Hauling your junk, trash, or debris to the landfill isn't something that most people do every day, and for good reason.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe smell alone is enough to deter most people from attempting to tackle the landfill themselves, but in a desperate pinch, you may find yourself contemplating whether or not hauling your trash to the landfill yourself is the most economical option.
\r\n
We'll go over the process, average costs, and alternative options so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your disposal project.
\r\n\r\nThe first thing you'll need to do if you want to haul your junk to the landfill yourself is make sure that you have a vehicle capable of fitting all your junk in one trip. Once that's confirmed, you'll need to make sure all junk is secure and not at risk of flying out of the vehicle during transport.
\r\n\r\nDepending on where you live and when you go, there will likely be a line of cars waiting to access the landfill. In large cities, it's not uncommon to wait in line at the landfill, sometimes hours in certain cities.
\r\n\r\nBefore you enter, your car will be weighed so that they'll know how much to charge you when you leave. You'll then be directed to a dumping location—typically towards the top of the trash pile—where you will be able to unload your garbage and debris.
\r\n\r\nBecause so many others are dumping all kinds of different waste in the same area, it's important to be very careful when driving and walking at a landfill site. There are plenty of hazards that could cause you to puncture a tire or damage your car in other ways, so you'll want to drive slow and make sure you're keeping your eyes peeled for any sharp objects.
\r\n\r\nOnce you've emptied your vehicle of waste, you'll drive to the exit where you will be weighed again to determine the weight of waste you've dumped so you can be charged accordingly.
\r\n\r\nLandfill fees vary, but the average cost of landfill fees across the U.S. is around $40-$60 per ton—or around $15-$30 per cubic yard for relatively small loads—but landfill fees aren't the only cost to consider.
\r\n\r\nIt's also important to consider the cost of fuel and your time when deciding whether or not to haul your items to a landfill yourself. When gas prices are high, the cost of driving to and from the landfill can add up quicker than you'd expect. Depending on how you value your time, this could influence your decision as well.
\r\n\r\nThe labor of loading your trash into the vehicle or trailer, waiting in line for your car to be weighed, unloading it once you're at the landfill, waiting in line again to exit, and then cleaning your truck or trailer afterwards can easily cost you a full working day or more, not to mention if your car incurs any damage during drop-off.
\r\n\r\nWhen you consider all these factors, it might make more sense to spend a little more money for a significantly more convenient, efficient, and safe disposal option.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/landfill-help.png\")
\r\nThere are two common alternatives for large disposal projects that can save you quite a bit of time and back-breaking labor:
\r\n\r\nHiring a junk removal crew is definitely the most convenient method of the two for most projects because it requires zero heavy lifting or loading on your part.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal companies send a crew, usually made up of two workers, to come to your location and load all your unwanted items into their truck or trailer. It's as simple as requesting quotes from local companies and showing them what to take once they've arrived. After they've loaded your items, they'll provide you with an invoice that you can either pay on the spot or you can call into their office and pay over the phone.
\r\n\r\nWhile usually slightly more expensive than renting a dumpster, the convenience often outweighs the cost for many and has quickly become one of the most popular methods for large and bulky waste disposal.
\r\n\r\nIf you have seven or more cubic yards worth of waste to get rid of, renting a dumpster might make more sense for you. Renting a dumpster is a simple process that involves contacting a dumpster rental company, choosing a container size, scheduling it to be dropped off at your property, filling it up, and having it hauled away.
\r\n\r\nRoll-off containers have door(s) that swing open, making loading very easy by being able to walk in any large or heavy items. Trailer dumpsters and roll-off bins both feature an open top so that you can easily throw your trash inside without having to worry about navigating a lid. 10 yard dumpsters are one of the most popular sizes for residential projects because they can hold a significant amount of waste for an affordable price, costing between $250-$450 on average.
\r\n\r\nWhen you want to gather more information about these types of services in your area, the best thing to do is to contact different companies and compare quotes. Hometown makes it easy to get free quotes with our single quote-request form. By entering your zip code and answering a few quick questions about your disposal needs, you'll be shown qualified companies in your area that are licensed, local, and eager to earn your business.
\r\n\r\nWhen comparing quotes, also take into consideration the type of customer service you're given, their availability, and reviews left by other verified customers. Getting quotes from both junk removal and dumpster rental companies in your area will help give you a better idea of what average prices are near you and which service will best fit your budget and timeline.
