When you get a junk removal quote, part of that number isn’t for us at all. It goes to the place where your stuff ends up. That’s the dump fee, sometimes called a disposal or tipping fee. People don’t always know it exists, so here’s a straight explanation of what it is and why it matters.
What is a dump fee?
When we load up your old couch, broken patio set and boxes from the garage, we don’t just make them disappear. We drive them to a licensed disposal facility or transfer station, and they charge us to accept what we bring in. That charge is the dump fee.
It’s a real cost on every load, and it’s one of the three things your price is based on, along with how much of the truck your stuff fills and how heavy it is.
Why dump fees change from job to job
There isn’t one flat dump fee for everything. A few things make it go up or down.
Weight
Most facilities charge by weight. A truck full of light stuff, like cushions, cardboard and plastic toys, weighs a lot less than a truck full of tile, concrete or wet yard debris. Heavier load, higher fee. This is why two loads that look the same size can cost different amounts.
The facility
Different facilities charge different rates, and some only take certain materials. Where a load goes depends on what’s in it. Fees vary by location and can change over time, so we don’t quote a fixed dump fee number. We work it into your upfront price.
What’s in the load
Some items cost extra to get rid of. They need special handling or have to go to a specific place. Depending on the facility, that can include things like:
- Mattresses and box springs
- Tires
- Appliances, especially ones with refrigerant, like fridges, freezers and AC units
- Electronics, like TVs and computer monitors
- Construction materials, like drywall, concrete or roofing
That doesn’t mean we can’t take them. It just means they may add a bit to the price. If you have any of these, tell us when you send photos so your quote is accurate.
Why not just give me the dump fee separately?
Some people ask why it isn’t a line item. Honestly, it’s simpler for you if we roll it in. You get one upfront price before we start, based on everything: space, weight and dump fees. No adding things up later, and no surprise fees after the truck leaves.
Things that never go in a normal load
There are some items that dumps won’t accept in regular trash at all. We can’t take paint, gas, chemicals, or other hazardous materials the dumps won’t accept. Those need to go to a household hazardous waste drop-off instead. We wrote a full guide on that: What Junk Removal Companies Can’t Take.
How we try to keep dump fees down
The less that goes to the dump, the better for everyone. When it makes sense, we donate what we can.
You can help too:
- Separate the heavy stuff. If you’ve got a pile of tile or pavers, let us know up front so we can plan for it.
- Keep it dry. Wet yard waste and soaked boxes weigh more.
- Pull out donations first. If you have things in good shape, setting them aside can mean less weight going to the dump.
- Don’t mix in hazardous items. A paint can buried in a pile can cause problems at the facility.
More ideas are in How to Save Money on Junk Removal.
What about doing it myself?
If you haul it yourself, you’ll pay the dump fees directly. You’ll also need a vehicle that can handle the load, time to make the trips, and a plan for the items facilities treat differently. For a few bags, that might be fine. For a garage or a whole house, most people find it easier to get a quote and let us handle the trips.
How it shows up in your quote
Here’s the whole picture. When you text us photos, we look at:
- How much of the truck it’ll fill
- How heavy it looks
- What kind of items are in there, and where they’ll need to go
Then we give you one straight, upfront price. Jobs start at $150. The quote is free and there’s no obligation.
Questions?
If you’re trying to figure out whether something will cost extra, just ask. Text a photo to 954-408-4024 and we’ll tell you. We’re open 7 days, 7AM to 8PM, and we serve Pompano Beach, all of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade.