How Much Does Junk Removal Cost in Des Moines?

If you've ever called around for junk removal quotes in Des Moines, you've probably heard everything from "we charge by the hour" to "it depends" to a flat refusal to give a number until someone is on site. None of that is helpful when you're trying to budget for a garage cleanout or a single appliance pickup.

Here's a straight breakdown of what junk removal actually costs in the Des Moines metro, what drives the price up or down, and how to get a real flat-rate number the same day you call.

Average Junk Removal Cost in Des Moines

Most full junk removal jobs in the Des Moines metro fall between $200 and $750. Single-item pickups (a couch, a fridge, a mattress) usually run $75 to $175. Larger cleanouts (full garage, packed basement, estate clear-out) run $400 to $1,200 or more depending on volume and access.

Our truck holds about 15 cubic yards. We price by how much of the truck your job fills:

• 1/4 truck (~4 cubic yards): $200
• 1/2 truck (~7 cubic yards): $400
• 3/4 truck (~11 cubic yards): $575
• Full truck (~15 cubic yards): $750

That's flat-rate. No hourly meter. Loading, transfer station fees, and floor protection are included.

What Drives the Price

Volume

The single biggest factor. A single couch is 1/8 of a truck. A packed two-car garage is usually a full truck or more. Send photos and we can estimate volume the same day.

Weight

Heavy materials like concrete, brick, shingles, and tile carry per-ton fees at the transfer station. If your job is mostly drywall and lumber, weight isn't a factor. If you're hauling a half-truck of broken concrete, it adds $100 to $200 to the price.

Special Items

• Refrigerators and freezers: $25-$50 each for EPA-compliant refrigerant recycling
• Mattresses and box springs: $20-$40 each for Iowa per-unit disposal fees
• CRT TVs and old electronics: $15-$40 each for Iowa e-waste recycling
• Tires: $5-$15 each for tire disposal fees

Access

Stairs, narrow doorways, long carries from basement to truck, and tight alley access (common in Sherman Hill, Valley Junction, and Windsor Heights) add labor time. We still quote flat-rate, just with a bigger crew.

What's Always Included

• All loading and carrying labor
• Floor and door-frame protection
• Sweep-up after the load
• Transfer station fees
• Donation routing for usable items
• Licensed and insured hauling

How to Get a Real Quote (Without Anyone Coming to Your House)

The fastest way: text 3-5 photos to (515) 414-2280 showing all the items you want hauled. Include a wide shot of the room or pile so we can estimate volume. We send back a written flat-rate quote the same day, usually within an hour during business hours.

For larger jobs (full basements, estate cleanouts, commercial work), we'll come out for a free on-site walkthrough and quote in person.

Junk Removal vs Dumpster Rental in Des Moines

If you're trying to decide between hiring us and renting a dumpster, the math usually goes like this: a 10-yard dumpster in Des Moines runs $300 to $450 for a week, plus tonnage fees. You load it yourself. For a one-time clear-out, hiring us is usually cheaper and faster. For a multi-week renovation, a dumpster makes more sense. We'll tell you honestly which is better for your situation.

Ready for a Real Price?

Text photos to (515) 414-2280 or use our quote form. Same-week pickup across the Des Moines metro, flat-rate pricing, no surprise fees.