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How to Start a Junk Removal Business

Written by:

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by:

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

How to Start a Junk Removal Business

Fast Facts

Investment range

$7,550 - $16,100

Revenue potential

$215,000 - $700,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 Months

Profit potential

$170,000 - $280,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Growing

Commitment

Flexible

We all accumulate junk we really don’t need, which is why US waste removal is worth nearly $60 billion and growing. By starting your own junk removal business, you can haul away a chunk of that market and make a healthy profit.

Of course, starting a business requires hard work and determination. You should start by educating yourself on the ins and outs of the industry, and this step-by-step guide is full of information and insights to get you started on your entrepreneurial journey.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and Cons

A junk removal business has pros and cons that you should consider before deciding if the business is right for you.

Pros

  • Good Money – Profit margins for junk removal are strong
  • Constant Demand – People always have junk to be hauled away
  • Be Green – Ensure recyclables end up in the right place

Cons

  • Hard Labor – You’ll literally be doing the heavy lifting
  • High Startup Costs – A truck to haul junk doesn’t come cheap

Junk Removal Industry trends

Eco-friendly junk removal has been in greater demand of late, as people want their junk recycled or donated rather than in a landfill. The EPA reports that in 2018 over $145 million tons of solid waste went to landfills.((https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials#Landfilling)) About 80% of that waste could have been recycled. The amount of solid waste that went to landfills no doubt increased in 2020 during the pandemic as most people stayed at home.

Industry size and growth 

junk removal industry size and growth

Trends and challenges

Demand for junk removal services is rising due to these trends:

  • Remote/work from home arrangements
  • More home remodeling projects
  • Steady growth in construction industry

The industry also faces challenges:

  • Landfills in the US are nearing full capacity
  • Risk of back strains, cuts, and abrasions
junk removal Trends and Challenges

Consumer spending

junk removal industry consumer spending

How much does it cost to start a junk removal business?

Startup costs for a junk removal business range from $7,500 to $16,000 or more. The largest expense is the down payment on a vehicle, so your costs will depend on how large and how new a vehicle you want to start with. You can always get a larger truck later, once your business is up and running.

Start-up CostsBallpark RangeAverage
Setting up a business name and corportation$150 - $200$175
Licenses and permits$100 - $300$200
Insurance$100 - $300$200
Business cards and brochures$200 - $300$250
Website setup$1,000 - $3,000$2,000
Equipment such as dollies$1,000 - $2,000$1,500
Down payment on a truck to haul junke$5,000 - $10,000$7,500
Total$7,550 - $16,100$11,825

For more details on acquiring a truck in order to start a business, you could check out Step By Step’s articles on starting a dump truck business and on starting a box truck business.

How much can you earn from a junk removal business?

Totals vary by load size, but the average price of a junk removal job is $230. If you start out as a solopreneur, working out of your home, your profit margin should be about 80%.

In your first year or two, you could do three jobs a day six days a week and bring in $215,000 in annual revenue. This would mean about $170,000 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. As your brand gains recognition, you could rent an office and hire staff, reducing your margin to 40%. But if you and your crew can do 10 hauls a day, you’d see annual revenue of more than $700,000, and a tidy profit of $280,000.

junk removal business earnings forecast

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a junk removal business. Your biggest challenges are:

  • Expense of getting a large vehicle or truck and dollies
  • Competition from junk removers in your area

Related Business Ideas

If you’re still not sure whether this business idea is the right choice for you, here are some related business opportunities to help you on your path to entrepreneurial success.
How to Start a Junk Removal Business

How to Start a Recycling Business

How to Start a Junk Removal Business

How to Start a Waste Management Business

How to Start a Junk Removal Business

How to Start a Dumpster Rental Business

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

develop a business idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a junk removal business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research junk removal businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a green junk removal service, or one that operates 24/7 and offers emergency pick-up.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry such as hazardous waste removal.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your products or services

You need to create a list of your offerings. You could offer:

  • Garage and basement cleanouts
  • Tree removal and yard clean-ups
  • Hazardous waste removal
  • Recycling and donation of removed items

How much should you charge for junk removal?

Junk removal jobs run from $100 to $800 per truck load, with a national average of $230. Your prices should be based on the size of the load and the time required. Your costs will be hired labor, overhead, and fuel. When you’re on your own you should aim for a profit margin of about 80%, but once you rent out a space and hire staff, you can expect a margin of 40%.

Once you know your costs, use the Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your price points.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will probably be homeowners, but you could also do commercial junk removal. You can probably find both of those groups on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a sorting facility. Find commercial space to rent in your area on Loopnet, Craigslist, Crexi, and Commercial Cafe.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

  • Central location accessible via public transport
  • Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
  • Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
  • Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed
junk removal business idea rating

Step 3: Brainstorm a Junk Removal Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

  • Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
  • Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
  • The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
  • Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
  • Including keywords, such as “junk removal” or “hauling”, boosts SEO
  • Choose a name that allows for expansion: “JunkAway Solutions” over “Furniture Removal Experts”
  • Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
  • Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Junk Removal Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

  • Executive Summary: A concise summary of the junk removal business plan, highlighting its key points and objectives.
  • Business Overview: An introduction to the junk removal business, describing its mission, vision, and legal structure.
  • Product and Services: Details about the junk removal services offered, such as residential or commercial cleanouts, recycling, and disposal options.
  • Market Analysis: An examination of the junk removal market, including target demographics, trends, and potential growth.
  • Competitive Analysis: Evaluation of key competitors in the junk removal industry, their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning.
  • Sales and Marketing: Strategies for attracting and retaining customers, including pricing, promotion, and advertising plans.
  • Management Team: Information about the individuals responsible for running the business, their qualifications, and roles.
  • Operations Plan: A description of day-to-day business operations, including logistics, equipment, and workforce management.
  • Financial Plan: Financial projections, including revenue forecasts, expenses, and funding requirements.
  • Appendix: Supplementary materials, such as resumes, legal documents, and additional data supporting the business plan.
what to include in a business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to junk removal businesses.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your junk removal business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

  • Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
  • General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
  • C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
  • S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
types of business structures

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist, and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

  • Bank loans: This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
  • SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
  • Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
  • Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
  • Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings, the sale of property or other assets, and support from family and friends.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than personal, for funding a junk removal business.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a junk removal business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

If you have a box truck for hauling, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license from your state DMV. You’ll also need a Department of Transportation number and a Motor Carrier Authority number, both of which you can get by registering with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Finally, you’ll need to complete a unified carrier’s registration.

