
Clear out clutter with confidence. This guide breaks down current junk removal costs and shows you simple ways to keep extra fees in check.
A licensed garbage removal company safely disposes of old paint


Old paint is hazardous waste, so always hire a licensed garbage removal company to dispose of it safely and legally.
Junk removal averages $250, but you can expect to pay a little more for hazardous waste disposal.
The total price depends on the amount and type of waste, as well as the distance to the proper disposal facility.
Professional help avoids illegal dumping fines that can reach a few thousand dollars and potential $500 dumpster penalties.
Pros can remove other hazardous items at the same time, helping protect the environment.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
If you’re wondering who disposes of old paint, the answer is a licensed garbage removal company that handles hazardous waste. These haulers carry the required license from your local Department of Transportation to transport hazardous materials and follow municipal rules for recycling or disposal. Use this pro-hiring guide to plan a safe, compliant removal of old paint cans from your home.
Hiring a garbage removal company that handles hazardous waste keeps you compliant, protects your car, and clears clutter right away. Municipal hazardous-waste programs run monthly or quarterly, so scheduling a pro gets the job done on your timeline. Proper disposal by licensed haulers also helps prevent environmental harm from VOCs and chemical leaching, while allowing you to bundle other hazardous items into a single pickup.
Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a pro:
Licensed for hazardous waste transport
Ensures legal disposal and documentation
Avoids illegal dumping fines
Prevents leaks and mess in your car
Immediate pickup without waiting for program dates
Can remove other hazardous items together
Secures and contains waste during transport
Follows municipal recycling or disposal rules
Helps reduce environmental impact
If you have a large quantity of old paint or other hazardous materials, consider hiring junk haulers near you to ensure the job is done safely and in compliance with local regulations.
Most dumpster companies do not allow hazardous waste, such as old paint, in standard dumpsters and will charge a fee to return it. Some providers offer dumpsters specifically for hazardous waste, so that can be a workable option.
Always confirm which materials are allowed before renting to avoid penalties, including fines up to $500. Compared with pro pickup, dumpsters offer less flexibility and more risk if policies are unclear.
Licensed garbage removal companies use a controlled process to keep you compliant and safe:
Arrive at your home to collect old paint and other hazardous items.
Secure the load by sealing and locking the truck or encapsulating waste in plastic sheets.
Transport to a facility specializing in recycling hazardous materials.
If recycling is not possible, dispose of the waste in accordance with municipal mandates.
These steps maintain legal, safe handling from pickup to final disposition.
The average cost to dispose of hazardous waste, like old paint, ranges from $75 to $500. The total cost depends on how much you are removing, whether it is hazardous or non-hazardous, and how far the pro must travel to an approved facility. Larger loads and longer travel increase the price.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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