Cost guide · Updated Aug 14, 2026
Junk removal cost in Boston in 2026
Junk removal in Boston runs $180 to $1,220 in 2026 — median around $550 for a half-truck load. The city's September 1 turnover puts an extraordinary volume of furniture on the curb in a single week, and one piece of local advice matters more than the rest: do not take the mattresses.
Typical range
$180 – $1,220
~$550 for a half-truck (~7–8 cu yd)
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single item / minimum pickup | $130 – $230 | |
| 1/4 truck (~4 cu yd) | $250 – $350 | |
| 1/2 truck (~7–8 cu yd) | $430 – $700 | |
| 3/4 truck (~11 cu yd) | $660 – $930 | |
| Full truck (~15 cu yd) | $880 – $1,240 |
What swings the price
- The September 1 turnover week, when hauler capacity is fully committed citywide.
- Triple-decker stairs, where a third-floor cleanout is carried down by hand.
- Mattress recycling requirements, which carry a per-unit disposal fee.
- Narrow streets and permit parking, which put the truck away from the door.
Boston specifics
The end of August in Boston produces a legendary volume of discarded furniture on the sidewalk, and the tradition of taking home what looks usable is how the city moves bed bugs from one apartment to another every single year. Upholstered furniture and mattresses are the vectors, and an infestation costs far more to treat than any curb find is worth. Massachusetts also bans mattresses from disposal, so haulers route them to a recycler and pass through a per-unit fee. Take the bookshelf if you must; leave the couch.
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FAQs
How much does junk removal cost in Boston?
$430–$700 for a half-truck load, median around $550. Single items start at $130–$230 and a full truck runs $880–$1,240. Expect a premium during the September 1 turnover week.
Is it safe to take furniture off the curb on September 1?
Hard furniture like a bookshelf or table is usually fine. Upholstered pieces and mattresses are how bed bugs travel between apartments, and treatment costs far more than any free couch is worth.
Why is there a mattress fee in Massachusetts?
The state bans mattresses and box springs from disposal, so haulers must route them to a recycler. That carries a per-unit cost, typically $40–$80, which an honest quote itemizes up front.
What does a triple-decker apartment cleanout cost?
$600–$1,600 for a typical unit depending on volume and floor. A third-floor unit with no elevator adds substantially — every item comes down three flights of narrow, turning stairs.
When should I book junk removal in Boston?
Any time except the last week of August, when citywide lease turnover absorbs every hauler. If your move lands in that week, book two to three weeks ahead and expect to pay a premium.
Sources
Related cost guides
Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 14, 2026.