Frequently Asked Questions
We understand there are many factors to consider when choosing the best junk removal company for your specific needs, which is why we’ve compiled a helpful list of frequently asked questions for you to browse.
General FAQs
Can you haul or recycle construction materials?
Yes! We’re experts at managing and hauling construction materials in and around Charlotte, NC. Not only can we pickup construction materials but we can recycle many materials as long as they are properly sorted. This includes drywall, wood, carpet, shingles, concrete, brick, etc. We take just about any construction materials.
How much will it cost to haul away my couch?
We’re happy to offer affordable furniture removal for a wide variety of furniture pick ups. A typical, loveseat or couch will usually meet our pickup minimum of $199. Sectional couches and couches with recliners will cost more, depending on size and weight. If you have specific questions, give us a call at 1-800-JUNK-911.
How do I set up services with you?
If you’re interested in any of our junk removal services in the Charlotte, NC area, schedule an estimate and pickup through our website or call our junk rescue hotline at 1-800-JUNK-911.
How long does it take to haul away my junk?
Just depends on the volume of junk you have! A mattress disposal doesn’t take as long to haul away as a full garage or office space. Schedule a free, no-obligation on-site estimate to get a better idea of pricing and timeframe. This is a completely free part of the process that requires no guarantee on your end. We prefer 24 hours notice to schedule a junk removal, but we completely understand that things happen and dire needs arise. Give us a call to go over your options and the details of your situation, and we will do our very best to help.
Are there any services you provide for free?
We do not offer free services and there is a minimum of a $199 fee for each service we provide to cover transportation and labor. We understand people often search for free junk pick up, but we’re confident our level of experience, care, and service are well worth our minimum fee.
What happens to things that you can’t recycle?
The unfortunate reality when dealing with most junk or used material is that it just isn’t feasible to reuse or recycle. In these circumstances, we make sure that all items are disposed of properly in an EPA regulated Charlotte area landfill or transfer station.
Where do you provide services?
We offer junk pick up and dumpster rentals in and around Charlotte, NC. This includes but is not limited to the zip codes: 28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28226, 28227, 28244, 28246, 28254, 28262, 28269, 28270, 28273, 28277, 28278, 28280, 28281, 28282, 28284, 28285, and 28287. Don’t see your zip code listed? We are capable of providing large scale cleanups and cleanouts throughout North and South Carolina. Give us a call at 1-800-JUNK-911 to see if we can rescue you or your junk!
Junk Removal FAQs
What is the difference between dumpster rental and junk removal?
The simple difference is labor. With dumpster rental, you provide the labor to fill the dumpster with contents. With junk removal, we provide all of the labor to remove the items you would like removed. It doesn’t matter if they are on the curb, in your house, attic, or basement.
How much more is junk removal than dumpster rental?
The easiest way for us to give you a quick reference on junk removal costs over dumpster costs is to assume that the price for junk removal will be about double the price of the equivilently sized dumpster. For example, a 15 cubic yard dumpster would cost you $375 while 15 cubic yards of junk removal will cost you around $699. Pricing is subject to multiple variables including the size and difficulty of the removal project. For instance, removing 15 cubic yards of furniture is likely to be priced lower than removing 15 cubic yards of unbagged trash and debris.
How do you charge for junk removal?
Junk Rescue typically charges for junk removal by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a 3 foot by 3 foot by 3 foot cube. The best way to picture a cubic yard is to think of a standard residential washing machine or clothes dryer. So if you happen to have a washer and dryer to be removed, you have 2 cubic yards of junk to remove. If you happen to have a washer, a dryer, and a refrigerator, you have 4 cubic yards of junk to remove.
How do I know how much junk I have?
The best way to figure out how much junk you have is to try and picture it in cubic yards or 3ft x 3ft x 3ft cubes. You can also try and determine how many pickup truck loads your junk will fill up. For example, if you think you have enough junk to fill up 4 standard pickup truck beds without piling it up over the sides, you have about 10 cubic yards of junk. If you need help figuring out, you can text or email us pictures of the items you have for removal to info@junkrescue.com
Do I need to have everything outside for you?
