Junk Removal Truck Cost in Denver: What You Will Pay
In Denver you’ll pay $100‑$150 for the smallest 1/8‑truck load and $600‑$1,000 for a full‑size truck from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK, with the typical job landing around $240. Prices shift based on how much space you use, the weight of the items, and local factors such as landfill tipping fees and labor rates.
1. How 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Structures Its Pricing
1.1 Volume‑Based Load Sizes
| Load Size | Approx. Dimensions | Cubic Yards | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 truck (minimum) | 1.25 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | ~1 yd³ | $100‑$150 |
| Small load | Up to ~3 yd³ | $107‑$396 | |
| Medium load | ~4‑6 yd³ | $396‑$600 | |
| Large load | ~7‑8 yd³ | $600‑$1,099 | |
| Half truck | 5 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | ~9 yd³ | $400‑$600 |
| Full truck | 10 ft L × 5 ft H × 8 ft W | ~18 yd³ | $600‑$1,000 |
*All prices include labor, loading anywhere on the property, hauling, disposal, recycling fees, and post‑haul cleanup.
1.2 Item‑Specific Pricing
- Mattress: $70‑$100 (plus a $10.50 recycling fee in states that require it)
- Sofa / couch: $59‑$170 (varies by zip code)
- Loveseat: ≈ $100
- Refrigerator / large appliance: ≈ $115
1.3 What the Quote Covers
- All labor – crew loads, lifts, and carries.
- On‑site loading – you never have to move items to the curb.
- Hauling & disposal – tipping fees, landfill charges, and required recycling.
- Cleanup – crew sweeps the area after removal.
1.4 Booking Process
- Schedule online or call 1‑800‑468‑5865.
- Free on‑site estimate – crew arrives 25‑30 minutes early, inspects, and gives a firm price. No credit card is required upfront.
- Same‑day service is often available if you’re flexible.
Note: 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK also offers a “Flex” product where you load a bag or container yourself; pricing starts at $39, but that option is for self‑loaders only.
2. Where Denver Falls Within the National Ranges
2.1 Market Factors That Influence Denver Prices
| Factor | How It Affects Cost |
|---|---|
| Landfill tipping fees | Denver’s regional landfill (e.g., Apex) charges roughly $70‑$90 per ton, pushing the upper end of the national range. |
| Labor market | Colorado’s median wage for movers is about 12 % above the national average, adding a modest premium. |
| Traffic & drive time | Denver’s sprawl and occasional mountain‑road detours increase crew mileage, reflected in the higher half‑truck and full‑truck brackets. |
| Cost‑of‑living index | Denver’s index is ~115 % of the U.S. average, so most service providers price toward the middle‑to‑upper end of the published ranges. |
2.2 Practical Takeaway for Denver Residents
- Typical small‑load jobs (e.g., a few boxes, a mattress, and a couch) usually land between $250‑$350.
- Half‑truck loads (e.g., a garage clean‑out) often fall around $450‑$550.
- Full‑truck loads (entire house clear‑out) are $800‑$950 in most Denver neighborhoods.
These figures are still within the national price bands shown above; Denver simply skews toward the higher side because of the factors listed.
3. Competitor Comparison
| Company | Minimum Charge | Pricing Model | Typical Half‑Truck Range | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LoadUp | $89 | Per‑item, guaranteed online price | — (item‑based) | 20‑30 % lower than many volume‑based rivals; price locked at booking. |
| Junk King | $99 | Volume‑based | $389‑$488 | Approx. 5‑10 % lower than 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK half‑truck range; online estimate only approximate. |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk | $150 | Volume‑based | $589‑$658 | $99 dispatch fee often appears after booking; price can rise with extra items. |
| 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK | $100‑$150 (1/8‑truck) | Volume‑based | $400‑$600 | All‑inclusive, on‑site estimate, no hidden fees. |
All competitor numbers are taken from the verified data provided.