\r\n\r\nWhen you have large amounts of trash, junk, or debris to get rid of, you may be considering hauling your trash to the landfill yourself. Read about the process, average costs, and alternative options so that you can make the best, most informed decision for your disposal project.
\r\n","changed":"2025-05-01T23:06:53+00:00"},{"id":"c882a1ce-47c1-58a1-bddd-6aa47a3d8c01","title":"How to Find the Cheapest Junk Removal Service in Your Area","url":"/blog/find-cheapest-junk-removal-service-in-your-area","image":{"path":"/static/8224e20ac6fb240228c7a8d177e56faf/payment.png","alt":"smiling man making credit card payment on his smart phone"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"58c950b5-f4ae-5829-8cae-bf1a2ddaac1c","name":"Junk Removal Costs","slug":"Junk-Removal-Costs"}],"content":"If you're thinking about hiring a junk removal company, the first thing you might be asking yourself is, \"How much is this going to cost me?\"
\r\n\r\nWhile the cost to remove junk will vary based on your location and project type,
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHometown's tips and tricks help homeowners, landlords, and business owners find the most affordable junk removal service in their area.
\r\n
![\"Top](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/cheapest-service_2.png\")
\r\nIf you're looking to get rid of unwanted items, whether it's one piece of old furniture or a whole home's worth of belongings, the fastest way to achieve this is by hiring professional removal services.
\r\n\r\nProfessional junk removal is affordable, carefree, and very satisfying.
\r\n\r\nIn fact, there is research that supports the evidence of health benefits from decluttering a living or working space.
\r\n\r\nSome of the best benefits of junk removal:
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTo maximize the health benefits of junk removal, ensure your service is stress-free by finding a reputable provider on Hometown.
\r\n
Have peace of mind knowing that the reviews published on Hometown are accurate, as we personally speak with and verify each review submitted.
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/winter.png\")
\r\nWhen it comes to junk removal services, the most affordable companies are typically locally-owned.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLocal junk removal companies don't have the same overhead costs as large chains, allowing them to charge their customers significantly less in most cases.
\r\n
Getting multiple junk removal quotes from companies near you will give you a good idea of what is considered a competitive price in your area.
\r\n\r\nIt's important to make sure that you're only dealing with legitimate businesses, as uninsured and unlicensed people can undercut the price of a legitimate company while putting you and/or your property at risk.
\r\n\r\nSaving a few dollars is not worth the risk of hiring the average Joe online who isn't protected from unforeseen accidents, making you liable.
\r\n\r\nNot being a registered business, not paying taxes, not having insurance, and not having proper licensing are all major red flags.
\r\n\r\nSo when it comes to getting the cheapest junk removal service, you have to find the right balance.
\r\n\r\nGetting multiple quotes is usually the quickest way to determine which company in your area offers the cheapest junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nThe easiest way to find locally-owned junk removal companies is by searching on Hometown.
\r\n\r\nAfter entering your zip code and answering a few questions about your project type, you'll be shown a list of verified junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nYou can read real customer reviews and easily request commitment-free estimates from as many providers as you'd like.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend getting a minimum of three different quotes so that you can make the best assessment.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Large](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk.png\")
\r\nThe busy season for junk removal is typically in the spring when many of us are doing our annual spring cleaning and summer when we have better weather and more energy to tackle large home projects.
\r\n\r\nDemand for junk removal services lowers significantly in the winter, sometimes as low as 50% in January and February, making it a great time to try to get the best price for junk removal services.
\r\n\r\nA lower demand for junk removal gives the customer more bargaining power when it comes to the final cost.
\r\n\r\nIf you can't wait until the winter, arranging services at least a week in advance is best.
\r\n\r\nAsk the removal companies you speak with if they provide a discount if you're flexible on the pickup date and/or time.
\r\n\r\nAllowing them to pick up your items when they're in your area for another job (rather than making a trip to your neighborhood just for your items) could make their scheduling more efficient and entice them to reward you with a discount.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nGet the lowest rate on junk removal services by following these simple tips. Learn how to find the best price and the best junk, waste, or debris hauling company for the job with Hometown.
