Taking the garbage out regularly is just another chore on the list. However, if you have something that won’t fit in your garbage cans, then it’s time to hire a professional junk remover. Be it getting rid of old furniture, post-construction cleanup, or just getting rid of a large amount of garbage, a local junk-removing company can help you get rid of it all. There are multiple factors that impact the overall cost of junk removal in Canada. This article will help you understand these factors so that you can be prepared when hiring a local pro.
Type of Junk
When it comes to junk removal, all your garbage can be divided into 4 major categories: trash, junk, waste, yard & compost. Trash is your regular garbage which is collected by the city every week on a scheduled day. Junk is bigger items like major appliances and furniture that you can’t throw away as regular trash. Waste includes hazardous materials like chemicals, paint and electronics, as well as construction debris. Finally, yard and compost include organic matter like tree and lumber parts, compostable food scraps and yard waste.
When you decide to hire a pro, make sure you tell them which type of junk you have to receive an accurate quote.
Vehicle Operating Costs
Based on the quantity of junk you want to get rid of, the size of the vehicle may differ. If you have heavy items such as mattresses, a piano or electronics, a large truck may be required. However, if you have construction debris and other smaller junk items, you may need to get a smaller yet durable truck. Instead of renting the vehicle yourself and riding it all the way to the waste yard, you can hire a pro who already has a vehicle. Once the junk is lifted from your property, you don’t have to worry about it. In this case, the vehicle operating cost will be included in the bill.
Number of Workers
Given the size and number of junk or waste items you want to remove from your property, you may need the help of multiple people. A junk remover will inspect all the waste and will determine the number of workers you may need for the job. Make sure you discuss the labour costs with your contractor before hiring them.
Length of Time
Junk removal contractors in Canada charge an hourly rate for the job or provide a lump-sum quote based on the above-mentioned factors. You can ask your contractor to provide a quote from both perspectives to compare and choose a method of payment.
Cost of Junk Removal in Major Canadian Cities:
| City Name | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $451.26 | $120 | $1,500 |
| Calgary | $1,004.75 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $655.81 | $100 | $10,000 |
| Guelph | $1,600 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| Hamilton | $417.99 | $100 | $4,000 |
| Oshawa | $221.67 | $100 | $500 |
| Ottawa | $428.72 | $100 | $3,200 |
| Toronto | $517.87 | $100 | $24,000 |
| Vancouver | $825.08 | $100 | $20,000 |
| Winnipeg | $525 | $450 | $600 |
*costs as of November 2020
Junk removal is a labour-intensive project for which you need a big truck, multiple workers and thorough knowledge of your city’s waste management regulations. To make the process easy, you can hire a local junk removal specialist. By using HomeStars, you can receive multiple quotes from up to 5 different pros in your area to compare costs and make a confident hiring decision. You and your home will both feel lighter and better after getting rid of all of that junk.