No way, that’s too much work for you. Our Junk Rescue team members will come in and remove whatever items you have to be removed from wherever they are located. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the basement, the attic, a 27th floor condo, or in the middle of a field. We pick up junk anywhere and don’t mind doing it.
How quickly can you remove my junk?
It really depends on the size and scope of the project. Cleaning out an entire house or even a 60,000 square foot warehouse is a lot different than picking up a couch or TV from your home. Sometimes, junk removal can take several days of planning while other times, we may be able to swing by and pickup something within an hour of your phone call. While we like to have at least 24 hours notice to schedule junk removal, we will always strive to meet your needs. If it’s urgent, just call us. 1-800-JUNK-911
What types of junk do you take?
You name it and Junk Rescue can probably remove it, donate it, reuse it, repurpose it, or recycle it! If we can not, we will dispose of it properly. We are currently capable of picking up anything from standard trash and recycling to a vast array of bulky waste materials often referred to simply as “junk”. See the list below for reference.
Appliances: Oven, microwave, refrigerator, diswasher, washing machine, dryer, etc.
Construction & Demo: Drywall, wood, carpet, shingles, concrete, paint, etc.
Electronics: TV, stereo, cables, computer, keyboard, server rack, printer, flat screen, etc.
Equipment: tools, drill press, table saw, wood splitter, skidsteer, excavator, backhoe, etc.
Fitness: Treadmill, free weights, stationary bike, elliptical, bench, floor pads, mats, etc.
Furniture: Couch, chair, table, loveseat, desk, bed, mattress, dresser, book shelf, etc.
Garage: Tools, boxed items, junk car, old boat, trailer, golf clubs, shelves, tires, etc.
Landscape: lawn mower, weed eater, tractor, implements, playsets, swing set, etc.
Moving: Boxes, packing paper, moving blankets, packing peanuts, styrofoam, etc.
Musical: Upright piano, baby grand piano, drum set, guitar, tuba, amp, speaker, etc.
Office: Cubicle walls, cubicles, desks, chairs, computers, file cabinet, files, servers, etc.
Retail: Display case, clothes rack, shelving, promotional display, posters, etc.
Wood: Pallets, unpainted and untreated wood
What types of junk do you not take?
Very little. Unfortunately, we are unable to remove animals, unruly children, or astranged spouses. We can not take dirt or any type of soil, chemicals, aside from household spray bottles, barrels or drums with unknown contents, anything that has questionable ownership, etc.
Do you buy junk or recyclable material?
We do not buy junk or recyclable material. On rare occasions, we will reduce the price of our services based on the potential value of items being picked up.
Do you pick up anything for free?
We do not pick up anything for free. We charge a minimum $199 for every pickup we provide.
Why does it cost if everything I have can be sold?
Junk Rescue services cost money to provide. We have employees, trucks, insurance, and multiple other things that are not cheap to keep our business running. The likely hood that we would be able to cover the cost of our services just by selling the junk we pick up would be impossible. Most of what we pick up has little to no value and sometimes costs a lot of money to recycle or dispose of. We often find that items you see value in may or may not be worth what you think. Couple this with the time and energy to move, transport, store, and sell those items, and you will see how costly it can be.
What happens to all of the junk you pick up?
At the end of the day, Junk Rescue’s existance is based on a never ending attempt to keep material out of the landfill. We do everything we can within financial reason to make this happen. The junk we pick up goes through a process where we determine what the best option for it is. If an item is not broken and has value or usefulness, we will try to sell it or donate it. If an item is broken but still repairable or useful, we will try to fix it, sell it, donate it, or reuse it in some fashion. If an item is broken and can not be repaired or reused within financial reason and is recyclable, we will recycle it. If an item is broken, can not be repaired, reused, sold, donated, or recycled, we will dispose of it properly at a local transfer station or landfill.
