EXPOSED: 10 Rubbish Removal Secrets Most London Companies Won’t Tell You

Secret #1: The “Volume Estimate” Game

INSIDER TRUTH: Most rubbish removal companies in London deliberately overestimate the volume of your waste.

Here’s what they don’t tell you: That “quarter load” they quoted might actually be only 15% of their truck capacity. At Junk Guy, we use precise measurements and show you exactly what you’re paying for. We’ll even demonstrate the actual volume right in front of you, so you never pay for space you’re not using.

MONEY-SAVING TIP: Always ask for the exact cubic yard or meter measurement, not vague terms like “small load” or “half truck.” Check our transparent pricing page to see how our honest volume pricing works.

Secret #2: The Same-Day Service “Premium” Myth

Many companies charge “emergency rates” or “same-day premiums” that can double your bill.

THE REALITY: With proper logistics and scheduling, same-day service doesn’t cost a company significantly more to provide. It’s often pure profit markup.

At Junk Guy, we offer same-day service at standard rates whenever our schedule permits, which is most of the time! We never penalize you for needing quick service.

MONEY-SAVING TIP: Call us at 07979 088858 even if you need immediate service. Unlike our competitors, we don’t inflate prices for same-day removal.

Secret #3: The Recycling Deception

SHOCKING FACT: Despite claims of “eco-friendly disposal,” many London waste companies dump most items directly in landfills.

As a fully licensed waste carrier (CBDU476590), we follow a strict Triple-Track Waste Protocol:

1. Reuse: Donating usable items to local charities
2. Recycle: Properly separating recyclable materials
3. Responsible Disposal: Only sending non-recyclable waste to authorized facilities

THE QUESTION THAT SAVES: “Can you provide documentation of where my waste will end up?” Watch how many companies suddenly become vague or uncomfortable.

Secret #4: The Hidden Fee Trap

WATCH OUT FOR: “Fuel surcharges,” “disposal fees,” “stair fees,” “distance fees,” and other costs that mysteriously appear after your booking.

At Junk Guy, our quotes include ALL costs, loading, transport, disposal, labour, and VAT. The price we quote is the price you pay. Period.

MONEY-SAVING TIP: Always get written confirmation that your quote includes all fees before booking.

Secret #5: The “Two-Man Team” That’s Really Just One

INDUSTRY SECRET: Many companies advertise “two-man teams” but show up with a single worker who then struggles with heavy items or takes twice as long.

Our standard service always includes the proper team size for your job, and we never compromise on safety or efficiency.

THE QUESTION THAT PROTECTS YOU: “Will you guarantee in writing that the team size advertised will be the team size that arrives?”

Secret #6: The License Lottery

ALARMING FACT: Up to 40% of London’s “waste removal services” operate without proper waste carrier licenses.

Hiring an unlicensed company isn’t just risky, it could make YOU liable for illegal dumping fines up to £50,000!

PROTECTION TIP: Always verify a company’s waste carrier license on the Environment Agency’s official register. Our license number CBDU476590 is fully verifiable.

Secret #7: The “Minimum Charge” Scheme

INDUSTRY TRICK: Many companies set artificially high minimum charges, forcing you to pay for more than you need.

At Junk Guy, our minimum charge is fair and transparent. We’ve designed our pricing structure so you only pay for what you need to dispose of, whether it’s a single mattress or a full house clearance.

MONEY-SAVING TIP: Ask specifically about minimum charges before booking.

Secret #8: The Bait-and-Switch Quote

HOW IT WORKS: You receive a suspiciously low quote over the phone, but when the team arrives, they claim your waste is “heavier,” “more difficult,” or “different than described,” resulting in a much higher price.

Our quotes are guaranteed when we’ve seen accurate photos of your waste or visited in person. No surprises, no excuses.

PROTECTION STRATEGY: Send photos of your waste before booking, and get written confirmation that the quote is firm based on those images.

Secret #9: The “Environmental Fee” Markup

INDUSTRY DECEPTION: Some companies add arbitrary “environmental processing fees” that have nothing to do with actual environmental practices.

The truth? Proper recycling often REDUCES a company’s disposal costs. We pass these savings on to you rather than charging extra for doing what’s right.

THE REVEALING QUESTION: “Can you explain exactly what environmental practices this fee covers?”

Secret #10: The ONE Question That Saves You Money Every Time

Here’s the golden question most Londoners never think to ask:

“What items are you planning to recycle or donate from my collection, and how does that affect my price?”

This question reveals:

• If the company actually practices recycling
• If they’re willing to pass disposal savings on to you
• How transparent they are about their processes

At Junk Guy, we’re proud to answer this question in detail, and we even reduce prices when items can be recycled or donated instead of sent to waste processing facilities.