Junk Removal Services in Los Angeles: Comparison Guide

Pre-move cleanouts often uncover items too large for regular trash, too worn for donation, and too heavy to move yourself. After coordinating thousands of LA relocations, our Green Moving team regularly helps clients navigate junk removal options—because what you don't move matters as much as what you do.

This guide compares professional junk removal services, DIY alternatives, and the specific LA resources that make pre-move cleanouts efficient and affordable.

When You Need Junk Removal

Not everything can be donated. Charities reject items that are broken, stained, outdated, or non-functional. Junk removal fills the gap between donation and regular trash pickup.

Common pre-move junk removal items:

- Old mattresses and box springs

- Broken or heavily worn furniture

- Non-working appliances

- Exercise equipment nobody uses

- Old TVs and outdated electronics

- Yard waste and debris

- Garage accumulation (paint cans, old tools, mystery boxes)

- Construction debris from pre-move repairs

Our clients typically discover 10-20% of their belongings fall into "can't donate, can't trash, don't want to move" category. Addressing this before moving day prevents last-minute stress and wasted moving truck space.

Junk Removal Pricing in Los Angeles

Understanding pricing models helps you budget accurately and compare quotes fairly.

Volume-based pricing (most common):

Professional junk removal companies typically price by how much truck space your items occupy.

- 1/8 truck load: $150-$200

- 1/4 truck load: $250-$350

- 1/2 truck load: $400-$550

- 3/4 truck load: $500-$650

- Full truck load: $600-$800

Truck sizes vary by company, but most use trucks with 10-15 cubic yard capacity—roughly equivalent to 6-8 pickup truck loads.

Item-based pricing:

Some companies charge per item for common removal requests.

- Mattress (any size): $75-$150

- Sofa or couch: $100-$175

- Refrigerator: $125-$200

- Washer or dryer: $100-$150

- TV (any size): $50-$100

- Desk: $75-$125

- Dining table: $75-$125

Minimum charges: Most companies have $150-$200 minimums regardless of actual volume. If you have just one or two items, the minimum applies.

Pro Tip: Volume-based pricing usually offers better value for large cleanouts. Item-based pricing works better for removing just one or two specific pieces. Get quotes both ways and compare.

What Junk Removal Companies Accept

Knowing what's accepted prevents surprises on removal day.

Generally accepted:

- Furniture (couches, tables, chairs, beds, dressers)

- Mattresses and box springs

- Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers)

- Electronics (TVs, computers, monitors)

- Exercise equipment (treadmills, weight benches, ellipticals)

- Yard waste (branches, leaves, grass clippings)

- General household items (lamps, decor, kitchenware)

- Clothing and textiles

- Books and papers

- Toys and sports equipment

Usually NOT accepted:

- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, solvents, oil, pesticides)

- Medical waste (needles, medications, biohazard materials)

- Asbestos-containing materials

- Certain batteries (car batteries, lithium batteries in some cases)

- Propane tanks

- Tires (some companies accept for additional fee)

- Large amounts of concrete or dirt

- Materials requiring special disposal permits

Call ahead for:

- Construction debris (drywall, lumber, flooring)

- Hot tubs and spas

- Pianos

- Safes

- Large amounts of yard waste

- Anything potentially hazardous

Pro Tip: When scheduling junk removal, provide a detailed list of items. Companies can quote accurately and arrive prepared. Surprises on removal day—especially hazardous items—can delay or cancel your appointment.

Eco-Friendly Junk Removal

Not all junk removal goes to landfill. Responsible companies prioritize diversion.

What eco-friendly companies do:

- Sort items for recycling (metals, electronics, plastics)

- Donate usable items to partner charities

- Properly dispose of electronics through certified recyclers

- Recycle mattresses (foam, springs, and fabric separated)

- Divert maximum material from landfills

Questions to ask:

- What percentage of items do you recycle or donate?

- Do you have charity partnerships?

- How do you handle electronics disposal?

- Can you provide documentation of responsible disposal?

Why it matters: LA County landfills are reaching capacity. Responsible disposal costs slightly more but aligns with environmental values and supports community organizations. At Green Moving, we partner with eco-conscious junk removal services because 1% of our revenue supports California environmental causes—we want partners who share those values.

DIY Alternatives

Professional junk removal isn't always necessary. LA offers several free or low-cost alternatives.

LA City Bulk Item Pickup:

Free curbside pickup for large items for LA city residents.

How to schedule: Call 311 or use MyLA311 app

Limit: 5 items per pickup, available every 90 days

Requirements: Items must be at curb by 6 AM on collection day

Wait time: Typically 1-2 weeks after scheduling

What they take: Furniture, mattresses, appliances, large household items

What they don't take: Hazardous waste, electronics, construction debris, commercial waste

Pro Tip: LA bulk pickup is free but slow. Schedule 3-4 weeks before your move to ensure items are gone before moving day.

LA County E-Waste Events:

Free electronics disposal at scheduled collection events throughout LA County.

Website: lacsd.org for schedule and locations

What they take: All electronics—TVs, computers, monitors, phones, cables, batteries, appliances with electronics

Best for: Multiple electronics, large items Best Buy won't accept

Self-Haul to Transfer Station:

LA County transfer stations accept most items for disposal fees.

Typical fees: $30-$40 per carload, $60-$80 per pickup truck load

Locations: Multiple throughout LA County

Best for: Large quantities when you have a truck or can rent one

Hazardous Waste:

LA County operates permanent collection centers and mobile events for hazardous materials.