If I want to donate all of my junk, will you take it to a non profit for me?
Yes. If you tell us that you want all of the items we pick up from you to go to a non profit, we will be happy to do that for you. Keep in mind that most non profits are now very selective of the items that they accept due to the amount of items they receive on a daily basis.
Why would I use Junk Rescue over a non profit pickup service?
One of the biggest reasons to use Junk Resuce is speed of service. Often times, we can provide same or next day service from the time you call. Most nonprofits require a 1 to 2 week leed time for a pickup and even then they may not take everything. That is another major reason to use Junk Rescue over a nonprofit service. In addition, non profit collection services are very selective of the items they will take, often times leaving customers scrambling to find another option once they have left, taking only what they see value in. When you use Junk Rescue, we are going to remove all of your junk, no matter what the value or condition is.
Why should I use Junk Rescue over another junk removal company?
Junk Rescue was born and bred in Charlotte, NC. Most other junk removal companies in Charlotte are franchise transplants from other parts of the country.
Junk Rescue has the friendliest junk removal technicians. Our team believes in what we stand for and they are here to help rescue you from the junk.
Junk Rescue is striving to reduce the amount of waste going to our already overflowing landfills. Most other junk removal companies just want the biggest bang for their buck which is to empty their truck at a landfill or transfer station as quick as possible and then go back for more.
Dumpster FAQs
How much does a dumpster rental cost?
Dumpster rental prices vary based on the size of the dumpster you need. Unless otherwise noted, all dumpster prices include drop off, 1 day of rental, pickup, and recycling and/or disposal of 1 ton of dumpster contents.
Dumpster rental prices by size:
12-yard dumpster – $325
15-yard dumpster – $375
20-yard dumpster – $475
Extra days = $25 per day
Extra weight = $75 per ton
How do I know what size dumpster I need?
To accurately know how large of a dumpster you need, you need to try and calculate the number of cubic yards of stuff or material you are throwing out. If you don’t know that number, your next best bet is to call us at 1-800-JUNK-911 and we can recommend the appropriately sized dumpster. For a general rule of thumb, see the below dumpster size comparisons to a standard pickup truck bed.
- 12 yard = 3-4 pickup truck loads
- 15 yard = 5-6 pickup truck loads
- 20 yard = 7-8 pickup truck loads
Can you deliver a dumpster today?
Maybe. While we prefer at least 24 hours to arrange for a dumpster drop off or pick up, we know that sometimes, things come up and you need a dumpster as quick as possible. In these instances, please call us directly at 1-800-JUNK-911. Any other time, please use our booking page to book your dumpster. You will be able to choose whether you prefer the dumpster is delivered in the morning or afternoon.
Will the dumpster fit in my driveway?
Our dumpsters come in a variety of sizes and should fit in most driveways. Our mini dumpsters (12yd, 15yd, & 20yd) are all under 14 feet long which is about the size of a minivan. Larger, construction style dumpsters (30yd & 40yd) are typically 22 feet long which is longer than a suburban and most large pickup trucks. An additional length that many people do not consider is the length of the truck that is required to deliver the dumpster. It is a good rule of thumb to have at least 3 times the length of the dumpster in order to load and offload it on the trucks. Therefore, you could potentially need anywhere from 30 to over 60 feet of space to deliver a dumpster. If you’re just not sure, feel free to contact us at 1-800-JUNK-911 with your driveway’s dimensions and we can double check.
Can you remove and haul my junk for me?
Yes, we offer junk removal services. We can haul away anything from an old appliance or piece of furniture to the contents of an entire garage, attic, or warehouse.
What is the difference between dumpster rental and junk removal?
The simple difference is labor. With dumpster rental, you provide the labor to fill the dumpster with contents. With junk removal, we provide all of the labor to remove the items you would like removed. It doesn’t matter if they are on the curb, in your house, attic, or basement.
How much more is junk removal than dumpster rental?
