Junk removal question

I know scrap is part of the junk removal. I have been thinking about this after I got asked if I take furniture and the owner of the yard I bring scrap to suggested that I charge for it. I came up with some prices and wanted to run them by you guys and gals and see what you think of them? so here it goes.
The transfer station here charges: I'd charge:
65.00 per ton /1.00 per 30 gallon bag - 130.00/2.00
75.00 per ton construction material - 150.00
Mattresses:
Double 8.00 - 16.00
Single 4.00 - 8.00
Couch 8.00 - 16.00
chair 4.00 - 8.00
Tv 2.00 - ---
They charge for white goods also which I pick up free already. I have no clue what to charge for shed's but do these prices seem alright,to high or to low I will be using a full size pick up and a trailer the same size but about 1'-2' foot sides.
I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks
drewan

Are u going to estimate the weight of the trash??? I have been doing this awhile and usually just give an estimate and stick to it..........

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Originally Posted by mikeinreco

Are u going to estimate the weight of the trash??? I have been doing this awhile and usually just give an estimate and stick to it..........

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I was thinking of going this route,I know that if I have a full pick up of trash in bags it's 14-15.00 and a full trailer of construction mat. it's 30 some dollars so I have some what of a starting point there I'll learn quick if I loose money lol.

It depends on the client and the situation.

I have my normal prices: mattresses and couches $20 each. For big sofa chairs Id do $10. To me these are nice round numbers people will pay.

A lot of customers are looking for a deal and I will sometimes give them a deal depending on the situation. For example, if I am already at a location for something else, lets say 3 washing machine, and they ask for a lower price on 2 couches $40, I might do it for $30. If I am there and its convenient I might drop the price. Before you lower the price make sure that you explain to them all that is involved with disposing of the couch or mattress: gas, dump fee, time, etc. Or if they have a big load of stuff I will sometimes drop the price. I usually charge $120 to load my truck full and $200 for truck and trailer (8' X 4') but, if they insist on a deal I will do go down $20-$30 bucks to make them happy and play the game. Especially on Craigslist, sometimes it doesnt matter how low a price is for a good or service the customer wont buy it unless they are able to talk you down a least a little bit. I think its a psychological thing.

the dump here charges by weight

Here's our Kijiji ad......

LOW COST AFFORDABLE JUNK REMOVAL

We always provides an honest, up front Free estimate and won't be beat on price!

* Save on truck rental, labor and dump fees *

Garbage, Old furniture & appliances, scrap metal, construction debris, etc.

Just point and we'll take it away.

Email text or call :
Quickee Services at
289-698-4748


We haul away for free.....TV's and all electronics. Yes even the old 6 foot long wooden stereo with record player. All scrap metal, trailers, cars, metal desks, Unwanted appliances,
lawn equipment, and tools,
swing sets, cars, steel desks, filing cabinets,
HOT WATER TANKS, TUBS, REBAR,
CAR PARTS, FURNACES, BED FRAMES, REBAR,
POTS & PANS. ANYTHING METAL.....etc is all free of charge also.

Now if you have decent furniture to get rid of. We charge $50.00 a truckload and this covers our expenses to get them to new homes.

And if there is anything left over, we'll haul it to the dump for $100.00

We always bring truck and trailer just in case.
We place the items we charge in the truck and the free items in the trailer.
That way our clients can see the money their saving and how much we are diverting from landfills right before their eyes.
We are all about recycling and upcycling where possible.

Prompt, friendly, and courteous service available 7 days a week . Most jobs can often be done the same day that you call.
When the job is done we'll tidy up and sweep up.

Quickee Services is a junk removal, trash removal, waste removal, rubbish removal, old furniture removal, appliance removal, mattress removal, remodeling debris & construction cleanup company.
Call now to book your appointment.
Quickee Services
289-698-4748

If you are just trying to make a few extra bucks whatever puts money is your pocket is fine.

However, if you are trying to make a serious run at making this into a business you need to consider your costs. I consider jobs like this in this manner.

My day rate is $200 per day.
My gas mileage is 15 miles per gallon or about $4.00 per 15 miles.
If I need a helper I usually pay $100 per day flat, or $10.00 per hour(I still charge $100)
Include any dump fees into cost.

If it is a short project I charge $70 upon arrival and $25 per hour for me, and $15.00 per for labor.

