Which Junk Items Cost Extra to Remove? Mattress, Tire & Labor Fees
Which Junk Items Cost Extra to Remove?
At Count Junkula, mattress removal and tire removal each carry a $20 surcharge because they cost more to dispose of responsibly. Beyond that, surcharges are rare — the only other added cost is extra labor when items are scattered across a property or located three stories up with no elevator.
Why Some Items Carry Disposal Fees
Landfills and recycling facilities in the Raleigh area charge haulers extra for certain materials. Mattresses are bulky, hard to compact, and often require special processing. Tires cannot go in a standard landfill at all and must be routed to dedicated recyclers. Those disposal costs get passed along as small, flat surcharges — $20 per mattress and $20 per tire — rather than inflating everyone's base price.
What Does NOT Cost Extra
Unlike many haulers, Count Junkula does not tack on fees for most appliances, furniture, or general household junk. Your price is based on truck volume — from $299 for a quarter load to $899 for a full load — and that covers the loading, hauling, disposal, and donation drop-offs for standard items.
When Additional Labor Charges Apply
Extra labor may apply in two situations: when items are scattered all around a property instead of gathered in one general area, or when items must be carried down from a third story or higher with no elevator. Both simply reflect the additional crew time involved.
How to Avoid Surprise Charges
Mention mattresses, tires, or tricky access when you book so your quote is accurate from the start. Every price is confirmed on site before work begins. For oversized structures like spas and sheds, see our guide to large item removal costs, and review the hidden costs of DIY junk removal before hauling these items yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra does mattress removal cost?
Mattress removal carries a $20 surcharge per mattress at Count Junkula, added to your volume-based truck load price. The fee exists because mattresses cost more to dispose of properly — they are bulky, difficult to compact, and often require special recycling handling.
Why do tires cost extra to dispose of?
Tires cost $20 each to remove because they cannot go into standard landfills and must be sent to dedicated tire recyclers, which charge processing fees. Nearly every junk removal company passes this cost along, and $20 per tire is on the low end for the Raleigh market.
Do appliances or furniture have removal surcharges?
Generally no. Count Junkula keeps surcharges to a minimum, and standard appliances and furniture are covered by your regular truck load price. The main exceptions across the industry are items with special disposal requirements, like mattresses and tires.
What counts as an additional labor charge?
Additional labor may apply when items are scattered all over a property rather than grouped together, or when they must be carried from a third floor or higher without an elevator. Gathering items into one general area before your appointment is the easiest way to avoid it.
How do I know my final price before work starts?
Your crew confirms the exact price on site — including any mattress, tire, or labor charges — before removing a single item. There are no surprises
