The three common pricing models
- By volume (truck load). The most common model for full-service removal. Your items are priced by how much of the truck they fill, usually in fractions such as a quarter, half or full load. A minimum charge covers small jobs. Ask the company how many cubic yards its truck holds, so you can compare a "half load" between companies.
- By weight. Some haulers charge a base fee plus the actual disposal weight, which suits heavy loads such as concrete, roofing or wet yard debris.
- By item. A set price per sofa, mattress, appliance or hot tub. This is common for single-item pickups.
Hourly pricing for labor is used for cleanouts where crews also sort, box and carry items for donation or family review.
What goes into the price
- Labor and access. Stairs, long carries, tight basements and crawl spaces take time. Expect a higher price if items are not at ground level.
- Truck time and distance. Rural addresses far from Port Angeles or Sequim may carry a trip charge.
- Disposal fees. The hauler pays the transfer station by weight, the same way you would.
- Special items. Refrigerators and freezers, tires, mattresses and anything that must go to a separate facility often carry a surcharge.
- Sorting and donation runs. Separating reusable items and delivering them to charities takes extra time, though it can reduce disposal weight.
Disposal fees in Clallam County
The City of Port Angeles operates both transfer stations serving the Port Angeles and Sequim area and publishes its rates. Garbage is charged by the ton, weighed on the scales, with a minimum charge per visit ($10 at the time of writing). Some materials have their own rates: yard waste, separated scrap metal, tires, and stumps, sod, rocks and soil. Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners carry an environmental fee per unit. Asbestos is charged at a much higher rate and needs a permit and appointment. Rates are reviewed periodically, so use the city's current rate sheet rather than an old figure.
Estimating the disposal part yourself
You can sanity-check a quote by estimating weight. A typical upholstered sofa weighs somewhere around 100 to 250 pounds, a mattress and box spring together roughly 100 to 150 pounds, and a pickup bed of mixed household junk often a few hundred pounds. Wet yard waste, dirt and construction debris are far heavier for their size. Multiply your estimate by the per-ton rate (divide by 2,000 for pounds) and add any per-item fees. That is roughly what disposal will cost a hauler; the rest of the quote is labor, truck time and overhead.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Describe the same list of items to each company, with photos, or have them see the items in person.
- Ask what is included: labor, disposal, mileage, cleanup and any special-item fees.
- Ask how the final price is confirmed on the day (for example, by the volume actually loaded).
- Ask whether the company is authorized to haul solid waste in Washington (see services).
- Get the quote in writing.
Ways to lower the bill
- Pull out what can be donated, sold or recycled for free, such as electronics (E-Cycle Washington), paint (PaintCare) and scrap metal.
- Take hazardous items to the free household hazardous waste facility yourself.
- Move items to the garage or driveway before the crew arrives, if you can do so safely.
- Self-haul light, bulky items and hire out only the heavy ones.
A note on cheap quotes
An unusually low price can mean the hauler plans to dump illegally or will add fees on the day. Illegal dumping on private land, in the national forest or along county roads is a problem on the Peninsula, and dumped loads are sometimes traced back to the household they came from. Ask where the load will go, and get a receipt.
Frequently asked questions
How do junk removal companies charge?
Most charge by how much of the truck your items fill, with a minimum fee. Some charge by weight or per item. Labor, access, distance, disposal fees and special items all affect the price.
How much does it cost to dump at the Port Angeles transfer station?
Garbage is charged by weight per ton with a minimum charge per visit, which was $10 at the time of writing. Some materials have separate rates. Check the City of Port Angeles rate sheet for current figures.
Why do refrigerators cost extra?
Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners contain refrigerant that must be recovered. The transfer station charges an environmental fee per unit.
Is it cheaper to haul junk myself?
Usually, if you have a suitable vehicle: you only pay the transfer station’s weight-based fee. Hiring is worth it for heavy, large or hard-to-reach loads.
Related guides
- Junk removal services explained
- Port Angeles and Blue Mountain transfer stations
- Disposing of refrigerators and appliances