Now take this number and multiply by at least 1.20 and this will give you 20% profit.
You will need to profit to maintain the truck, purchase equipment and advertise.


If a job will take the better part of a day ($300 labor + $20 gas + $100 dump fee) * 1.20 = MINIMUM Bid or about $500.

The number one factor is you must be a professional and demand a fair wage for an excellent service. Always give them a little more than they pay for in the agreement. ASK for refferals and you will get them. If you act like an idiot that looks like he could use an old couch people will expect you to take and be grateful. Now if it is all metal I'll take it for free. If it is a large load or monthly, weekly, bi-weekly pick up I'll pay them.

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Originally Posted by Geiser093

My day rate is $200 per day.
My gas mileage is 15 miles per gallon or about $4.00 per 15 miles.
If I need a helper I usually pay $100 per day flat, or $10.00 per hour(I still charge $100)
Include any dump fees into cost.

If it is a short project I charge $70 upon arrival and $25 per hour for me, and $15.00 per for labor.

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Is this what you charge, even if it is just 1 client, and a very small job?

Just asking.

I ask them what exactly they need removed, and where they are located. Then I figure in my head, roughly how much gas and dump fees will be.

Then after giving them the price, I tell them that it is only subject to change, IF additional items are added.

I see a lot of guys on here are doing junk removal as well, and I feel you are selling yourselves short. Burly Guys would not be a viable business if I charged some of the prices i see on here. The going rate by me is about 30 bucks/cubic yard. I charge $425.00 to take away a full load in my 14 cubic yard truck. Sure I lose some, but I'd rather work half as much for the same amount of money. If you go to my website you'll see I have price comparisons on there between myself, 800 got junk and the Bagster.

Don't short change yourselves guys. You deserve to make a decent living and you are providing a valuable service.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

I see a lot of guys on here are doing junk removal as well, and I feel you are selling yourselves short. Burly Guys would not be a viable business if I charged some of the prices i see on here. The going rate by me is about 30 bucks/cubic yard. I charge $425.00 to take away a full load in my 14 cubic yard truck. Sure I lose some, but I'd rather work half as much for the same amount of money. If you go to my website you'll see I have price comparisons on there between myself, 800 got junk and the Bagster.

Don't short change yourselves guys. You deserve to make a decent living and you are providing a valuable service.

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I take into account what I am removing, what it eights, how long it will take, if I need a helper or not, my gas cost, my dump fee costs, etc.

Unfortunately, you got guys in my neck of the woods that sometimes outbid me. Which I am fine with, but I don't see how they are making a profit at the same time. My landfill is the cheapest one around for 50 miles, and it costs $65/ton. If your weight is less than 2,000lbs then the price is lower of course.

I took a look at your website, and even though, I would like to charge that myself, I just can't. If I did, I would never get any work.

The way I beat it, is I donate anything and everything that is still usable, and doesn't need to be in the landfill, and I do as many pickups as I can.

Chairs, couches and mattresses could be stripped for springs and other metal bits. The wood frame of a box spring could make a nice shelving unit. The scrap value may be offset by the biological aspects of old mattresses.

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Originally Posted by charn

Chairs, couches and mattresses could be stripped for springs and other metal bits. The wood frame of a box spring could make a nice shelving unit. The scrap value may be offset by the biological aspects of old mattresses.

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I can assure you for the little bit of metal in each of those, the headache of stripping them, is definitely not worth it.

Hey, George, take into account that 800 got junk's prices are standardized throughout the franchises, and they GET those prices, and they are much higher than mine. It's all in presentation and perceived value. If you appear and act professional you can command professional prices. My charges are considerably LESS than theirs, and yes, I do get a LOT of no thank you's, but I get a lot of business too.

If you charge nothing you will be busy all day long and die broke.
If you charge a medium price you will work very hard for your money, and probably not be able to save very much.
But if you charge what you are worth, you will work less and be able to save some money.
Who wants to work and earn only enough to pay today's bills? What about the future?

Take into account also that I am not operating as a solo practitioner. I have a crew and a warehouse and those expenses have to be taken into account. I could charge much less if I wanted to be one guy with a pickup truck, but I am trying to build a sustainable business that can support me into retirement.

I mean no disrespect to those of you who work alone, but do charge what you are worth.

MY WAGE

I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid.