The easiest way for us to give you a quick reference on junk removal costs over dumpster costs is to assume that the price for junk removal will be about double the price of the equivilently sized dumpster. For example, a 15 cubic yard dumpster would cost you $375 while 15 cubic yards of junk removal will cost you around $699. Pricing is subject to multiple variables including the size and difficulty of the removal project. For instance, removing 15 cubic yards of furniture is likely to be priced lower than removing 15 cubic yards of unbagged trash and debris.
How many days do I get to keep the dumpster?
Our standard rental is 1 day which is 24 hours from the time of drop off. Unless otherwise discussed, extra days are $25 per day. We do not pick up or drop off on Sundays.
What if I need a dumpster for more than 1 day?
Dumpster rentals may be extended at a rate of $25 per day. We do not pick up dumpsters on Sundays.
What is the measurement of the dumpsters?
Junk Rescue dumpsters come in various sizes. The following are typical measurements for the different sized dumpsters.
12 yd – 12 feet long by 7.5 feet wide by 4 feet tall
15 yd – 13.5 feet long by 7.5 feet wide by 5 feet tall
20 yd – 13.5 feet long by 7.5 feet wide by 6 feet tall
What time will you deliver my dumpster?
Dumpster delivery times can vary widely and depend heavily on your location, our schedule, and traffic conditions. When booking a dumpster, you may request a morning or afternoon delivery time frame. If a specific time is desired or critical to your project, please give us a call at 1-800-JUNK-911 and we will do our best to accomodate you. We do not provide pickups or dropoffs on Sundays.
Do I have to be there for dumpster delivery?
You do not need to be present for dumpster delivery however we will need payment prior to deliver and specific instructions about your desired dumpster placement. Dumpsters must be placed on level and solid ground. We can not place a dumpster on steep slopes or soft soil.
Do I need to call when I am finished with my dumpster?
You do not need to call when you are finished with your dumpster if you are using it for the alotted 1 day. If you would like the dumpster picked up sooner or later than 24 hours after drop off, you will need to call and schedule pickup. It is preferred that dumpster pickup is set up at the time of your dumpster request.
Will the dumpster tear up my driveway?
Most of our dumpsters are small and weigh approximately 1 ton. It is rare that dumpsters cause damage to hard surfaces such as concrete, brick, and asphalt. It is possible however for dumpsters to displace rocks, damage grass, and mark asphalt driveways, especially in the summer heat. We do our best to not cause damage and will have a conversation with you if we think damage is possible in your situation. In the event damage is of concern to you, you may provide plywood to protect the surface where we are placing the dumpster.
Recycling FAQs
What materials can I put in the recycling cart?
This depends on the recycling service being provided at your location. We typically provide either “Single Stream” recycling or “ABC” recycling. Single Stream recycling is where all typical household recyclables go into a single cart and are sorted at a material recover facility. These carts are usually emerald green just like the ones provided by the City of Charlotte. “ABC” or “Alcohol Beverage Container” recycling is typically only used by bars and restaurants but is availble to anyone who wants to recycle glass beverage containers. These carts are typically black in color and will be clearly marked “GLASS ONLY” Only glass and aluminum beverage containers can go in these containers.
How often do you pick the cart up?
Recycling carts are emptied once per week unless otherwise noted.
Do you wash my recycling cart?
Cart washing is not provided as part of your recycling service but can be arranged when needed. We encourage customers to make sure that beverage and food containers are empty of contents when placed in the recycling carts.
What is ABC recycling
ABC or Alcohol Beverage Container recyclng is glass bottle recycling for bars and restaurants.
Can you provide recycling for bars and restaurants?
Yes, we do provide Alcohol Beverage Container recycling for bars and restaurants. This is refered to as “ABC” recycling in North Carolina.
Can you provide recycling for my office or place of business?
Yes, we are happy to provide recycling services for your office or place of business. We typically like to work directly with the property manager to provide these services so if you are a tenant in a building, please ask your property manager to contact us.
Can you pick up recycling at my house?
We do not provide residential cart recycling services but we do provide junk and bulky item removal for residences.
