Here’s a quick, practical guide to residential junk removal in Toronto — options, what to expect on price, who to call, and tips to reduce cost and waste.

1. Your free/low-cost first option — City of Toronto bulk / oversized item pickup

• The City collects bulky items (furniture, mattresses, appliances, metal items) on scheduled collection days if set out beside your garbage bin. There are rules (e.g., remove doors from appliances, keep 0.5 m between items, wrap infested mattresses). Use the City’s bulk/oversized item pages to find your collection day and rules. (trashschedules.com)

2. National / local full-service junk removal companies (fast, convenient)

• Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and JUSTJUNK provide same-day or next-day full-service pickup (they load, haul, and dispose/recycle/donate as appropriate). They give an on-site or photo estimate and charge by truck space or minimum-fee rates. Good when items are inside, heavy, or you need fast removal. (1800gotjunk.com)

3. Charity donation pickups (free or low-cost; helps avoid landfill)

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, and some local charities accept furniture and household items in good/gently used condition and may offer free pickup for qualifying donations. This is the greenest option for reusable items and can sometimes yield a tax receipt. Check each charity’s accepted-item list before booking. (habitatrestore.ca)

4. Typical costs (ballpark estimates)

• Prices vary by company, volume, labour (stairs/dismantling), and item type. Canadian/GTA industry estimates and junk-removal pricing guides commonly show:
  • Small/single-item or 1/8 truckload: ~CAD $90–$150
  • 1/4 truckload: ~CAD $150–$250
  • 1/2 truckload: ~CAD $250–$420
  • Full truckload: CAD $500–$800+ (heavier items or hazardous handling increase cost)
• Always ask whether taxes, disposal fees, stair fees or appliance-handling fees are included. These are industry ranges — get an on-site or photo quote for accuracy. (junktwins.ca)

5. What most junk haulers will and won’t take

• Commonly accepted: furniture, mattresses, household appliances (refrigerators may need doors removed), electronics (some companies accept e-waste or will direct you to recycling), construction debris (some restrictions), yard waste (seasonal), metal items.
• Often declined or charged extra: hazardous materials (paint, pesticides, solvents), propane tanks, asbestos, medical or biohazard waste. Confirm with the provider before booking. (1800gotjunk.com)

6. How to choose between City pickup, charity pickup, and paid hauler

• Use City pickup if your items are accepted, meet the rules, and your collection date is reasonably soon — it’s free and diverts waste from landfill.
• Use charities if items are in good condition and you want them reused — often free pickup for qualified donations.
• Hire a private hauler when you need fast service, many items, things inside the home, or heavy/unsafe items that you don’t want to move yourself. Private haulers also handle mixed loads and will sort recycling/donations for you. (trashschedules.com)

7. Practical checklist before booking

• Sort into: donate / recycle / landfill / hazardous. Photograph items and note if they’re upstairs or require dismantling.
• Check City of Toronto rules for oversized items and scheduled bulk pickup for your address. (trashschedules.com)
• Contact charities (Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army) with photos to confirm pickup eligibility if you plan to donate. (habitatrestore.ca)
• Get 2–3 quotes from local haulers (ask whether price is by truck volume, hourly, or per-item; ask about extra fees).
• Ask haulers how they handle recycling and donation to minimize landfill.

8. Quick recommended next steps

• If it’s eligible for City pickup and you don’t need it gone immediately: check your collection day and place items out per City instructions. (trashschedules.com)
• If items are reusable: photograph and contact Habitat ReStore / Salvation Army / local charities for free pickup. (habitatrestore.ca)
• If you need fast removal or have items inside/heavy: request an on-site or photo estimate from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? or JUSTJUNK (and compare at least one other local company). (1800gotjunk.com)

If you want, I can:

• look up the City of Toronto bulk pickup page specifically for your address (need your postal code),
• pull phone numbers/websites for 3-5 Toronto-area junk removal companies and charity pickup contacts,
• or help draft a short message and photos you can send to charities/haulers to get faster quotes.

Which of those would you like me to do?