--J.B. Rittenhouse

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Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

Hey, George, take into account that 800 got junk's prices are standardized throughout the franchises, and they GET those prices, and they are much higher than mine. It's all in presentation and perceived value. If you appear and act professional you can command professional prices. My charges are considerably LESS than theirs, and yes, I do get a LOT of no thank you's, but I get a lot of business too.

If you charge nothing you will be busy all day long and die broke.
If you charge a medium price you will work very hard for your money, and probably not be able to save very much.
But if you charge what you are worth, you will work less and be able to save some money.
Who wants to work and earn only enough to pay today's bills? What about the future?

Take into account also that I am not operating as a solo practitioner. I have a crew and a warehouse and those expenses have to be taken into account. I could charge much less if I wanted to be one guy with a pickup truck, but I am trying to build a sustainable business that can support me into retirement.

I mean no disrespect to those of you who work alone, but do charge what you are worth.

MY WAGE

I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid.

--J.B. Rittenhouse

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to me 1800gotjunk's prices are ridiculous. i am definitely not saying to not charge what you are worth.

i give people quotes all the time. i tell my wife that they either accept it or dont but i know what i need to charge to make it worth my time.

honestly, i dont think you prices are bad. better than most larger corporate ones for sure.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GeorgeB

I can assure you for the little bit of metal in each of those, the headache of stripping them, is definitely not worth it.

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I believe it is worth it to break down mattresses if you have the room to work. This is assuming that you are charging to haul them away and then instead of taking to the dump you break them down. You can get 2-4 per mattress if you break them down for the metal. Plus you save I would say another $2-4 (im estimating) in dump free per mattress. So, lets say that the benefit from taring down an old mattress is about $4-8 per mattress (the metal you get plus the money you save from not dumping). With a good utility knife you can tare those down in 10-20min.

I wouldn't advice to pick up mattresses for free just for the metal but, If you get paid to dispose of it and you have it go ahead and tare it down. I understand why some would decide not to tare down because some of the mattresses are pretty nasty. I would definitely recommend to wear gloves and a dust mask every time. Also if you dont have a lot of room at your place taring down mattresses isnt ideal.

Having done a lot of freelance work, I learned on jobsites that a person usually gets what they ask for, and is usually taken to be worth it. If a man walks onto the job and asks for $10 pay, that's what he'll get, and generally it will be expected that's just what he's worth. If another man walks onto the same job, and asks for $15, that's what he'll usually get, and be expected to be worth it, no matter if he doesn't know, or possibly do, half as much as the first one did. I know this theory has limits and exceptions, but definitely saw it in action over many years.

I actually saw this effect covered on a recent morning news story. I can't recall exactly if phones were the example they used, but 3 phones 1st @ $19.99, 2nd @ 29.99, 3rd @ $59.99, or possibly even larger differences than this, the most expensive was almost always expected by the majority to be the best.

These perceptions will only endure long term, extended life, as long as they are actually true, unless of course, the purchaser either doesn't know any better, or simply doesn't care.

An honest operation will give the best service possible, for the most acceptable price, and also will walk a fine line somewhere between undercutting yourself, and outright greed.

Size of operation also has a big effect, as one man will work harder making two loads, than will two men making one load (unless he's just twice as smart ; )

Burlyguys I love the knowledge and wisdom you bring to this forum I believe you are truly a businessman with good business sense, unfortunately everyone wasn't made to run a business.

Thanks, PT! :-) But then, how come I only get three little green bars? (Sob!)

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Originally Posted by Ptscrapper

Burlyguys I love the knowledge and wisdom you bring to this forum I believe you are truly a businessman with good business sense, unfortunately everyone wasn't made to run a business.

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Actually, PT, EVERYBODY on this forum is a businessman in one way shape or form. We have all chosen to be self-employed. We have each just made different amounts of progress, and that is why we are all here, to get the help we need, and give the help we can.

Well put burly. No one starts on the top. Some get there faster than others but everyone goes through the learning process. I think even the guy that starts on his first day can come up with great ideas and produce good information.

I got the whole Junk removal info from everyone here down. But where do you take it after you get it? the closest place i know thats a landfill is like 2 hours away.

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Originally Posted by Monj

I got the whole Junk removal info from everyone here down. But where do you take it after you get it? the closest place i know thats a landfill is like 2 hours away.

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Anything that is re usable, you either keep it, sell, or donate it. Anything else, is trash!

Add your fuel and travel time into your quotes.