You may also need state-level licenses and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your junk removal business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

  • General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
  • Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
  • Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
  • Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
  • Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
  • Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
  • Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.
types of business insurance

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

Launching a Business

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You can use industry-specific software, such as Soft-Pak, Trash Flow, or Jobber, to manage your scheduling, quoting, and invoicing.

Accounting

  • Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero.
  • If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

For your junk removal business, the marketing strategy should focus on showcasing your efficiency, reliability, and the convenience of your services. Emphasize your commitment to environmentally friendly practices like recycling and donating, the variety of items you can remove, and your ability to handle jobs of all sizes. Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Kickstart Marketing

  • Professional Branding: Your branding should convey trustworthiness and professionalism. This includes a memorable logo, branded vehicles, uniforms for your crew, and professional-looking business cards.
  • Direct Outreach: Network with local real estate agents, property managers, construction companies, and home renovation businesses to establish referral partnerships.

Digital Presence and Online Marketing

  • Professional Website and SEO: Develop a website that clearly outlines your services, service areas, and pricing. Use SEO best practices to rank for local searches related to junk removal, waste removal, and clean-out services.
  • Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share before-and-after photos of your clean-out projects, customer testimonials, and environmentally friendly disposal practices.

Content Marketing and Engagement

  • Informative Blog: Share blog posts about decluttering tips, responsible waste disposal, and the benefits of professional junk removal. This helps position your business as knowledgeable and helpful in waste management.
  • Email Newsletters: Regular newsletters can keep your clients informed about special offers, new services, and seasonal clean-up reminders.
  • Video Content: Create videos showcasing the process of your junk removal service, emphasizing the transformation and space clearance.

Experiential and In-Person Engagements

  • Local Community Events: Participate in or sponsor local community clean-up events to increase brand visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
  • Partnerships for Local Clean-Ups: Partner with local environmental groups or community organizations for clean-up projects, enhancing your reputation as an eco-friendly business.

Collaborations and Community

  • Partnerships with Recycling Centers and Charities: Forge relationships with recycling centers and charities for responsible disposal and donation of items, and publicize these partnerships to promote your eco-friendly image.
  • Referral Programs with Local Businesses: Establish referral programs with local businesses that can benefit from or complement your services.

Customer Relationship and Loyalty Programs

  • Loyalty Discounts: Offer discounts or special deals to repeat customers or for referrals to foster customer loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth recommendations.
  • Responsive Customer Service: Ensure that your customer service is top-notch, with quick responses to inquiries and efficient scheduling.

Promotions and Advertising

  • Targeted Local Advertising: Use local newspapers, community bulletin boards, and online platforms like Google Ads to advertise your services in your local area.
  • Direct Mail Campaigns: Send out flyers or postcards to neighborhoods, especially targeting areas with high incidences of property sales or renovations.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your junk removal business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Signature USPs for your junk removal business could be:

  • Eco-friendly junk removal to stop landfilling
  • Need junk hauled fast? Same-day service guaranteed
  • We haul it all, just give us a call!

It’s also a good idea to optimize calls to action. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Schedule Now”. This can sharply increase purchases.

unique selling proposition

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a junk removal business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working as a junk removal operator for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in junk removal. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

Building a Team for a New Business

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a junk removal business would include:

  • Laborers – assist with junk removal and disposal
  • Dispatcher – to take customer calls and dispatch drivers
  • Sorters – to sort items for recycling or donation
  • Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Junk Removal Business – Start Making Money!

Running a Business

Junk removal is a big industry with big opportunities! And at $230 a load you can bring in healthy revenue. Junk removal is a service that almost everyone needs at some point, so there’s no shortage of potential customers. You could eventually have a fleet of trucks and a large crew and make a very comfortable living as the master of junk!

You now have the knowledge you need, and should be ready to start hauling your way to entrepreneurial success.

Junk Removal Business FAQs

Is a junk removal business profitable?

Yes! A junk removal business can be very profitable. Prices for junk removal range from $150 to $350 per load, so even if you do just 3 loads a day at an average of $250 per load, you’ll be in the money!

How much should I pay my junk removal laborers?

Junk removal laborers generally make $13 – $14 per hour. You should check other junk removal businesses in your area to see what they pay to ensure your wage is competitive.

How do I market my junk removal business?

Market your junk removal business through online presence, local advertising, online directories, and referral programs to reach potential customers and enhance your reputation.

How do I get more leads on junk removal?

You can generate more leads by building local partnerships, targeted advertising, utilizing lead generation websites, and offering customer incentives to attract new customers.

How can I ensure the safety of my employees and customers during junk removal services?

Ensure safety by providing comprehensive employee training, appropriate safety equipment, conducting risk assessments, and obtaining sufficient insurance coverage to protect your employees and customers.

How can I differentiate my junk removal business from competitors in the market?

Differentiate your junk removal business by focusing on green initiatives, promoting responsible disposal and recycling, offering specialized services, and providing exceptional customer service to stand out from competitors in the market.

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How to Start a Junk Removal Business