Cost guide · Updated Aug 14, 2026
Junk removal cost in Washington, DC in 2026
Junk removal in DC runs $170 to $1,150 in 2026 — median around $520 for a half-truck load. Leaving bulk items sitting at the curb for days is a genuinely bad idea here, and the reason is rodents rather than aesthetics.
Typical range
$170 – $1,150
~$520 for a half-truck (~7–8 cu yd)
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single item / minimum pickup | $120 – $215 | |
| 1/4 truck (~4 cu yd) | $230 – $330 | |
| 1/2 truck (~7–8 cu yd) | $400 – $660 | |
| 3/4 truck (~11 cu yd) | $620 – $880 | |
| Full truck (~15 cu yd) | $820 – $1,170 |
What swings the price
- Rodent abatement rules, which make items left at the curb a citable problem.
- Rowhouse basements and third floors, where everything comes up or down by hand.
- Condo vendor requirements, including insurance certificates and weekday access.
- Alley access in some neighborhoods, which speeds a load-out considerably.
Washington specifics
DC has a serious rat problem and the city enforces around it. Upholstered furniture, mattresses, and anything with food residue left at the curb for days is shelter and a food source, and both the health regulations and your neighbors take it seriously — property owners can be cited. The practical rule is to schedule removal for the same day you put anything out, or keep it inside until the truck is confirmed. A bulk item that sits through a weekend in this city is not just untidy, it is a citation risk.
Skip the calling
Get real Washington quotes for $5.99
The ranges above are what you should expect. To get real numbers from real Washington pros — anonymously, without handing your phone to a lead-gen marketplace — we dial local pros for you and email you a one-page comparison. Full refund if we land fewer than 2 quotes.
FAQs
How much does junk removal cost in Washington, DC?
$400–$660 for a half-truck load, median around $520. Single-item pickups start at $120–$215 and a full truck runs $820–$1,170.
Can I leave furniture at the curb until pickup day?
Better not to. DC enforces rodent abatement rules, and upholstered furniture or mattresses left out for days provide harborage. Property owners can be cited. Schedule the removal for the same day you set anything out.
Does the city collect bulk items in DC?
Bulk collection is available by appointment for residents on city collection service, with limits on quantity and category. Construction debris and refrigerant appliances are excluded and need a private hauler.
What does a rowhouse cleanout cost in DC?
$900–$2,800 depending on volume and how many floors are involved. Basement retrieval up narrow stairs is the usual cost driver — mention it when you request the quote so the estimate holds.
Do condos require anything of a junk hauler?
Most want a certificate of insurance naming the association, use of the service elevator with pads, and weekday business hours. Get the building's vendor rules before you book the truck.
Sources
Related cost guides
Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 14, 2026.