Junk removal and haul-away in Canada

How much does junk removal cost in Canada?

Junk removal is priced by how much of the truck your things fill, not by weight. Bark's Canadian averages:

A single couch or mattress is usually quoted as a minimum charge. Before you agree, ask whether the price includes labour, disposal fees and tax, and whether stairs or heavy items like a fridge cost extra.

When does a Costco purchase need a haul-away?

• A new mattress or sofa: the old one has to go somewhere, and it rarely fits in a car. See Costco mattresses and Costco furniture.
• A new appliance: Costco.ca includes haul-away of the old unit on select appliances, one for one and the same type, at delivery; see when Costco takes your old appliance. A warehouse purchase, or a second fridge in the garage, needs another way out.
• A new TV: check your city's rules for the old one; Toronto's curbside pickup for large items, for example, doesn't list electronics.
• Boxes and packing: a patio set, gazebo or swing set can leave more cardboard than the recycling bin takes.

Will your city take it for free?

Sometimes. Many cities collect large items at the curb. In Toronto, houses can put mattresses, furniture, bed frames and appliances beside the garbage bin on collection day without booking; an annual fee on each home covers it, rather than a charge per item. Toronto asks you to take the doors off fridges and ovens first, and to wrap a mattress with bed bugs completely in plastic. Rules differ by city, and for apartments, so check your city's waste page.

A helper is worth it when you can't get the item to the curb yourself, need it gone before collection day, or have more than the city takes.

What can't go in a junk removal load?

Hazardous waste, such as propane tanks, paint, motor oil and batteries, goes to a household hazardous waste drop-off rather than into a junk load; Toronto, for one, picks up barbecues only with the propane tank removed. Ask your helper what they accept before they arrive.

How do you choose a junk removal helper?

• Get a firm price before anything is lifted, and ask what it includes: labour, disposal fees and tax.
• Ask where your items will go: a depot, landfill, donation or recycling program.
• Mention stairs, elevators and parking up front.
• Ask whether they carry liability insurance for damage to walls and floors on the way out.

Every provider on Flatcart is independent. Badges such as Insured appear only after we have seen proof, and you agree the job and price with the provider directly. Moving the new item in as well? Ask for Costco pickup and delivery on the same trip.