People call my Austin junk removal company every day asking, “Do you take ____?” Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s a hard no. And the rules aren’t the same across every company in town.
This guide is the full picture: what we’ll haul off, what we won’t, and the gray-area stuff that costs extra.
What We’ll Haul Off (No Problem)
The standard list for most Austin junk removal jobs:
- Furniture (couches, beds, dressers, tables, chairs)
- Appliances (fridges, washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves)
- Mattresses and box springs
- Yard waste (branches, brush, leaves, sod)
- Construction debris (drywall, wood, flooring, tile)
- Electronics (TVs, computers, printers)
- Hot tubs and old grills
- Pianos (yes, real ones — most companies say no)
- Carpet and padding
- Pretty much anything that fits in a truck and isn’t on the prohibited list
What We Won’t Take
Texas regulations and landfill rules block us from taking certain items, no matter what the customer is willing to pay. The hard-no list:
- Hazardous chemicals (gasoline, motor oil, pool chemicals, pesticides)
- Wet paint (dry paint is fine — let the can dry out first)
- Asbestos-containing material (this needs a certified abatement crew)
- Medical waste (sharps, biohazard)
- Tires with rims (loose tires sometimes okay, ask)
- Live ammunition or explosives
- Propane tanks (full ones — empty is fine)
If you’re not sure what something is, send us a photo. I’d rather answer questions before we show up than tell you no on your driveway.
The “Costs Extra” List
Some items are legal to haul but cost more because the dump fee is higher or they need special handling:
- Refrigerators and freezers: EPA rules require the freon to be drained first. Most haulers add $25–$50.
- TVs and electronics: Some go to e-waste recycling, which charges per pound. Add $25–$75 per item.
- Mattresses: Austin landfills charge $20–$40 per mattress. Expect that on your invoice.
- Concrete, brick, dirt: Heavy material goes to a separate dump. Higher per-ton rate.
- Tires (without rims): $5–$10 each.
How Pricing Actually Works
Most Austin junk haulers price by volume — how much space your stuff takes up in the truck. A typical truckload is 14–18 cubic yards. Here’s the rough breakdown:
- 1/4 truck: $175–$275
- 1/2 truck: $325–$475
- 3/4 truck: $475–$625
- Full truck: $575–$750
If the load is heavier than average (like all books, or all tile), expect a weight surcharge.
What Makes a Hauler Worth Hiring
You can find someone with a pickup and a Craigslist ad for $100. They’ll take your stuff. They might also take it to a vacant lot instead of a real dump. Then it’s on you when code enforcement traces it back.
A real Austin junk removal company dumps at a licensed transfer station, carries liability insurance, and gives you a receipt. That’s what you’re paying the extra $100 for.
How to Get a Quote in Austin
Best way: text photos of the pile to (737) 900-9626. I’ll give you a flat-rate quote inside 10 minutes. No upselling on the driveway, no “surprise it’s actually $200 more.”
Or use the form on our quote page. I read every one.