3.1 When a Competitor Might Be Cheaper
- LoadUp shines for item‑specific jobs (e.g., a single fridge or a few boxes) because you pay per piece, not per truck space.
- Junk King can be a modest saver for half‑truck loads if you’re comfortable with an approximate online quote.
If your job is a large, mixed‑volume clean‑out, 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK’s all‑inclusive model often ends up comparable or cheaper once labor and disposal fees are added.
4. Worked Example: Full‑Truck Clean‑Out in Denver
Let’s walk through a realistic scenario: a homeowner clears out a two‑bedroom apartment, a garage, and a small shed. The crew estimates the load will fill about 85 % of a full truck.
- Base price for a full truck (national range): $600‑$1,000.
- Denver’s market pushes us to the upper‑mid point → use $850 as a realistic base.
- Additional items:
- 2 mattresses @ $85 each = $170
- 1 sofa @ $120 = $120
- Subtotal: $850 + $170 + $120 = $1,140.
- Potential discounts: signing up for the email list may give $10‑$25 off. Assume $20 off.
- Final cost: $1,120.
Bottom line: A full‑truck, mixed‑item clean‑out in Denver typically lands in the $1,100‑$1,200 range after typical promotional savings.
5. Common Mistakes & What People Get Wrong
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming the quoted price is final before the crew arrives | 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK only gives a free on‑site estimate; the final price can shift if the load is larger than anticipated. | Ask the crew to confirm the load size before they start loading. |
| Thinking “minimum load” means you only pay for what you have | The 1/8‑truck minimum is a price floor; even a single item like a mattress will be charged at least $100‑$150. | Bundle small items together or consider a competitor that charges per item (e.g., LoadUp). |
| Skipping the recycling fee for mattresses | Some states add a $10.50 recycling surcharge; Colorado does not, but people often over‑estimate. | Check local regulations; in Denver there is no mandatory mattress fee. |
| Believing “Flex” is cheaper for any job | Flex only works if you load the bag/container yourself; the service is not suitable for bulky furniture. | Use Flex only for trash‑bag‑type loads; otherwise stick with the standard truck service. |
| Relying on “coupon codes” found on aggregator sites | Most codes are expired or invalid; 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK does not publish universal coupons. | Join the email list for verified $10‑$25 discounts, or look for local franchise promotions. |
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I know which truck size I need?
Measure the biggest items and estimate total volume. If you’re unsure, the crew’s on‑site estimate will tell you whether a 1/8, half, or full truck is required.
Q2. Does 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK charge extra for stairs or long carries?
No. All labor—including moving items up stairs or across a yard—is included in the quoted price.
Q3. What happens to items that can be recycled?
The company separates recyclables (metal, wood, electronics) and pays the associated recycling fees as part of the all‑inclusive price.
Q4. Can I split a truck with a neighbor to save money?
Yes. Sharing a half‑ or full‑truck load can halve the cost per household, provided the total volume stays within the truck’s capacity.
Q5. Are there any hidden fees for hazardous waste?
Hazardous items (e.g., chemicals, paint) are not accepted. If you have them, you’ll need a specialized disposal service, which will be billed separately.
Q6. How far in advance should I schedule a pickup?
For the best rates and availability, book at least 48 hours ahead. Mid‑week and off‑season dates often have more flexible pricing.
7. Bottom‑Line Takeaway
- Denver junk‑removal truck costs sit between the national low and high ends, typically $250‑$350 for a small load, $450‑$550 for a half‑truck, and $800‑$950 for a full truck.
- All‑inclusive pricing from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK removes surprises, but you still pay a minimum of $100‑$150 even for a single item.
- Competitors can be cheaper for item‑by‑item jobs (LoadUp) or for half‑truck loads (Junk King), so it’s worth getting at least two quotes.
- Real savings come from consolidating loads, being flexible with scheduling, and using the email‑list discount rather than chasing unreliable coupon codes.
Make the smartest choice: get a free on‑site estimate, compare the three major providers, and decide whether a volume‑based or per‑item model saves you more money.