\r\n","changed":"2022-01-24T20:23:40+00:00"},{"id":"8682c072-253e-5e8d-8761-1fd1905091b8","title":"Tips for Decluttering Before a Big Move","url":"/blog/tips-for-decluttering-before-a-big-move","image":{"path":"/static/fefa017127444303b1468b0c256f335b/stress-of-moving.jpg","alt":"Exhausted couple sitting on the floor in a room full of moving boxes"},"video":null,"media_type":"image","tags":[{"id":"c6d09b3c-4685-5ba7-83fd-d69df65bae55","name":"Declutter","slug":"Declutter"},{"id":"61ca817b-0498-5abf-bbe7-cdf5935242bc","name":"Junk Removal","slug":"Junk-Removal"},{"id":"02a42cee-60f9-5dfd-858c-22ec36b1ce1e","name":"Dumpster Rental","slug":"Dumpster-Rental"}],"content":"Moving evokes a wide range of emotions all at once – stress, excitement, happiness, frustration, and the list goes on.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe average home contains around 300,00 items and and estimated 80% of the items we keep in our homes remain unused.
\r\n
Decluttering can help reduce the stress associated with moving in a number of ways, like getting rid of unused items and organizing your belongings before packing them away.
\r\n\r\nHometown has put together a decluttering cheat sheet so that your move is well-organized and less stressful.
\r\n\r\n![\"Tips](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/infographic_6.png\")
\r\n\r\n\r\nGetting rid of things you never use prior to moving can save you time in the long run.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCarefully packing away items, hauling them to your new home, unpacking them, and finding a new storage space for them is a lot of unnecessary additional work if you never touch those items again until they end up being donated.
\r\n
Getting rid of unnecessary clutter will make your move easier and help to provide a clean slate in your new residence.
\r\n\r\nLearn more:
\r\n\r\nIt can be easy to become sentimental about things during a cleanout project.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTry to detach yourself from items that haven't been used in the past year and remind yourself of all the additional storage space you'll have to store more useful items.
\r\n
Start by gathering items that have no sentimental value to you, like trash, old furniture, broken appliances, damaged car parts, old tires, and other clutter.
\r\n\r\nAs you get rid of these items, you'll create satisfying momentum to continue the process and will be more likely to view your unused items as pieces to part with.
\r\n\r\nThere really is something so satisfying about ridding your space of old items and the more you do it, the more likely you are to be objective about items you may have struggled to get rid of prior to beginning your decluttering project.
\r\n\r\nStudies have shown that decluttering helps reduce stress, so try to view this project as something to be excited about rather than dread.
\r\n\r\nRemind yourself of how much easier your move and unpacking in your new home will be without all the extra junk clogging up valuable closet real estate.
\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that many of your used items could be going to someone who may really need it, particularly when it comes to furniture, appliances, and other staples that can get expensive when purchased new.
\r\n\r\nKnowing that your unwanted items can help someone else can significantly reduce the feelings of anxiety that creep in when it comes to getting rid of your old belongings.
\r\n\r\nIf you have the time, space, and weather for it, hosting a garage/yard/estate sale several months prior to your move allows you to offload items in a relatively short period of time.
\r\n\r\nThe cash made during the sale is a great bonus!
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\n![\"Cluster](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/declutter-1.jpg\")
\r\nThe key to decluttering is to start the process long before your moving date.
\r\n\r\nSorting through one room at a time and organizing each room's items into a pile to pack, a pile to donate/sell, and a pile to throw away is the best way to strategically plan your move.
\r\n\r\nFollowing these steps will help make decluttering and moving efficient and well-organized:
\r\n\r\nThis basic process will help eliminate a lot of work when it’s time to move. It can also save money by reducing the amount of labor and equipment necessary to get the items from point A to point B.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n![\"Junk](\"/sites/default/files/inline-images/junk-removal-vs-dumpster-rental.jpg\")
\r\nFor large homes or those with a significant amount of clutter, we recommend renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal company to help.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rentals are a convenient and cost-efficient option when you have 7 or more cubic yards of junk to get rid of, especially if your project is ongoing.
\r\n\r\nFor decluttering, a 10 yard or 20 yard dumpster will typically be large enough to accommodate an average home's worth of clutter.
\r\n\r\nDumpster rental rates average $250-$450 for containers of these sizes and generally include a 5-7 day rental period.
\r\n\r\nThe price you will pay for your dumpster varies based on a number of different factors, like your location, dumpster size, amount of junk you're throwing out, and other factors.
