How Much Does Junk Removal Cost in Ohio?
With a population of 11.7 million and growing, solid waste management in Ohio is no mean feat. In 2020 alone, the state's residents generated over 27.8 million tons of solid waste. To reduce the strain such numbers place on municipal services, a number of regulations and disposal guidelines are in place. As a result, when trying to calculate and reduce junk removal cost, Ohio residents need to be aware of the factors that can increase their rates - and clever ways they can save money.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at everything that can affect your junk removal bill. We'll also share tips on how you can make the most of state waste removal programs and what to consider when hunting for a removal company.
Why Junk Hauling Cost in Ohio May Vary
If you're trying to find the average junk removal cost in Ohio, there's a few things you need to know first. While you might be able to find an average price per cubic foot, for instance, there's way more to it than just weight: • Size and Volume: How much space your stuff takes up in a removal van will affect the price you pay. Specific local factors could also affect the price you pay. As we mentioned, you might be charged to use a landfill, but charges could be even higher during hurricane seasons or periods of flooding. Also, your junk could be subject to specific state laws on waste disposal and recycling. If so, you'll need to dispose of your items in a specific, and maybe more expensive, way.
• Type of materials: When quoting for your junk removal cost, Ohio companies will charge more to dispose of hazardous materials.
• Accessibility and location within Ohio: If you live in a remote area or on a high apartment floor, expect to pay more for someone to remove your junk.
• State and local regulations: Some landfills and recycling centers charge for using their facilities, which will add to your removal bill.
Special Factors to Consider in Ohio Junk Removal Pricing
When working out junk removal pricing, Ohio residents should be aware of special factors that might increase their removal bill. Due to environmental concerns, you'll need to dispose of certain types of junk in specific ways. And the more complex your disposal requirements are, the more your bill will likely be.
While these rules might add to your junk removal bill, the state has enforced them to emphasize the importance of responsible waste disposal. Ultimately, the aim is to mitigate damage to the environment.
Now, let's take a closer look at some specific types of junk that need greater care when you're throwing them out.
Appliances
In Ohio, junk removal costs can be higher if you're throwing out appliances, especially if they contain harmful refrigerants. So things like refrigerators and air conditioners. This is because special regulations are in place to prevent emissions of ozone-depleting substances, like greenhouse gasses. Fortunately, the state has appliance recycling programs, like the Montgomery County Appliance Recycling Initiative. These programs remove large household appliances, and even freon, often for free during specific events (or if not free, for a nominal fee). This initiative can be a great way to reduce your appliance removal cost in Ohio. However you dispose of your appliances, make sure you stay on the right side of the relevant federal laws, which mandate the recovery of refrigerants before disposal and the proper management of other hazardous components, like mercury.
Yard Waste
When trying to reduce junk removal cost, Ohio residents should think about their yard waste.
Rather than dispose of it privately, you can often get rid of your yard waste using local waste services.
Remember to check for details on your yard waste collection services with your local provider.
Most locations will have some form of guidelines on how to prepare your waste or separate collection days to encourage composting and save on landfill space. In Dublin, for instance, yard waste is collected every Monday all year round, with no need to schedule. However, in Wyoming, you'll need to schedule a pickup in the winter months. Moreover, you'll also have to prepare and sticker your waste according to city guidelines.
As in other locations, in Ohio, junk removal pricing can depend on volume. Therefore, the more you can compost your yard waste or use municipal services, the more money you'll save.
Bulky Items
When working out the average junk removal cost, Ohio residents need to think about their bulky and oversized items. It stands to reason, but anything that takes up more space in a removal van or requires more physical effort to handle will normally incur additional fees.
That said, when pricing up for junk removal, Ohio cost factors like landfill fees can sometimes be avoided by taking advantage of state programs. Many municipalities offer bulk waste collection. You might even be able to arrange a special pickup service.
In Columbus, for example, residents can schedule collection of their bulky items through the city's 311 service. With this program, you'll be able to dispose of things like furniture, carpets, and non-refrigerant appliances. In Dayton, bulk pickup is available, but only on one Friday each month.
You'll also need to call or go online to schedule a collection in advance. There's also limits on quantities and certain preparation requirements that you'll need to be aware of.
Electronics
As part of your junk removal cost, Ohio removal companies may charge a premium for disposing of electronic items. However, a few recycling options are available to help you save money.
To minimize the contamination of landfills with harmful substances, the state of Ohio encourages the responsible recycling of electronic waste, or e-waste, through the use of designated drop-off points and special collection events. In Summit County, for instance, residents can use specific electronics recycling options to cut down on e-waste. However, residents should contact vendors directly to confirm acceptable materials, necessary preparation, data deletion considerations, and possible fees. Other locations, like Franklin County, also offer specific guidelines and access to lists of organizations that accept e-waste.
It's also worth noting that while these facilities can cut your removal costs, there may still be costs involved. Material Recovery Facilities, for instance, are labor-intensive facilities that require both manual and machine sorting to segregate recyclable materials. Furthermore, recycling programs require funding to safely handle and dismantle hazardous materials.
