Junk Removal Cost in San Diego: What to Expect in 2026
Whether you are clearing out a garage, downsizing, renovating, or managing an estate cleanout, knowing what junk removal costs in San Diego helps you budget and choose the right option. This guide from Demo Diego breaks down pricing by load size, item type, and service level so you can make an informed decision.
How Junk Removal Pricing Works in San Diego
Most professional junk removal companies in San Diego, including Demo Diego, price their services based on the volume of junk you need removed. The standard measurement is how much space your items take up in the truck. A standard junk removal truck holds approximately 15 to 16 cubic yards, which is roughly equivalent to eight pickup truck loads. Pricing is tiered based on how full the truck gets, typically offered in quarter-load, half-load, three-quarter-load, and full-load increments.
This volume-based pricing is fair because it accounts for the actual amount of material being hauled and disposed of. Lighter but bulky items like mattresses and couches take up significant truck space, while heavier but compact items like small appliances take up less. Some companies also charge minimum fees for very small pickups and may add surcharges for exceptionally heavy items like concrete, dirt, or pianos that require extra labor or disposal fees.
At Demo Diego, our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive. The quote you receive covers labor, truck loading, hauling, disposal fees, and any recycling or donation drop-offs. There are no hidden fees for stairs, heavy lifting, or drive time within the San Diego metro area. We serve all neighborhoods from Oceanside to Chula Vista and everywhere in between.
Junk Removal Pricing by Load Size (2026 San Diego)
| Load Size | Volume (approx.) | Price Range | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Load | 1 – 3 items | $100 – $200 | Single mattress, couch, or appliance |
| Quarter Load | ~4 cubic yards | $200 – $350 | Small garage cleanout, a few furniture pieces |
| Half Load | ~8 cubic yards | $350 – $500 | Room cleanout, medium garage clearing |
| Three-Quarter Load | ~12 cubic yards | $500 – $650 | Large room or multi-room cleanout |
| Full Load | ~16 cubic yards | $650 – $900 | Whole-house cleanout, estate clearing |
Junk Removal Cost by Item Type
While volume-based pricing is the standard, it helps to know what individual item removal typically costs in San Diego. These prices apply when you have just a few items to remove rather than a full load. For a complete list of what can and cannot be taken, check our guide on what junk removal companies take.
Furniture
Couch: $75 – $175. Mattress and box spring: $75 – $150. Dining table and chairs: $100 – $200. Dresser or desk: $50 – $125. Larger sectional sofas and armoires cost more due to their size and weight.
Appliances
Refrigerator: $100 – $175 (includes Freon recovery fee). Washer or dryer: $75 – $125 each. Dishwasher: $75 – $100. Microwave or small appliance: $25 – $50. Water heater: $100 – $150.
Electronics
TVs: $50 – $100 (CRT TVs cost more due to hazardous components). Computers and monitors: $25 – $50. Electronics require proper e-waste recycling in California and cannot go to the landfill.
Yard Waste and Construction Debris
Green waste (branches, clippings): $150 – $400 per load. Construction debris (drywall, wood, tile): $200 – $500 per load. Concrete and dirt are heavier and cost more per volume. See our concrete removal pricing guide for details.
DIY Junk Removal vs Hiring a Pro in San Diego
Many San Diego homeowners consider renting a dumpster or hauling junk to the dump themselves. Here is how the costs compare. For a deeper dive into the DIY question for demolition projects specifically, read our DIY vs professional demolition guide.
DIY Hauling
- Truck rental: $50 – $100/day plus mileage
- Miramar Landfill fees: $42/ton (minimum charge varies)
- Multiple trips may be needed for large cleanouts
- Your time and physical labor required
- Risk of injury from heavy lifting
- Total for a large cleanout: $200 – $500+ in direct costs, plus 4 – 8 hours of your time
Professional Junk Removal
- All-inclusive pricing, no hidden fees
- Full-service loading, hauling, and disposal
- Same-day or next-day service available
- Items sorted for recycling and donation automatically
- No risk of personal injury or vehicle damage
- Total for a large cleanout: $500 – $900 (turnkey, done in 1 – 2 hours)
For small amounts of junk, DIY can save money. But for anything more than a pickup truck load, hiring a professional junk removal company in San Diego is typically the better value when you factor in your time, physical effort, dump fees, fuel, and the convenience of having someone else do the heavy lifting. Visit our junk removal services page to see the full range of what Demo Diego offers.
Tips to Save Money on Junk Removal in San Diego
- 1.Donate usable items first. Many San Diego charities accept furniture, appliances, and household goods in good condition. Donating reduces the volume of junk that needs hauling and may qualify for a tax deduction. See our list of the best donation centers in San Diego.
- 2.Sort and consolidate before the crew arrives. Having everything gathered in one accessible area, like the driveway or garage, makes the job faster and may lower your cost if it reduces the time needed.
- 3.Use San Diego's free disposal programs. The City of San Diego offers free curbside bulky item pickup for residents (up to two free pickups per year through the Environmental Services Department). You can also drop off household hazardous waste at the Miramar facility for free.
- 4.Combine junk removal with other services. If you are already hiring Demo Diego for a demolition project, bundling junk removal with the demo work often saves money because the crew and truck are already on-site.
- 5.Sell valuable items online. San Diego has active Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist communities. Selling larger items like treadmills, patio sets, or tools can offset your junk removal costs.
Get a Free Junk Removal Quote in San Diego
Call Demo Diego for fast, affordable junk removal anywhere in San Diego County. Same-day service available. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Call 760-860-8080View our Junk Removal Services or contact us online. Back to the Demo Diego Blog.