Common Surcharge Items
- Refrigerators, freezers, AC units: $25-$50 per item for refrigerant handling
- Mattresses: $20-$40 per mattress for recycling requirements
- Televisions: $25-$50 per TV for e-waste processing
- Tires: $15-$30 per tire
- Stair carry: Variable; items hauled from above the first floor or below grade typically add $30-$75 per staircase
- Minimum charge: Usually $75-$150 regardless of how small the load is
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Is there an appliance surcharge for refrigerators?
- Is there a mattress disposal fee?
- Are there stair fees if items are on upper or lower floors?
- What is your minimum charge?
- Is there a fuel surcharge?
- Is the on-site quote binding or an estimate?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common junk removal hidden fees?
The most common surprises: appliance disposal surcharges (refrigerants, compressors), mattress recycling fees, electronics recycling fees, stair carry fees for items above the first floor, fuel surcharges, and minimum charge requirements. Most legitimate companies disclose these -- but only if you ask specifically.
How do I avoid being surprised by the final bill?
Ask specifically about surcharges when describing your items. List everything that qualifies as a surcharge item -- appliances, mattresses, TVs, tires -- and ask for the per-item fee. Confirm whether stairs add to the price. Ask what the minimum charge is. A quote that accounts for these items is accurate; a quote that ignores them will surprise you.
Is a price given over the phone binding?
Generally no -- phone quotes are estimates based on your description. The firm price is typically given on-site after the crew walks through. This is normal and expected for most jobs. The exception: if you provide a very accurate description and the company gives you a firm written quote over the phone, that commitment is stronger.