Open today, 6 AM to 9 PM · 5.0 on Google · 544+ reviews · Licensed & insured
The Junk Pirates Columbia, MO The Junk Pirates Columbia, MO · Est. 2021
FAQs · The full list

Questions we answer
every week.

Pricing, what we take, what we won't, often same-day service, donations, payment, insurance. If you do not see your question here, call us. We are happy to talk it through.

34
Common questions answered
6
Topic groups
~1 hr
Avg. response time
15
Hours open Mon–Sat

01 Pricing

How do you price junk removal?

We do not price by the truckload. We price by what the job actually involves — because two identical items can be very different jobs. Every quote is based on four things: the volume of what we are removing, the difficulty of the removal itself, your distance from our service area, and any special conditions on site. The price we quote is the price you pay — and if the job turns out smaller than we estimated, the price drops.

Is the quote really flat?

Yes. If the job ends up smaller than estimated, the price drops. If it ends up bigger because we missed something on the call, the price still holds. That is on us. The estimate is a promise, not a starting bid.

What is the minimum job size?

There is no minimum. We will come for a single appliance or one couch. Pricing starts at $75.

Do you charge to come out and quote?

No. Phone quotes are free, photo quotes are free, on-site walk-throughs are free. If you decide not to move forward after the on-site estimate, we leave with no charge and no hard feelings.

How much does it cost compared to a national chain?

On comparable jobs, we are typically 15 to 30% lower than national franchise haulers in Boone County. The reason is simple: we do not pay franchise fees, so we do not pass them on. See our comparison table for a full side-by-side.

Junk removal or dumpster rental, which is cheaper?

For most residential renovations and household cleanouts, junk removal is cheaper and faster. You do not pay for an empty dumpster sitting in your driveway, you do not load it yourself, and there is no risk of overweight charges. For long multi-week jobs producing high volumes, a dumpster sometimes wins. We will help you decide on the quote call.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. Our pricing is straightforward and quoted upfront before any work begins. The price we give you is the price you pay — and if the job turns out smaller than estimated, the price drops. What you will never see: hidden stair fees, labor surcharges, fuel fees, or surprise add-ons. Jobs outside our 50-mile service area include a distance component, and special site conditions such as bedbug-infested items, biohazard, or flood situations are priced accordingly — always disclosed and agreed upon before we start. Refrigerant-containing appliances are quoted with EPA disposal already included.

Do you have contractor or volume pricing?

Yes. We work with general contractors, property managers, and real estate agents on recurring schedules. Talk to us about your typical volume and frequency and we will put together a standing rate.

02 Scheduling & availability

Can you really come the same day?

Most days, yes. If you call before noon, we can almost always be at your door before close of business. Storm cleanups and emergency removals get top priority on the schedule.

What are your hours?

We are open Monday through Saturday, 6 AM to 9 PM, with the exception of certain holidays. Sunday service is available by special request — just call and we will do our best to accommodate you. For the most current holiday hours, check our Google Business Profile.

Will the crew call before they arrive?

Yes. 15 to 30 minutes before arrival, every job. If we are going to be late, we tell you before you wonder where we are.

Do you do weekends?

Yes. Saturday is a full-service day at the standard rate. Sunday service is available by special request — just call and we will do our best to accommodate you. Many of our move-out and estate cleanout jobs happen on weekends because that is when families have time.

Can I schedule recurring pickups?

Yes. Property managers and contractors often schedule weekly or bi-weekly hauls. We provide volume pricing for recurring work and consolidated monthly invoicing if needed.

03 What we take (and don't)

Do you take hot tubs, pianos, and pool tables?

Yes. These are some of our most common "hard" jobs. We have the equipment and experience to disassemble and remove them safely. Hot tubs and ground pools, pianos, pool tables, sheds: routine for us.

Do you take CRT TVs and old computer monitors?

Yes. CRTs are heavy and contain lead, so most haulers refuse them. We do not. They go to e-waste recyclers, not the landfill.

Do you take refrigerators with refrigerant?

Yes. We handle EPA-compliant refrigerant disposal as part of the standard quote. If a fridge or AC unit has an active leak, mention it on the quote call so we can bring the right gear.

Will you take an entire shed or playset?

Yes. We disassemble and haul. Above-ground pools, swing sets, trampolines, sheds, all in our normal scope. Quote depends on size and access.

What can't you take?

Household hazardous waste that is illegal to dispose of at the landfill: liquid paint, paint thinners, solvents, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, asbestos, and most medical waste. See our services page for the full list and city resources for proper disposal.

Do you take cars or motorcycles?

We take vehicle parts (engines, transmissions, batteries) but not whole running or non-running vehicles. For a whole car, contact a local salvage yard directly. We can refer one.

Do you take dirt, concrete, or large yard rock?

Small to medium volumes, yes. For a full driveway demo or a multi-yard landscaping rock removal, we will plan multiple loads at a flat per-load rate.

04 Process & what to expect

Do I need to be home for the pickup?

Not necessarily. If the items are accessible (curb, garage, driveway), we can complete the job without you on-site. Many of our property manager jobs are unattended. We send photos before and after.

Do I need to move anything to the curb?

No. We come into the home, basement, attic, or yard. Picking up from inside the property, including stair carries, is part of the standard service. No extra charge.

How big is your truck?

Our standard dump truck holds about 16 cubic yards, roughly equivalent to a full pickup truck with high sides, six times over. For large jobs we run multiple loads.

Will you clean up after?

Yes. We sweep the area we worked in before we leave. If you find something we missed, call us. We come back.

What if I'm unhappy with the job?

Call us immediately. We are a small family business, there is no corporate office to triangulate. Our 5.0 rating is real, and we plan to keep it that way.

05 Donations & disposal

Where does my junk actually go?

Three destinations, in this order: donation, recycling, landfill. Reusable items are offered to Love Columbia and our other community partners whenever possible, before they ever reach the landfill. Metals and electronics go to recyclers. Whatever is left goes to the City of Columbia Bioreactor Landfill.

Can you donate my furniture?

If it is in donation-grade condition, yes. We work with Love Columbia and our other community partners. Many used items still get a second life.

Is anything recycled?

Yes. Most metals and electronics are routed to recyclers.

Can I get a tax receipt for donations?

Donation receipts come from the donating nonprofit (Love Columbia and our other community partners), not from us. If you want a receipt for tax purposes, let us know during the quote. We will route the items through a partner that issues them.

Do you wipe data on computers and phones?

No. We do not wipe data on any device. We strongly recommend removing or wiping any drives yourself before we pick up. Once an item leaves with our crew, data security is your responsibility.

06 Payment & insurance

How do I pay?

Credit card, debit card, check, ACH, Venmo, Cash App, or cash. We invoice on completion.

Are you insured?

Yes. $2M general liability. We can provide a certificate of insurance for property managers, contractors, and commercial customers on request.

Will you work with my insurance for a storm or disaster job?

We work for you, not the insurance company. We provide the documentation adjusters need: itemized invoices, before/after photos, debris descriptions. You handle the claim. We make sure your paperwork supports it.

What if you damage something?

Our crew is trained, careful, and insured. Accidents are rare. If we cause damage, our liability coverage handles it. We document the job with photos at start and finish for protection on both sides.

Still asking

Got a question we
haven't answered?

Call us. We would rather talk it through than guess at a one-size-fits-all answer. Most calls take under five minutes and you will know exactly what to expect before we hang up.