\r\n\r\nContinue reading:
\r\n\r\nThe convenience of having someone else handle the removal and disposal alleviates a significant amount of stress and allows you to focus your attention on other pressing aspects of your move.
\r\n\r\nIn a decluttering situation, you can work alongside the junk removal company to ensure they are removing the correct items that you wish to get rid of or donate if you haven't already separated your belongings into piles to donate, throw out, keep, etc.
\r\n\r\nMany junk removal companies will donate usable items for you and provide you with a tax-deductible receipt.
\r\n\r\nJunk removal costs vary quite a bit based on the size and complexity of the work and can vary in price between $400 and $1,000+.
\r\n\r\nUnless you have a small amount of junk to get rid of, hiring a junk removal company tends to cost more than renting a dumpster because of the added labor costs, but the benefit of professional assistance cannot be understated when you're taking on such a large and time-consuming project.
\r\n\r\nThe main benefits of hiring a junk removal company to help you declutter before moving is convenience and speed.
\r\n\r\nHometown is here to help you find reputable, locally-owned dumpster rental and junk removal companies that service your area.
\r\n\r\nRead verified reviews from real customers to learn more about each service provider and easily request transparent pricing and availability details to book online anytime.
\r\n\r\nWe recommend comparing at least 2-3 different quotes whenever possible to ensure you get the best price and customer service available.
\r\n\r\nKeep reading:
\r\n\r\nRidding your home of unnecessary clutter prior to moving is an efficient way to de-stress and make the moving process easier. Read tips about how to strategically declutter before your big move.
\r\n","changed":"2025-11-13T19:08:03+00:00"}],"populars":[{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/dumpsters-allentown.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"junk-removal","code_name":"Junk Removal","url":"Pennsylvania/junk-removal/philadelphia-pa.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Allentown, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-allentown-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-philadelphia-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Philadelphia, PA","code":"dumpster-rental","code_name":"Dumpster Rental","url":"Pennsylvania/Philadelphia-dumpster-rental.html","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"},{"state":"Pennsylvania","place":"Pittsburgh, PA","code":"commercial-waste-management","code_name":"Commercial Waste Management","url":"pennsylvania/commercial-waste-management-pittsburgh-pa","hub":true,"hubs":true,"type":"Hub01"}],"tips":[{"name":"20 Yard Dumpsters","body":"Most 20 yard roll-offs are big enough and strong enough to hold as much as 10+ tons of debris, but dumpster rental companies almost never allow this.
\r\n\r\nThere are 3 main reasons for this:
\r\n\r\nThe truck that picks up the dumpster cannot lift or haul that much weight.
\r\n\tYour city/county’s weight limit restrictions for truck hauling may prohibit it.
\r\n\tDumpster rental companies are charged a per-ton rate at the landfill, and dumpster rental costs would be much higher if there were no customer weight limits.
\r\n\tThe average 20 yard dumpster weight limit is 3-4 tons, or 6,000-8,000 lbs. To determine how much you will be able to put in your 20 yard dumpster, you’ll need to determine your specific dumpster's weight allowance. Each dumpster rental provider will offer a different weight allowance for the rental price they quote you, so make sure you reach out to multiple providers to get the best price. Once you know how much weight is included in your dumpster quote, you can estimate the approximate weight of the junk or debris you need to put into the dumpster. Local dumpster rental companies are pros at estimating how much debris weighs, and they will be able to help you choose the perfect dumpster for your needs.
\r\n\r\nRead more:
\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\tLias Enterprise, LLC supports residential and commercial projects with practical waste and sanitation solutions. Our roll-off dumpsters—available in 10, 12, 15, and 20 yards—are delivered and picked...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRubble Dumpsters is fast, efficient and experienced in dumpster rental, waste management, and recycling services. Our dumpsters are delivered clean to your home or job...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFast, efficient, and honest, PHiLL It Up, LLC has become a reputable and well-known disposal company. Whether you are cleaning up a job site or...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWhether you're cleaning out your basement, your yard, or need to remove debris from a remodel, our dumpsters can help. McCutcheon Enterprises Inc. offers a...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKunselman Sanitation is a family-owned business serving the New Bethlehem area of Western Pennsylvania for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on reliable, dependable, and friendly...\n\t\t\t\t\tmore\n\t\t\t\t
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