If it just a small job of course I can't charge a day rate. The smaller pickups I make have to be convienient. My rate is for clean out or demo for someone that needs more than an item or two. I look at these types of jobs as an opportunity to get my name out and a few flyers. My last pick up turned out real well lots of computers and he went into the garage and cleaned out every scrap of metal. It ended up being a $200 bonus on top of the electronics.

When I go out on a smaller job I always get some flyers out and ask them to talk to neighbors.

I'm still on the pot about this so I know it's either chit or get off the pot lol. But it's one of those things that I don't want to under charge and I don't want to over charge for now what I was thinking of doing was sending flyers out in the mail by me I live in a very rural area where we have to bring our garbage to the dump so what I was thinking is put out a flyer saying I charge 2.00 a bag and that I will go to the dump 3 day per week that kinda thing just to get my feet wet.

Here is a link to really get you guys thinking. What if you had the land to turn all those wooden furniture into valuable compost? Hell even the plastic looks like it can be broken down now. Microbes are the ****! Your old sofa - and much more - could be composted, say scientists (The University of Manchester)

Hello I'm just new to this forum and was looking for a community that can relate to junk removal. I'm part of Atlas Bobcating company that provide Efficient and complete rubbish removal services.

Welcome. You should really post an intro inthe intro section. And yes, there are those of us who do trash as well as scrap.

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Originally Posted by rubbishremoval

Hello I'm just new to this forum and was looking for a community that can relate to junk removal. I'm part of Atlas Bobcating company that provide Efficient and complete rubbish removal services. Know more about our service at atlasbobcating.com.au/rubbish-removal

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New York? with an OZ website?

Burly has a great approach to pricing. Also you need a min. charge in ma. I charge min. $75 you will be surprised how many people will pay $75 to dispose of a love seat . I get $100 for a couch . Also I have a 10 yard dump trailer I charge $275 to drop and they fill , then I haul . Usually under 1ton so I pay $75 dump fee . I make $200 to drive an hour . If I do junk removal me loading I get $200 half trailer and $375 whole trailer . Sometimes I do a whole trailer and the strap a couch on top extra $100 . Burly is right you must look professional and don't barter for junk . You are going to get it anyway so get paid . Never back off on your prices esp. If you feel like it is reasonable . Also a lot of my single item pickups go straight to goodwill dump charge $0 . Check out my setup and my website which is a must for junk removal . The more reputable you look the more you can charge . The look of success sells . The customer that doesn't care is a customer you don't want .

I know this is kind of awkward as this thread has been here for a very long time. Scrap is obviously junk and I thought it would be best to ask this query here. I've a lot of rusted tools which I would like to get rid of. Been a while since they have occupied the space in my garage and I believe it is time to finally say goodbye to those. The amount is huge and hence I wasn't able to do it myself. I live in the York area in Ontario. My neighbors advised me to get the help of junk removal services. Considering the options available locally, I found Junkit(York) to be a suitable option. My question is, would I be be able to sell the tools or is letting the junk guys take it the only option that remains?

Personally, at the very least I would remove them for no charge.
With prices the way they are you should expect to incur a fee.

Dwight, you haven't been here long enough for me to send you a PM. Welcome to the forum! I am very close to you and might be interested in helping you out for free. If they are rusty, it is unlikely you will be able to sell them, I have working stuff that sits on Kijiji forever with no luck, I just can't bring myself to scrap them. I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to say here without it being solictitation (of my removal services, not other ones) which is not allowed.

Please either post a few more times so we can Private Message or post some contact info and I will check back here to see if I can help you out.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? The capacity of the Got Junk truck influences the price of your belongings. It is how it works. Even if half a car costs less than a whole truck, you still pay the same amount. Maybe separate half loads, eighths, and quarters from a truckload. It makes no difference that the company no longer provides a $99 waste disposal service. Depending on how much space it takes up in the truck, it may cost as much as $129 to remove a single item. 1-800-GOT-prices? JUNK differs depending on where you are. In one region, an entire truck may cost as much as $597, while in another, it could cost $760 or more. Single goods start at USD 129 and go higher from there, regardless of where you live. So, why is estimating the cost of 1-800-GOT-JUNK so tricky? Here are fee list</p>