Furniture
As with bulky junk removal, Ohio cost factors like premium handling charges can also apply to your unwanted furniture. But while your old couch might be expensive to dispose of privately, there's a few alternatives you can consider to save money.
Some areas offer dedicated furniture recycling programs, working to both reduce fees and save landfill space. The Clark County Solid Waste District operates an appointment-only Furniture Drop Program that aims to responsibly dispose of old furniture. Meanwhile, residents in the City of Bedford are encouraged to recycle their unwanted furniture wherever possible. The municipality offers specific instructions and guidelines to safeguard the process, such as wrapping mattresses in plastic.
How to Estimate Your Junk Removal Costs in Ohio
In Ohio, junk removal pricing can be affected by a number of factors. However, there's still ways you can estimate your removal costs:
1. Assessing the Volume of Junk: When calculating your junk removal cost, Ohio companies will charge more if you have more to get rid of. So, first, make sure you know your total volume. In feet, measure the length, width, and height of your junk pile, then work out your junk's cubic yards with this calculation:
(Length x Width x Height) ÷ 27
If measuring your junk isn't going to work, try visualizing how many standard pickup truck beds you'd need to hold it all. The average bed holds 2-3 cubic yards.
2. Identifying the Type of Junk: As we've seen, junk removal costs in Ohio can increase depending on what you're throwing out. If you're disposing of general clutter, things like clothes, or small, non-hazardous appliances, you'll likely not see an increase. But if you're disposing of specialized electronics or appliances, or even dense items like concrete and other building materials, expect to pay a premium.
3. Consider Additional Fees (e.g., for heavy materials or special disposal): As mentioned, extra weight might ramp up your price, as will specialized junk. But also, think about your location. If you live in a high-rise apartment, you might end up with higher prices. Most companies will also have a minimum job fee. If you're only throwing out a very small amount of junk, is this minimum fee justifiable for your needs?
Once you've gathered the above information, it's time to start getting quotes. Contact several companies to find the best value for money. But remember, the lowest price isn't always the best one. Check out reviews, customer service, and environmental policies before deciding.
Where to Save
In Ohio, junk removal pricing can be offset by taking advantage of some of the many state services and programs. Whether it's using municipal services, donating, or selling your unwanted items, there's plenty of ways to save or even make money.
With that in mind, here's our top tips for saving money on your junk removal costs.
Utilizing Municipal Services
If you're looking for ways to save on junk removal, Ohio cost factors like landfill fees can be reduced or even avoided by making the most of municipal services. Most regions offer bulk pickup services, allowing you to freely dispose of furniture and some appliances. Moreover, you can participate in composting programs to help keep organic waste out of landfills. Such schemes will become more important in the coming years, as the state is pursuing a goal of zero waste by 2025 to divert 90% of all waste away from landfills.
Your municipal garbage pickup service could be an incredible way to save money. Many services take items like furniture, carpets, non-refrigerant appliances, and used mattresses. By making the most of these services, you can greatly reduce your appliance removal cost in Ohio.
Start Selling
When trying to reduce the cost of junk removal, Ohio residents can take advantage of several fantastic online selling platforms. If you want to get rid of anything reusable, why not try out a site like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp?
Before you start selling on these sites, there's a few things you need to consider. Firstly, spend time researching realistic prices so you can make sure you list your items within the market range. That said, don't stick to your list price - prepare to negotiate.
You'll also need to be prepared to spend considerable time on your sale. With tasks like price research, writing descriptions, taking photos, and meeting buyers, assess the time it's likely to take you and decide whether it's worth the savings you'll make by not paying for a professional removal company.
Alternatively, if you have a number of items to sell or a few bulky items, then an old-fashioned garage sale is still a great way to declutter your house and make some extra cash.
Recycling
If you want to save on junk removal, Ohio cost factors like landfill fees can be reduced by recycling instead. If you have items that you can't dispose of in curbside programs, look out for local recycling drop-off centers instead. For instance, the City of Dublin provides an excellent e-waste recycling facility where residents can dispose of cell phones, computers, and other specialized electronic items.
You can also take advantage of community recycling events for items that are hard to recycle, like hazardous waste and e-waste. Or, if your neighborhood doesn't have a recycling program, start one! That way, you can share the cost of recycling with your neighbors.
Donating
If your unwanted items still have life, you can further reduce the cost of junk removal services in Ohio by donating your clutter. Try taking unwanted books and toys to local libraries, schools, and children's programs. Alternatively, if you want to dispose of appliances, furniture, and household items, try one of the following organizations:
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores: Habitat for Humanity readily accepts donations of new or slightly used furniture, appliances, housewares, and building materials. They operate from many locations and even offer free pickup for large items
• Salvation Army: The SA offers pickup services for large items and has drop-off locations across the state
• Furniture Bank of Central Ohio: This organization takes donations of furniture and household goods
• Cleveland Furniture Bank: The Cleveland Furniture Bank accepts furniture, household goods, and appliances and provides them to needy individuals and families. They also offer pickup services for larger items.
• Matthew 25 Ministries: Operating in the Cincinnati area, this international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization takes a wide range of donations and redistributes them both locally and internationally.
By donating instead of paying for professional junk removal, Ohio cost factors like bulky item handling charges can be entirely avoided - and you'll be doing some good in your local area.
Volume vs. Weight Pricing Models
If you're trying to work out your junk removal service cost in Ohio, make sure you've considered both volume and weight based pricing models.
With volume-based pricing, your removal company will charge you according to how much space your junk takes up in their van. So, this method could save you money if you'll be throwing out heavy but small items, like dense building materials. To save space (and therefore money), break down larger items and pack smaller items into bags and boxes.
Alternatively, your removal company might offer weight-based pricing. As the name suggests, you'll receive a quote based on the weight of your junk. This is a great option if you have bigger but lighter items, like certain types of furniture.
If you have a mix of big and heavy items, play it safe and get quotes for both pricing models to ensure you get the best possible deal.
Get a Free Quote
Before searching for the average junk removal cost, Ohio residents should seek out quotes from a few different providers, giving them the best chance to save money. However, it's important to always choose providers who will stick to the cost estimate they give you. Sure, that'll mean you'll have to provide an inventory of your junk, but it's worth taking the time to secure a more reliable price.
Here at Jiffy Junk, we do everything we can to stick to the estimate we give you. What's more, we make it super easy to get a quote. We'll contact you by video call, allowing us the chance to take an inventory of your junk ourselves. That way, we can skip the ballpark estimates and give you a more tangible price.
Click here to get started and find out just how easy we make getting your junk removal quote.
So, What Is the Average Price for Junk Removal in Ohio?
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When searching for an average cost for junk removal, Ohio residents need to be aware that the size and type of their junk will affect the price they pay. Still, the best way to know exactly what you'll pay is to get quotes from reputable removal companies.
That said, there are some average figures that we consider to give you a rough idea of the price you'll pay. In Ohio, the average homeowner pays around $150 to $350 for junk removal, although the overall average price estimate range is anywhere from $70 to $570. Furthermore, the average cost per cubic foot works out at $1.50.
| Load Size | Approximate Cost Range (USD) |
| Minimum | $95 - $295 |
| ¼ Load | $175 - $325 |
| ½ Load | $325 - $425 |
| ¾ Load | $475 - $675 |
| Full Load | $625 - $975 |
DIY Junk Removal: Pros and Cons
When trying to save on junk removal prices, Ohio residents can always consider the DIY option. However, before committing to this path, let's consider all the pros and cons of do-it-yourself junk removal.
The most attractive benefit of DIY junk removal is the considerable potential for cost savings. Without physical labor, removal fees, and company overheads to pay for, you'll certainly have a good chance of saving money. You'll also have complete control over how and when you dispose of your junk. Without having to organize with another party, you'll have the final say on storing, transporting, and disposing of your junk.
However, while DIY junk removal can save a pretty penny on junk removal cost, Ohio residents should consider the drawbacks, too. It involves a significant time commitment, not to mention the physical labor involved. If you have a busy schedule or physical limitations, the efforts could outweigh the benefits. You also need to be aware of the risk of injury, particularly back strains, cuts, and falls.
Beyond the physical challenges, DIY junk removal can be mentally taxing, too. Ohio has some fairly complex regulations on junk disposal and recycling. What's more, different rules apply to different junk types in different cities, and you'll need to navigate these rules by yourself.
And finally, while you can save money with DIY junk removal, there will still be costs to consider. If you don't have access to a suitable haulage vehicle, you'll need to hire one. Then there's fuel to pay for and any disposal fees at landfills or recycling centers.
Choosing a Junk Removal Company in Ohio
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As you'll discover when searching for your junk removal estimate, Ohio removal companies can greatly differ in price. Of course, you should consider value for money when making your decision, but there's a few other equally important things you'll need to think about, too:
Licensing and Insurance: Check that your removal company is fully licensed to operate in Ohio, with insurance to cover any damages they might cause during removal.
Experience in Ohio: When it comes to junk removal, cost factors like landfill fees and recycling charges should always be included. That's why finding a company with great logistical knowledge of the local area is crucial. With significant experience operating in Ohio, Jiffy Junk provides removal services across the state, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo.
Transparent Pricing: Make sure your chosen company is totally transparent on its pricing and be clear on whether you're paying for a volume or weight-based pricing model. Avoid companies that are vague about pricing or try to sneak in hidden fees.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Today, sustainability is at the forefront for many of us, so make sure to check out how they measure up in their environmental policies. Consider a company that prioritizes recycling and donating, and see if they have any partnerships with local charities. More than anything else, be sure they won't just take your junk to the nearest incinerator.
Customer Reviews: Getting real-world testimonies from your fellow customers has never been easier, so learn as much as you can from reviews before committing to a company. Check for things like reliability, professionalism, and customer service.
Parting Words
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Before searching for the best price for junk removal, Ohio residents should first have a good understanding of the factors that can affect your removal bill. As the state is particularly committed to environmental stewardship, it's also vital to make the most of recycling opportunities and municipal services to avoid unnecessary landfill fees.
When it comes to choosing your removal company, shop around for the best prices, but ultimately, opt for a reliable and professional company that can offer the best service for your individual needs.
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