Top 10 Cheapest Ways to Get Rid of Junk

We all want to get rid of the junk. But paying a lot of money just to make it disappear doesn’t feel right. That’s why most of us start looking for the cheapest ways to get rid of the stuff we don’t need anymore.

There are actually plenty of ways to clear out old furniture, appliances, and random clutter without spending much or anything at all.

In this blog, we’ll share 10 simple and cheapest ways to get rid of junk so you can clean up your space without breaking the bank.

10 Cheapest Ways to Get Rid of Junk 🔗

There are few cheapest ways to get rid of junk. It includes donating, selling, recycling, and more. Let’s explore the cheapest ways to get rid of junk.

1. Donate Items for Free Pickup 🔗

The cheapest way to get rid of usable furniture, appliances, or clothes is to donate them to charities that offer free pickup services.

If your items are in decent shape, donating them is often the cheapest and easiest solution. Sometimes even easier than throwing them away. Many charities offer free pickup right from your doorstep. It saves you the hassle and cost of hauling big furniture or appliances yourself.

Where to start: 🔗

• Habitat for Humanity ReStores: Accept furniture, appliances, building materials, even cabinets or flooring.
• Goodwill: Takes household items, small furniture, and clothing.
• Salvation Army: Often picks up furniture, appliances, and home goods.

How it works: 🔗

• Visit their websites and look for donation pickup options.
• Schedule a day that works for you, many offer weekend slots.
• Leave items outside or in a designated spot. They handle the heavy lifting.

Extra tip: Some organizations provide tax-deductible receipts, so you might even save money at tax time.

2. Sell Items Online for Quick Cash 🔗

You can list items on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to earn money while letting buyers handle the pickup.

Before paying for junk removal, ask yourself: Could someone else use this? You might be surprised at what sells quickly, old tools, furniture, exercise bikes, or even scrap materials.

Steps to make selling easy: 🔗

• Take clear photos from different angles.
• Write honest descriptions with dimensions and conditions.
• Check prices of similar items so yours sells fast.

Why this helps: 🔗

• Many buyers handle the pickup themselves.
• You make extra cash instead of paying someone else.

Pro tip: List as “must pick up” to avoid delivery hassles.

3. Recycle for Free or Cheap 🔗

You may check local recycling programs for free junk removal services options, especially for electronics, metals, and appliances.

Not everything belongs in the landfill. Many items, especially electronics, scrap metal, and appliances. These can be recycled for free or at very low cost. Some places even pay you for metal or aluminum.

Where to look: 🔗

• City recycling centers: Often have free bulk recycling events.
• Retail stores: Best Buy, Staples, and Home Depot take certain items for free.
• Scrap metal yards: Sometimes pay cash for old appliances or metal.

Quick tip: Search “free appliance recycling near me” to find local options fast.

4. Use Municipal Bulk Pickup Services 🔗

Many cities offer free or low-cost bulk waste pickup services if you schedule in advance.

Most municipalities provide curbside bulk waste collection a few times a year. This service is ideal for large items like mattresses, furniture, and appliances.

How to use it: 🔗

• Visit your city or county’s waste management website.
• Look for “Bulk Waste Pickup” or “Large Item Disposal.”
• Schedule your pickup online or by phone.

Why it’s great: 🔗

• Usually free if you stick to their size and weight limits.
• Saves you a trip to the landfill.

Tip: Schedule early because spots fill quickly, especially after holidays or moving seasons.

5. Do-It-Yourself Hauling to the Landfill 🔗

DIY hauling is one of the cheapest methods if you’re trying to get rid of garbage for free or minimal cost. You can rent a cheap truck or borrow one from a friend to haul junk directly to the local landfill or transfer station. Doing it yourself can be the cheapest way to get rid of junk if you plan it right.

Money-saving hacks: 🔗

• Truck rentals: Stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot rent trucks by the hour for around $20–$25. Perfect for quick hauling.
• Borrow a truck: If a friend has one, just add the cost of gas, usually $35–$40 to your budget.
• Independent haulers: In some areas, people with trucks hang out at home improvement store parking lots offering to haul for cash. It’s worth chatting with them if you need same-day help.

Steps: 🔗

• Call your landfill or transfer station for fees and accepted items.
• Load the truck safely & use straps and tarps to secure everything.
• Go early in the day to avoid long lines.

6. Try Junk Removal Bag Services 🔗

You should buy a disposable junk removal bag like Bagster, fill it, and schedule a low-cost pickup. These bags are sold at home improvement stores and are much cheaper than full-service junk removal.

How it works: 🔗

• Buy a bag (around $30–$40).
• Fill it with non-hazardous junk like old furniture, household debris, or yard waste.
• Call for pickup when ready. Fees are usually much lower than hiring a junk removal company.
• Best for: Small renovations, yard cleanups, or clearing out a single room.

Tip: Check weight limits before you start filling to avoid extra charges.