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Originally Posted by drewan

I know scrap is part of the junk removal. I have been thinking about this after I got asked if I take furniture and the owner of the yard I bring scrap to suggested that I charge for it. I came up with some prices and wanted to run them by you guys and gals and see what you think of them? so here it goes.
The transfer station here charges: I'd charge:
65.00 per ton /1.00 per 30 gallon bag - 130.00/2.00
75.00 per ton construction material - 150.00
Mattresses:
Double 8.00 - 16.00
Single 4.00 - 8.00
Couch 8.00 - 16.00
chair 4.00 - 8.00
Tv 2.00 - ---
They charge for white goods also which I pick up free already. I have no clue what to charge for shed's but do these prices seem alright Junk Removal Bellevue WA, to high or to low I will be using a full size pick up and a trailer the same size but about 1'-2' foot sides.
I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks
drewan

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My friend recently relocated to her new house and she had to do some extra cleaning work as she had bought it from another person. The construction junk was immense. Can someone suggest some good junk removal services? It would be really helpful for her!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SaraGranms

My friend recently relocated to her new house and she had to do some extra cleaning work as she had bought it from another person. The construction junk was immense. Can someone suggest some good junk removal services? It would be really helpful for her!

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Where is she located?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

Hey, George, take into account that 800 got junk's prices are standardized throughout the franchises, and they GET those prices, and they are much higher than mine. It's all in presentation and perceived value. If you appear and act professional you can command professional prices. My charges are considerably LESS than theirs, and yes, I do get a LOT of no thank you's, but I get a lot of business too.

If you charge nothing you will be busy all day long and die broke.
If you charge a medium price you will work very hard for your money, and probably not be able to save very much.
But if you charge what you are worth, you will work less and be able to save some money.
Who wants to work and earn only enough to pay today's bills? What about the future?

Take into account also that I am not operating as a solo practitioner. I have a crew and a warehouse and those expenses have to be taken into account. I could charge much less if I wanted to be one guy with a pickup truck, but I am trying to build a sustainable business that can support me into retirement.

I mean no disrespect to those of you who work alone, but do charge what you are worth.

MY WAGE

I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;

For Life is a just employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have gladly paid.

--J.B. Rittenhouse

---

Your pricing seems reasonable, especially considering the transfer station rates. Doubling the charges for the weight-based fees makes sense to cover your time, labor, and transportation costs. For items like mattresses, couches, and chairs, your pricing looks fair and aligns well with what others might charge for similar services. However, for TVs, since you don't have a charge listed, you might want to consider a small fee—perhaps $5 to $10—depending on the size and weight. As for sheds, you could charge based on the size and complexity of the job. Maybe start with a base fee of $50-$100, depending on the shed's condition and how difficult it is to dismantle and haul away. Overall, I think your pricing is on the right track, but you might want to adjust slightly based on how much time and effort each job typically takes. It's also a good idea to be flexible and adjust as you get more experience and feedback from customers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Atdma

Burly has a great approach to pricing. Also you need a min. charge in ma. I charge min. $75 you will be surprised how many people will pay $75 to dispose of a love seat . I get $100 for a couch . Also I have a 10 yard dump trailer I charge $275 to drop and they fill , then I haul . Usually under 1ton so I pay $75 dump fee . I make $200 to drive an hour . If I do junk removal me loading I get $200 half trailer and $375 whole trailer . Sometimes I do a whole trailer and the strap a couch on top extra $100 so si suggest this site https://zenrepublic.agency/. Burly is right you must look professional and don't barter for junk . You are going to get it anyway so get paid . Never back off on your prices esp. If you feel like it is reasonable . Also a lot of my single item pickups go straight to goodwill dump charge $0 . Check out my setup and my website which is a must for junk removal . The more reputable you look the more you can charge . The look of success sells . The customer that doesn't care is a customer you don't want .

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Your pricing seems reasonable, especially considering the transfer station rates. Doubling the charges for the weight-based fees makes sense to cover your time, labor, and transportation costs. For items like mattresses, couches, and chairs, your pricing looks fair and aligns well with what others might charge for similar services. However, for TVs, since you don't have a charge listed, you might want to consider a small fee—perhaps $5 to $10—depending on the size and weight. As for sheds, you could charge based on the size and complexity of the job. Maybe start with a base fee of $50-$100, depending on the shed's condition and how difficult it is to dismantle and haul away. Overall, I think your pricing is on the right track, but you might want to adjust slightly based on how much time and effort each job typically takes. It's also a good idea to be flexible and adjust as you get more experience and feedback from customers.