Website: cleanla.com

What they take: Paint, chemicals, batteries, motor oil, pesticides, cleaning products, propane tanks

Cost: Free for household quantities

Real-World Example

We recently coordinated with a client moving from a 3-bedroom house in Van Nuys to a 2-bedroom condo in Burbank—a significant downsize requiring major cleanout.

Items requiring removal:

- King mattress and box spring (stained, not donatable)

- Old sectional sofa (worn, pet damaged)

- Broken treadmill

- Non-working refrigerator from garage

- 15+ boxes of garage accumulation

- Old patio furniture (rusted)

- Miscellaneous yard debris

Options we compared:

Option 1 - Professional junk removal: One company visit, 3/4 truck load, all items removed same day. Quote: $585.

Option 2 - DIY combination: LA bulk pickup (free, 5 items), self-haul remainder to transfer station ($45), e-waste event for electronics (free). Total cost: $45. Total time investment: approximately 8 hours including waiting for bulk pickup scheduling.

Option 3 - Hybrid approach: Professional removal for large items (1/2 truck, $425), e-waste event for electronics (free). Total cost: $425. Time investment: 1 hour.

Client's choice: Option 3. The time savings justified the cost, and she needed items gone before her move date—bulk pickup scheduling wouldn't accommodate her timeline.

Her feedback: "I tried to schedule bulk pickup but they couldn't come for 3 weeks. Junk removal came the next day. Worth every penny to not stress about it."

Comparing Junk Removal Companies

Key factors to evaluate when choosing a provider.

Pricing transparency: Get written quotes specifying what's included. Avoid companies that won't quote without an in-person visit for standard items.

Same-day or next-day availability: Pre-move cleanouts often happen on tight timelines. Companies offering quick scheduling provide valuable flexibility.

Eco-friendly practices: Ask about recycling and donation rates. Responsible companies happily share their diversion statistics.

Insurance and licensing: Verify liability coverage. Items can damage property during removal—ensure you're protected.

Reviews and reputation: Check Google, Yelp, and BBB for consistent feedback. Pay attention to how companies respond to complaints.

Arrival windows: Some companies give 2-hour windows; others say "sometime between 8 and 5." Tighter windows respect your time.

Red flags to avoid:

- Quotes that seem significantly below market rate (often lead to surprise fees)

- No written quotes or contracts

- Unwillingness to specify what's included

- Poor communication or unprofessional interactions

- No online reviews or very few reviews

- Cash-only payment requirements

Common Junk Removal Mistakes

Based on client experiences, here's what to avoid.

Waiting until moving week: Junk removal companies book up, especially on weekends. Schedule 1-2 weeks before your move, not 2 days before.

Not separating hazardous materials: Hazardous items discovered during removal can delay or cancel appointments. Sort these out beforehand and dispose through proper LA County channels.

Underestimating volume: That garage "doesn't have much" until you start pulling things out. Most people have more junk than they realize. Quote generously to avoid needing a second appointment.

Forgetting items in hard-to-reach places: Attics, crawl spaces, storage sheds, and backyard corners hide forgotten items. Walk the entire property before scheduling removal.

Not being present: Most companies require someone present to authorize removal and confirm items. Don't schedule when you can't be home.

Missing free alternatives: LA bulk pickup is free and handles many common items. If your timeline allows, use free services for appropriate items and pay only for what requires professional removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I schedule junk removal before my move?

Schedule 1-2 weeks before your move date. This provides buffer time if rescheduling is needed and ensures items are gone before movers arrive. During busy seasons (summer, month-end), book earlier—popular companies fill up quickly.

Is junk removal worth it compared to DIY options?

Depends on your time value and item volume. Professional removal for a 1/2 truck load costs $400-$550 and takes 1-2 hours of your time. DIY alternatives might cost $50-$100 but require 6-10 hours of effort including driving, loading, and waiting. For most pre-move situations with limited time, professional removal is worth the investment.

Can junk removal companies take everything in one trip?

Usually yes, if you've provided an accurate item list. Most trucks handle typical household cleanouts in one load. Very large cleanouts (estate cleanings, hoarder situations) may require multiple trips or larger crews—discuss with the company when scheduling.

What happens to my items after removal?

Varies by company. Responsible companies sort items at their facility—donating usable items, recycling applicable materials, and landfilling only what can't be diverted. Ask about their process and diversion rates. Some provide documentation showing where items went.

How do I dispose of hazardous materials from my garage?

LA County operates free household hazardous waste collection. Visit cleanla.com to find permanent collection centers or mobile event schedules. Common items include paint, chemicals, batteries, motor oil, and propane tanks. Never put hazardous materials in regular trash or hire unlicensed haulers who may dump illegally.

Can I negotiate junk removal prices?

Sometimes. Companies have more flexibility during slow periods (mid-week, winter months) and for larger jobs. Ask: "Is there any flexibility in this quote?" or "What would a cash payment price be?" Bundle multiple services if the company offers moving or cleaning for potential discounts.

Key Takeaways

- Junk removal costs $150-$800 depending on volume, with most pre-move cleanouts running $300-$550

- Most companies accept furniture, mattresses, appliances, and electronics but not hazardous materials

- LA City bulk pickup is free but requires 2-3 week scheduling lead time

- Eco-friendly companies recycle and donate rather than landfilling everything

- Schedule junk removal 1-2 weeks before your move, not the week of

- Get written quotes and verify what's included before booking

- DIY options save money but require significant time investment

Planning a pre-move cleanout? Green Moving coordinates with trusted junk removal partners throughout Los Angeles and Orange County to make your transition seamless.

Green Moving — Licensed (CAL-T 201327) & Insured. 1% of every move supports California environmental causes. Call (213) 829-4795 for your free quote.

‍