FAQs | Scrap Squad Junk Removal Wilmington DE

What can't you remove?

Can't take liquid hazardous materials (paint, solvents, gasoline, pesticides), propane tanks, or car batteries. We set these aside for your drop-off at New Castle County hazardous waste facility on Cherry Lane (open Saturdays 8am-3pm). Can't remove items attached to structure. Non-running vehicles need towing services.

Do you pay for scrap metal or charge for removal?

Depends on metal type and quantity. High-value metals (copper wire, brass fixtures, aluminum, stainless steel in quantity) may result in payment to you or free removal. Low-value ferrous metals (steel, iron, basic appliances) have standard removal fees. We assess and explain value before starting work.

How much does commercial junk removal cost in Wilmington?

Small office (5-10 desks): $400-800. Medium office (15-25 desks): $1,200-2,000. Retail space clearing: $1,500-3,500. Warehouse cleanouts: $3,000-8,000+. Volume-based pricing plus disposal fees for electronics and specialized equipment. On-site estimates for jobs over $2,000.

Do I need to be home during the removal?

Preferably yes for the initial walkthrough so we can confirm exactly what's being removed and provide a final price. After that, you can leave if needed—just ensure we have clear access to all areas and items. For estate cleanouts where families may find the process emotional, many clients prefer to be off-site after the initial walkthrough.

How long does junk removal take?

Single items (couch, fridge) take 30-60 minutes. Full rooms take 2-3 hours. Whole-house cleanouts take 4-8 hours. Wilmington rowhomes with stairs add time. We provide estimates during scheduling based on your description of items and quantity.

How much does debris removal cost in Wilmington?

Small loads (single room renovation debris): $200-400. Medium loads (bathroom or kitchen demo): $500-900. Large loads (whole-house renovation, roof tear-off): $1,200-2,500+. Construction debris: priced by volume and material type. Concrete, brick, and drywall have different disposal costs. On-site estimates for jobs over $1,000.

How long does a typical junk removal job take?

Single-room cleanouts (garage, basement, one bedroom) typically take 1-2 hours. Whole-house estate cleanouts take 4-8 hours for an average 3-bedroom home, and we may schedule this over 2 days. Curbside pickup of a few large items takes 20-30 minutes. Time increases significantly with stairs—add 30-60 minutes for every floor above ground level without elevator access.

What happens to our old office furniture and equipment?

Usable furniture goes to Wilmington charities (Goodwill on Concord Pike, Habitat ReStore on Lancaster Avenue) with donation documentation. Electronics go to certified e-waste recyclers with data destruction certificates. Metals to commercial processors. Full disposal documentation provided for lease compliance and tax deductions.

Do I need to be home during removal?

Yes for initial walkthrough (10-15 minutes) to confirm items and approve pricing. After that, you can leave if comfortable with our judgment on borderline items. Most Wilmington clients stay for peace of mind, but it's not required once work is approved.

Will you damage my floors or walls?

We use floor protection and equipment to prevent damage. We will reveal pre-existing marks, scratches, discoloration hidden under furniture. Common in older Wilmington homes where items sat for decades. We're not responsible for existing conditions but point them out during walkthrough so there's no confusion.

What types of debris can you remove?

We take construction debris (drywall, lumber, flooring, roofing shingles, siding, windows, doors), renovation waste (cabinets, countertops, fixtures, tile), demolition materials (concrete, brick, block), and yard debris. Can't take hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint chips, contaminated soil) or liquid waste. Mixed loads accepted but sorted for proper disposal.

Can you remove appliances with refrigerants?

Yes, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers require EPA-certified refrigerant recovery before recycling. We handle this properly and provide documentation. Can't be disposed at regular scrap yards without recovery. Additional $50-75 per appliance for certified refrigerant removal meeting Delaware environmental regulations.

How do you handle confidential documents and data?

We don't take confidential documents in standard removal. We coordinate certified shredding services for HIPAA, FACTA compliance. Critical for Wilmington medical, legal, financial businesses with regulatory requirements. Documents requiring destruction should be handled separately before junk removal, or we arrange secure shredding (additional cost).

Can you remove items from inside my house or just from the curb?

We provide full-service removal from anywhere on your property—inside the house, basement, attic, garage, shed, or yard. That's what differentiates professional junk removal from curbside pickup services. We handle all the heavy lifting, navigating stairs, and maneuvering through doorways. You point at what goes, and we handle the rest.

How much does hot tub removal cost in Wilmington?

Standard above-ground hot tubs (6-8 person): $400-700. Large swim spas or premium models: $700-1,200. In-ground spas: $1,200-2,500+ (requires structural work beyond standard removal). Electrical disconnection: included for plug-in units, $150-300 additional if licensed electrician needed for hardwired systems. Deck or patio in poor condition may require additional fees.

How much does mattress disposal cost in Wilmington?

Single mattress or box spring: $75-100 (includes $25-35 facility disposal fee). Mattress set (mattress plus box spring): $125-175. King mattress sets: $150-200. Add $50-100 for second or third-floor removal in Wilmington rowhomes. Pricing includes all disposal fees, no surprises.

What if the property is in really bad condition?

Small single-unit (apartment, small rowhome, moderate abandonment): $800-1,500. Standard single-family home (3-bedroom, typical eviction debris): $1,500-2,500. Hoarding or severe neglect situations: $2,500-5,000+. Multi-unit buildings: priced per unit with volume discount. Pricing based on volume, condition, and disposal complexity. On-site estimates for free today!

What happens to the yard waste after you haul it away?

We dispose of everything responsibly. Organic materials like branches, leaves, and brush go to composting facilities or mulching centers whenever possible. We only landfill materials that can't be recycled. We're committed to eco-friendly disposal that's good for the environment.

How much does appliance removal cost in Wilmington?

Single standard appliance (washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove): $75-125. Refrigerator or freezer: $125-175 (includes $50-75 refrigerant recovery fee). Multiple appliances: $200-400 depending on quantity. Basement or second-floor removal: add $50-75 per appliance. Gas appliances requiring plumber: add $100-200 if hard pipe disconnection needed.

How long does cleanout take once started?

Single-unit properties with moderate debris take 1-2 days (4-8 hours of active work). Hoarding situations or severe cases take 2-4 days. We work consecutively once started, not spreading jobs over weeks. For time-sensitive Wilmington properties (bank sale deadlines, new tenant move-ins), we prioritize completing quickly.