant online pricing, starting at $39, but you must load the container yourself. Standard jobs require a free on‑site estimate.
5. What if I have hazardous waste (e.g., paint, batteries)?
Both companies treat hazardous materials as a separate service. Expect an additional charge after the crew assesses the items on site.
6. Which company is cheaper for a single sofa?
A single sofa is typically ~$170 with 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK. Junk King’s minimum of ≈ $99 could be lower, but the exact quote will depend on local factors; you’ll need an on‑site estimate to confirm.
Which Service Is Right For You?
| Situation | Choose 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK if… | Choose Junk King if… |
|---|---|---|
| You need same‑day service and want a free, on‑site quote. | ✔️ | ❌ |
| You live in a state where Junk King operates and prefer a tighter price range. | ❌ | ✔️ |
| You want the flexibility to self‑load a bag or container for a low‑cost pickup. | ✔️ (Flex) | ❌ |
| You are comfortable splitting a truck with a neighbor to shave off a few hundred dollars. | ✔️ (both work) | ✔️ (both work) |
| You value nationwide coverage (including remote or rural areas). | ✔️ | ❌ (coverage gaps) |
| You prefer a guaranteed price online that never changes on service day. | ❌ (estimate only) | ❌ (both need on‑site confirmation) |
Bottom line: Neither service is universally cheaper; the right choice hinges on your location, timing, and whether you value a broader price range (1-800‑GOT‑JUNK) or a tighter, more predictable bracket (Junk King). Get a free estimate from both, compare the final numbers, and factor in any local promotions you receive via email.
Takeaway
Both 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK and Junk King charge by truck volume, include all labor and disposal, and require an on‑site estimate for the final price. 1-800‑GOT‑JUNK offers nationwide coverage and a flexible Flex option, while Junk King often lands a few dollars lower on half‑truck jobs where it operates. Use the head‑to‑head table, request quotes, and let the actual on‑site numbers decide which crew fits your budget and schedule.