7. Share Dumpster Rental Costs with Neighbors 🔗

You can rent a dumpster with friends or neighbors to split costs for larger junk cleanups. A small dumpster rental can be expensive for one person but much cheaper when shared among multiple households.

Steps: 🔗

• Ask neighbors if they also need to declutter.
• Rent a medium-size dumpster together.
• Split the rental fee evenly.

Why it’s smart: 🔗

• Everyone gets space for their junk.
• The cost per person can be less than paying for separate junk removal services.

Bonus tip: Schedule it during spring cleaning or moving season when everyone has stuff to toss.

Read More: Dumpster Rental vs Junk Removal

8. Give Items Away on Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups 🔗

Post unwanted items online and let people pick them up for free. Platforms like Freecycle and Buy Nothing Facebook groups connect you with people who want what you don’t.

How to use: 🔗

• Take a photo of your item.
• Post it with a short description: “Free, must pick up.”
• Arrange a porch pickup so you don’t waste time coordinating.

Why it works: 🔗

• Saves you disposal costs.
• Someone else gets a free item they need.

Pro tip: Even broken items (like old appliances) might be picked up by someone who wants parts or scrap materials.

9. Organize a Community Yard Sale or Swap 🔗

You may sell or trade items with neighbors before paying to have them removed. Yard sales help you declutter, make money, and avoid landfill fees all at once.

Steps to host one: 🔗

• Pick a weekend and advertise with simple flyers or online posts.
• Price items are low to move them quickly.
• Offer a “free” pile for things you just want gone.

Alternative: Try a swap meet where neighbors trade items instead of buying.

Tip: Partner with a local charity to donate anything unsold at the end of the day.

10. Rent a Small Dumpster for Big Cleanouts 🔗

You can ask your trash pickup company or a local rental service about short-term dumpster rentals for major decluttering projects.

Sometimes your city’s waste management service offers temporary dumpsters for a flat fee. If not, private companies often have weekend or small-size specials.

Pro tip: Split the cost with neighbors if you don’t need the whole thing for yourself. It can cut your price in half.

Conclusion 🔗

If you want to get rid of junk without spending a lot, start with free or low-cost options first, like donating, selling, or recycling. For bigger cleanouts, try DIY hauling with a rented or borrowed truck or consider splitting a dumpster rental with neighbors. These methods help you clear clutter fast while keeping costs as low as possible.

The key is to plan ahead and pick the cheapest method that fits your situation. With the right approach, you can declutter your home, save money, and finally get that clean, open space you’ve been wanting.

And if you want an even simpler way to handle all of this without the hassle of searching for options, comparing prices, or making multiple calls, there’s a better solution waiting for you.

Ready to Make Junk Removal Even Easier?

Sign up with WeWcycle and get affordable, eco-friendly junk removal options right at your fingertips.

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Frequently Asked Questions 🔗

How much does it actually cost to remove junk? 🔗

It depends on several factors. For example, volume, weight, the type of items (appliances, electronics, bulky furniture), how far you have to haul them, and local landfill or dumping fees. Many removal companies charge by the truck load or by the cubic yard.

Also, if you do DIY hauling (renting a truck, borrowing one, or hiring an independent hauler), your cost might only be fuel + rental + dump fee.

What items are usually not accepted for junk removal? 🔗

Most services will refuse hazardous or regulated materials such as paint, chemicals, batteries, asbestos, gas cylinders, and medical waste. Always ask the removal or recycling center in your area what they will and won’t take before you plan.

Do I need to move the junk to the curb or pile it up? 🔗

Not always. Many services will do “full-service removal,” where they come into your home, garage, or yard to gather the junk themselves. But in some cases, they may ask that you bring large items closer to accessible starting points (driveway, door) to make loading easier and reduce labor charges.

Can I get a price estimate before the junk removal team arrives? 🔗

Yes, many services offer free or no-obligation on-site or photo-based estimates. To get a more accurate quote, send photos or video of what you need removed, along with approximate dimensions, weight, and location.

Can I just rent a dumpster and fill it myself instead of hiring removal service? 🔗

Yes, that’s a common alternative. The difference is you do all the labor yourself. Dumpster rentals work well when you have a large amount of junk that doesn’t require extra handling. Just make sure the rental company’s rules, pricing, and restrictions are clear. Some charge by weight or charge for prohibited items.

How can I make junk removal cheaper? 🔗

Several strategies help reduce cost:

• Donate or sell items first
• Use free recycling programs
• Borrow a truck or share rental costs with neighbors
• Negotiate with independent haulers
• Remove small parts or dismantle large items yourself
• Schedule during off-peak times when companies offer discounts

Do I need to be present during removal? 🔗

Often yes. Especially if the crew needs to enter your home or pass through areas not obvious from the curb. But some services allow you to give instructions in advance and won’t require you to be there. If you can’t be present, leave clear instructions, mark what is and isn’t to be removed, and ensure they have access.