How Much Does Junk Removal Cost in Pennsylvania?
With populations growing around the country, it's no wonder effective and responsible junk disposal is becoming a common dilemma. But while many people in Pennsylvania face these issues, there is a solution—professional junk removal services. The problem? When it comes to cost, these services can vary widely.
When trying to calculate junk removal cost, Pennsylvania residents should be aware of several factors that could affect their bill. In this article, we'll look at all the common issues that can impact your junk removal price. We'll also share some helpful tips on where you can save money and how to pick the best removal company for your needs.
Why Junk Hauling Cost in Pennsylvania May Vary
If you're trying to find the average junk removal cost in Pennsylvania, you've probably noticed that prices can significantly vary. While some of this is down to companies charging different rates, you'll also find that a number of factors will affect the price you pay: Size and Volume: It stands to reason, but the more stuff you need to get rid of, the more you'll need to pay. Type of Materials: If you're disposing of hazardous materials, there could be a premium on your bill to cover handling and disposal fees. Accessibility and Location Within Pennsylvania: If you're in a remote location with difficult access, you might need to pay more for someone to come and collect your junk.
State and Local Regulations: Depending on your location, your removal bill might include landfill or recycling center fees.
When trying to calculate junk removal cost, Pennsylvania residents might also need to consider local factors that could affect their bill. If you're disposing of junk during a known hurricane season or at a time of flooding, you might find that landfill fees are higher. Also, check whether Pennsylvania state laws regarding waste disposal and recycling could impact your removal price.
Special Factors to Consider in Pennsylvania Junk Removal Pricing
When searching for junk removal pricing, Pennsylvania residents will find that certain types of junk are subject to special requirements or additional fees. In this section, we'll take a look at the junk types most likely to cause you a headache.
Appliances
In Pennsylvania, junk removal costs can increase if you're throwing out appliances that contain refrigerants, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. The EPA's Section 608 of the Clean Air Act regulates the disposal of these appliances. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), you'll need to properly handle them to prevent environmental harm. As a result, you might need to use specialized recycling and disposal methods, which could increase your removal bill.
There are also a couple more items to consider that could affect your appliance removal costs in Pennsylvania:
Yard Waste
In Pennsylvania, junk removal pricing can be reduced by properly disposing of your yard waste. The state has yard waste regulations that aim to stop the spread of pests and diseases, and some municipalities have specific guidelines for disposing of things like grass clippings, leaves, and branches.
That said, in places like Philadelphia, you can throw your yard waste out in your residential trash and recycling services - you only need to separate the yard waste when throwing it out. So, when trying to save on their junk removal costs, Pennsylvania residents should check with their local governance to see how they can help with yard waste removal.
Bulky Items
When it comes to junk removal, Pennsylvania cost factors like handling charges and landfill fees can be affected if you're throwing out bulky or oversized items.
You may need to use special pickup services to dispose of items like furniture or large electronic appliances. Keeping these items out of a landfill involves added complexities and extra services, so you'll probably find they add a premium to your bill. That said, when trying to cut down on the average cost of junk removal, Pennsylvania residents can take advantage of a few cost-saving measures.
Philadelphia residents can use municipal collections if their property doesn't exceed the weekly set-out limits and has six units or fewer. Additionally, retail stores and offices might be able to use this service, provided they meet certain requirements.
It's worth noting that some particularly bulky items, like stoves and washing machines, can't be collected by curbside collection, and anything with refrigerants will also be rejected. In these cases, you're best off using private removal services or taking two or fewer items to a sanitation convenience center.
In addition, Pittsburgh residents can set out up to two large items per week alongside their regular curbside trash pickup, and you don't need to disassemble them or use trash bags. You can use this service for bulky items like furniture, but there are restrictions on anything containing freon or other large items like windows and carpets. Also, electronic, hazardous, and construction waste won't be accepted.
Electronics
Under the Covered Device Recycling Act, Pennsylvania mandates that manufacturers offer recycling programs for electronic items, such as televisions, computers, and peripherals. The aim is to ensure that e-waste is properly handled and disposed of to prevent toxic substances from polluting the environment.
When calculating their junk removal costs, Pennsylvania residents should consider the impact of the CDRA. Compliance with the regulations can affect recycling logistics every step of the way, including collection, transportation, and processing, all of which can increase your removal bill. It's even worse for businesses and larger entities that aren't covered by the CDRA—they'll need to make separate (and potentially more expensive) recycling arrangements.
Furniture
When it comes to junk removal, Pennsylvania cost factors like landfill fees can be higher if you're throwing out large items like furniture. So, it's vital to take advantage of free furniture collection services wherever you can.
In Cumberland County, some furniture materials, like certain woods, metals, and fabrics, can be recycled or reused. However, doing so involves sorting and transporting to the correct facilities. This can save valuable landfill space (and fees), but the extra effort needed to divert and recycle the furniture waste could factor into your overall removal cost.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, you can throw out up to two furniture items per week in your curbside trash collection, including things like sofas, mattresses, and box springs. You'll need to bag up your old mattresses and box springs for the curbside collection, but not if you take them to a sanitation convenience center.
How to Estimate Your Junk Removal Costs in Pennsylvania
Junk removal costs in Pennsylvania can vary quite a bit, making it difficult to figure out what you'll end up paying. That said, there are a few steps you can take to quickly work out a rough estimate.
1. Assessing the Volume of Junk: In Pennsylvania, junk removal pricing still largely depends on your total amount of junk, so start by working out your volume. In feet, measure your junk pile's length, width, and height, then convert these figures to your total cubic yards with this calculation: (Length x Width x Height) ÷ 27
If you can't measure your junk, visualize how many standard pickup truck beds it would take to hold it all - the average bed holds 2-3 cubic yards.
2. Identifying the Type of Junk: Next, think about exactly what you're throwing out. Is it general household clutter, like clothing and furniture, or are you getting rid of things like specialized electronics and appliances or even construction material? Disposing of these items could cost more.
3. Consider Additional Fees (e.g., for heavy materials or special disposal): When estimating junk removal cost, Pennsylvania residents also need to think about additional fees they might need to pay. Is there anything hazardous to dispose of? Are you situated in a difficult location, like a high-rise apartment? If so, you will probably have a higher removal bill.
After gathering this information, it's time to get some quotes. Call a few companies to ensure you find the best value for money, but don't focus solely on price. Consider things like reputation, customer service, and environmental policies when deciding.
Where to Save
In Pennsylvania, junk removal pricing factors like landfill fees can be reduced (or avoided entirely) by considering alternatives to throwing out your unwanted items. In this section, we'll explore how you can save money by using municipal services and selling or donating your reusable items.
Utilizing Municipal Services
When trying to reduce the price of your junk removal, Pennsylvania cost elements can quickly add up. That's why it's so important to use your local municipal services wherever possible. Many municipalities offer pickup services for bulky items, which can really help lower your appliance removal cost in Pennsylvania.
It's always worth checking with your city or county's waste management website for all the details on schedules and regulations, but the following items are often accepted:
• Bulk Items: Most places will accept one or two bulk items per week in your curbside collection, including things like furniture, mattresses, or a roll of carpet.
• Recyclables: Most common household recyclables are accepted by curbside pickup, like plastic bottles, glass jars, aluminum cans, and cardboard.
• Oversized Refuse: It'll probably be subject to limitations on quantity, but your local curbside collection might accept items that are too large for regular trash but manageable for pickup.
• Electronic Waste: Some municipalities offer special collection days or drop-off locations for e-waste, covering things like computers and TVs. That said, most areas will encourage residents to properly recycle these items at designated facilities or through specific collection events​
Start Selling
To further reduce the cost of junk removal, Pennsylvania residents can also try selling their unwanted reusable items on online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Etsy, or Amazon Seller Marketplace.
If you feel like trying out one of these sites, there's a few things you should consider. You'll need to research sales prices to make sure you list your items within the market range. However, don't be tempted to stick to this price - be prepared to negotiate. There's also going to be a few more tasks that require your time and effort, like taking photos, writing descriptions, and meeting buyers. So, consider whether the time and effort you'll spend selling on these sites is worth the money you'll save not paying for professional junk removal.
If you have a lot of things to sell or a few large items, you could also try having an old-fashioned garage sale. This is still a great way to declutter your house and make a few dollars in the process.
Recycling
In Pennsylvania, junk removal cost considerations like landfill fees can add up to a hefty amount, but you might be able to save some money by recycling instead. In fact, 94% of the state's residents have convenient access to recycling, courtesy of around 1,050 curbside pickup programs and 870 drop-off programs that reach Pennsylvania's rural communities.
There are some great state programs you can take advantage of that are supported by technical assistance from the Pennsylvania DEP. Alternatively, try using Recycle Search to find a drop-off location near you.
For hazardous waste, such as batteries, paint, and chemicals, you can try local hazardous waste collection events. Just make sure to dispose of these items only at approved facilities to ensure safe handling.
Donating
Donating unwanted items is a great way to reduce the cost of junk removal services in Pennsylvania. Doing so saves precious landfill space and reduces your fees while also doing some good in your local community.
Try visiting local libraries, schools, and children's programs if you have books and toys to spare. For other items, consider one of the following fantastic organizations:
Habitat for Humanity ReStores: When it comes to junk removal, Pennsylvania cost factors like physical labor can add up quickly, so Habitat for Humanity is an excellent choice if you have heavy items like lightly used furniture, appliances, and building materials. They accept small and large donations, and many locations offer free pickup for larger items.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers pickup services for large items, with drop-off locations available across the city.
Pickup Please: This excellent organization accepts a wide range of items, including clothing, shoes, housewares, electronics, and toys.
CommunityAid: CommunityAid is a great place to donate your lightly used clothing and other household goods.
The Arc: Accepts a wide range of items, including furniture, housewares, clothing, electronics, and books.
