Cost guide · Updated Aug 14, 2026
Junk removal cost in San Diego in 2026
Junk removal in San Diego runs $160 to $1,100 in 2026 — median around $520 for a half-truck load. The city spent a century giving single-family homes free trash collection under an old ballot ordinance, and the shift away from that changed what people expect to pay for anything bulky.
Typical range
$160 – $1,100
~$520 for a half-truck (~7–8 cu yd)
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single item / minimum pickup | $115 – $205 | |
| 1/4 truck (~4 cu yd) | $230 – $325 | |
| 1/2 truck (~7–8 cu yd) | $400 – $650 | |
| 3/4 truck (~11 cu yd) | $620 – $870 | |
| Full truck (~15 cu yd) | $800 – $1,120 |
What swings the price
- Mattress disposal fees under the state recycling program, typically $40–$75 each.
- Canyon-lot access with long exterior stairs between the house and the street.
- Refrigerant appliances, which require certified recovery before disposal.
- Coastal neighborhood parking, where the truck rarely gets close to the door.
San Diego specifics
San Diego single-family homes had city trash collection with no separate bill for generations under an old ballot ordinance, which quietly shaped local expectations — bulky items were something the city handled. As that arrangement has changed, households are discovering that a sofa is now a line item rather than an assumption. The practical upshot is to check what your current service actually includes for bulky pickup before you hire anyone, because the answer has moved and a lot of the advice circulating locally is out of date.
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FAQs
How much does junk removal cost in San Diego?
$400–$650 for a half-truck load, median around $520. Single items start at $115–$205 and a full truck runs $800–$1,120.
Does the city still pick up bulky items for free?
What is included has changed from the long-standing arrangement most residents grew up with, and it varies by service type. Check your current collection service directly before assuming a bulky pickup is covered — the local rules of thumb are out of date.
Why is there a mattress fee?
California runs a statewide mattress recycling program and disposal carries a per-unit fee that haulers pass through, usually $40–$75. An honest quote itemizes it rather than adding it when the crew is already at your door.
What does a garage cleanout cost in San Diego?
$500–$1,100 for a typical two-car garage depending on volume and content. Paint, chemicals, and automotive fluids are excluded and go to a household hazardous waste facility, so separate them before the crew arrives.
Do canyon-lot stairs increase the price?
Meaningfully. A long exterior stair between the house and the street means every item is carried up or down by hand, which is the main labor cost in this work. Mention the stairs and send a photo when you request the quote.
Sources
- City of San Diego — trash and recycling collection (2026)
- CalRecycle — mattress recycling program (2026)
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Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 14, 2026.