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The most affordable way to get rid of junk often involves a do-it-yourself approach, especially if you don't have a large amount of debris. Start by sorting your items into categories: donate, recycle, sell, or trash.

• Donate or Sell: Usable goods can be donated to local charities. You can also list items for free or for a low price on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

• Use Municipal Services: Your city's regular garbage collection or bulk pickup days can be the cheapest option. However, be sure to check community guidelines for quantity limits and accepted materials. You can also take recyclables to a city drop-off center.

• Haul it Yourself: If you have a truck or suitable vehicle, loading the junk and taking it to a local transfer station, public dump, or waste disposal facility is a very cost-effective method.

If a DIY approach isn't possible, consider these options:

• Rent a Dumpster: You can rent a dumpster, fill it yourself, and the rental company will haul it away. This is a good middle-ground if you can do the labor but don't have a vehicle for transport.

• Hire a Junk Removal Service: While typically the most expensive choice, hiring a professional junk removal team is the most time-efficient and requires the least effort from you. This is a good solution if your city's services won't accept the items or if you are unable to move them yourself.

The cost of biohazard cleanup averages between $3,000 and $5,000 for most homeowners. Some services, like sanitizing high-traffic areas or sanitizing surfaces from a virus, cost closer to $1,500. However, other circumstances, like the extensive cleanup after a major sewer backup, could cost as much as $25,000. 

Reducing household waste is the best way to save money on junk removal costs in the long run. Reusable kitchen, pantry, and cleaning supplies will make a large dent, as will creating an easy compost and recycling system in your home. Additionally, create an ongoing practice of recycling, donating, or repurposing items that are ready to go.

Most cement companies will haul away old concrete from your property, but they typically charge extra for the service. Expect to pay as low as $250 for haul-away services or an average of $1,100 to demolish and haul away a concrete landscaping feature. You should also confirm with your company that you want these added services, as they’ll need to bring additional equipment and machinery to dismantle the concrete and relocate it to a disposal site. It’s a good idea to have the concrete company handling the new concrete project do this work to save some money.