Volume vs. Weight Pricing Models
If you're getting quotes for your junk removal service costs in Pennsylvania, ask about different pricing models that might be available. Before adding charges for things like hazardous materials, most companies offer two basic price models:
- Volume-Based Pricing: This model calculates your bill based on how much space your junk takes up in the removal truck. If you have dense but physically small items to get rid of, like concrete and other construction materials, this could be a great option to save money. Also, see if you can break down large items like furniture or pack stuff in smaller boxes to save space.
- Weight-Based Pricing: As the name suggests, this model charges based on the total weight of your junk. If you have big but relatively light items, such as lighter wood or certain types of furniture, you can save a lot of money with this model.
If your junk includes heavy and large items, play it safe and get a price for both models to help you choose the most cost-effective option.
Get a Free Quote
When it comes to finding out their junk removal costs, Pennsylvania residents should get a few quotes from different companies. This will help to provide a better understanding of the price range you can expect to pay for your specific items.
When you're looking for companies for quotes, there are a few things to keep in mind. You need to be able to rely on your quote, so always choose providers who will stick by their quotes. This will mean you'll need to provide an inventory of your junk items, but the guaranteed price is worth the effort.
At Jiffy Junk, we do everything possible to stick to our estimate. Furthermore, we make it super easy to get a quick quote. We'll arrange a brief video call to take our own inventory of your junk, allowing us to move straight past the ballpark figure stage and provide you with a more solid quote.
Click here to get the ball rolling on your free quote, and let us show you just how easy we make the whole process.
So, What Is the Average Price for Junk Removal in Pennsylvania?
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When searching for the average cost for junk removal, Pennsylvania residents first need to consider multiple factors that can affect their price, including everything from hazardous item surcharges to state regulations and recycling programs. Ultimately, the quickest and most accurate way to find out what you'll pay is by getting quotes from a range of professional removal companies.
That said, there are some rough guidelines figures available that can give you a ballpark idea. The typical cost of junk removal in the state falls between $150 and $700, with the average removal job costing around $335. You can also expect a minimum removal fee of around $100 to apply.
| Load Size | Approximate Cost Range (USD) |
| Minimum | $105 - $305 |
| ¼ Load | $185 - $335 |
| ½ Load | $335 - $435 |
| ¾ Load | $485 - $685 |
| Full Load | $635 - $985 |
DIY Junk Removal: Pros and Cons
When looking to save on junk removal costs, Pennsylvania residents might consider going the DIY route. It's true that this can be a great way to make some serious savings, but before committing yourself to DIY junk removal, let's take a look at the pros and cons.
The biggest advantage is the potential to save a big chunk of cash. Without paying for things like physical labor and company overheads, you can definitely save money. What's more, if you handle things by yourself, you'll have total control over your removal process. You won't need to coordinate with anyone else, so you can decide how and when to sort, transport, and dispose of your junk.
However, DIY junk removal does have its drawbacks. Firstly, handling things yourself will take up a substantial amount of time, not to mention significant effort. If you have a busy schedule or physician limitations, the effort of doing it yourself may not be worth the savings. Don't forget, there's also the risk of suffering an injury during the removal process, such as a back strain, cut, or fall.
And talking of doing it yourself, you'll need to navigate Pennsylvania's fairly complex disposal regulations. Different cities and counties can each have different rules relating to different types of junk, such as e-waste and hazardous materials - and figuring them out can be a challenge.
Finally, while you can avoid some costs with DIY junk removal, there will still be some charges you can't get around. When providing quotes for junk removal prices, Pennsylvania companies will include vehicle usage, fuel, and fees for landfill and recycling centers. You'll still need to pay these fees, and if you don't have a suitable vehicle, you might need to pay to rent one.
Choosing a Junk Removal Company in Pennsylvania
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After searching for the best junk removal estimate, Pennsylvania residents must choose the company that best fits their needs. While price plays a big part here, there are other very important things to think about:
- Licensing and Insurance: Your chosen company must be licensed to operate in Pennsylvania and carry insurance to protect against any damage they may cause during removal.
- Experience in Pennsylvania: Within your quote for junk removal, Pennsylvania cost factors like landfill and recycling fees should all be included. That's why it's essential to choose a company that knows the area's logistics. With significant experience operating in Pennsylvania, Jiffy Junk offers services across the state, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
- Transparent Pricing: Make sure you pick a company that is totally up-front with their fees, including what pricing model they are charging you on. Avoid any company that's vague about their prices or charges hidden fees.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: With sustainability more important than ever, consider choosing a company that prioritizes recycling and donating over using landfills. Check if they have any partnerships with local charities or recycling centers, and definitely avoid any company that will just take your junk to the nearest incinerator.
- Customer Reviews: It's never been easier to find testimonials from real customers, so always take time to check customer reviews. Look for things like reliability, customer service, and professionalism.
Parting Words
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When searching for the best price for junk removal, Pennsylvania residents should take time to understand the factors that'll directly impact the price they pay. From surcharges for bulky items to landfill fees and even state laws, there's plenty of things to watch out for that can add a premium to your removal bill.
Once you've got to grips with your junk pile, always get quotes from multiple companies to give yourself the best chance of finding the best value for money. But don't chase the cheapest price: consider the merits of each company and select the best provider for your individual needs.
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