Key takeaways:
Starting a junk removal business offers excellent flexibility and profit potential, but requires strategic planning and the right setup to succeed.
- Understand profitability factors. Focus on managing margins by tracking dump fees, fuel, labor, and job pricing to ensure your business remains profitable from the start.
- Plan your startup costs and structure. Choose between a low-budget or fully equipped launch, factoring in upfront investments like vehicles, equipment, licensing, and ongoing expenses such as insurance and marketing.
- Create a detailed business plan and strong brand. Outline your services, target market, and financial strategy, and build a memorable brand with a unique name, logo, and professional online presence to attract customers.
- Set proper pricing and get insured. Price your services to cover all costs and maintain healthy margins, and protect your business with essential insurance policies like general liability and commercial auto coverage.
- Market and grow your business strategically. Use a mix of online presence, local networking, referrals, and advertising to earn your first clients and scale up; hire a team when demand increases to handle more jobs efficiently.
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Junk removal is a great business option if you enjoy flexibility and want to be your own boss. Starting a junk removal business can also be highly profitable, especially for entrepreneurs who build a team to handle daily operations.
Some junk removal business owners report annual revenues of up to $200k, with profits up to $80k. With the right strategy and effort, this industry offers plenty of potential for financial success.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a junk removal business and run it safely, profitably, and confidently from day one.
11 steps for starting a junk removal business:
Learn how to start a junk removal company from the pros:
Are junk removal businesses profitable?
Yes, this type of business can be profitable. But success comes down to managing your margins. The same truckload can produce a healthy profit, or it could barely cover your expenses.
Whether junk removal is profitable depends on four key factors:
- Dump fees and disposal costs
- Fuel
- Labor (even if you’re the one doing the work)
- Job pricing
Revenue and profit ranges
If you’re starting as a solo owner-operator, jobs might bring you anywhere from $350 to $600. Your rate per job depends on your local market and how much junk you’re hauling.
With 2–5 jobs per day, you’re potentially generating $700–$3,000 in daily revenue. Monthly, that translates to $14,000–$60,000. And after expenses, your take-home profit—that is, your junk removal business owner salary—might be $5,000–$20,000 every month.
As you grow into a small crew (one truck and 2–3 workers), you can take on more jobs and do them faster. It’s fair to expect double or triple the revenue compared to going solo, but payroll costs mean smaller margins. Still, total profit can grow when your pricing is right.
Higher-profit junk removal businesses typically:
- Charge by volume or minimum load instead of hourly rates.
- Lower disposal costs by using recycling centers and donation partnerships.
- Group jobs geographically to save on fuel costs and drive time.
- Upsell labor-intensive work like hoarding situations and construction debris hauling.
When it’s not a good fit
Junk removal can be a great business, but it’s not right for everyone. You may want to think twice if any of these apply:
- You don’t have access to a truck, trailer, or dump vehicle. Renting equipment for long periods can eat into your profits.
- You’re not willing to learn the basics of legal disposal. This can include dump runs, recycling requirements, and hazardous waste restrictions.
- You’re entering a market where pricing is competitive. When competitors are constantly trying to be the cheapest option, maintaining a healthy margin is hard.
- You don’t enjoy physical work. Junk removal is hands-on and labor-intensive—if you don’t enjoy that, it’s not the right job for you.
- You don’t have the confidence to quote jobs accurately. Underpricing is one of the fastest ways to lose money and prevent your business from growing.
Junk removal startup costs at a glance
One of the biggest reasons people get into junk removal is the relatively low startup cost. In some cases, you can land your first jobs with a pickup truck and basic equipment.
Before you start hauling, it’s important to know the upfront costs and ongoing expenses. The sections below break down what it typically costs to get started, whether you have a tight budget or you’re building for scale.
Low budget vs. fully equipped startup
There are two realistic ways to start: lean (low-budget) or fully equipped (ready-to-scale). Both can work, but the right choice depends on your cash and how fast you want to grow.
| Category | Low-budget startup | Fully equipped startup |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | $5,000–$15,000 | $25,000–$50,000+ |
| Vehicle setup | Existing pickup, borrowed trailer, or rentals | Dump trailer, box truck, or branded vehicle |
| Equipment | Basic tools (gloves, dolly, straps) | Full hauling setup, safety gear, multiple tools |
| Branding | DIY logo, truck magnet | Professional branding, truck wrap, website, uniform |
| Marketing | Free channels (Facebook, referrals) | Paid ads, lead platforms, SEO, print distribution |
| Job capacity | Small to medium loads | Medium to large jobs, cleanouts |
| Revenue potential | Lower volume, slower growth | Higher volume, faster scaling potential |
| Profit margins | Higher early margins, low overhead | Lower margins per job if not priced well, but higher total profit potential |
| Risk level | Low financial risk | Higher upfront risk and ongoing costs |
| Best for | First-time founders testing demand | Operators ready to go full-time or scale quickly |
Ongoing monthly costs (fuel, disposal, insurance, marketing)
Your ongoing costs matter because your profitability is less about the sale itself and more about what it costs to complete each job.
The biggest monthly expenses usually come from disposal fees, insurance, and marketing. And those costs scale differently depending on whether you start with a pickup truck, a box truck, or a scale-ready setup.
Here’s a breakdown of costs:
| Cost category | Pickup-truck start | Box-truck start | Scale-ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Up to $8,000 if you already own a pickup, or $10,000–$30,000 for a used truck/trailer setup | $12,000–$30,000 for a used box truck or hauler | $25,000–$60,000+ for newer equipment or a more premium truck/trailer setup |
| Trailer or hauling bed | $1,500–$8,000 for a used utility or dump trailer | $0–$2,000 if optional, since the box truck does most of the work | $8,000–$18,000 for a dump trailer in a pickup-based scale-up model |
| Tools and supplies | $500–$2,000 for dollies, straps, gloves, tarps, and safety gear | $1,000–$3,000 for a more complete hauling kit | $2,000–$5,000 for heavy duty tools and more inventory |
| Business registration, LLC, and licenses | $100–$1,000, depending on state and local fees | $100–$1,000 | $100–$1,000 |
| Permits/disposal setup | $100–$1,000 for local permit and disposal setup | $100–$1,000 | $250–$2,000 if you build out a broader disposal/compliance process |
| Insurance (first year) | $1,500–$4,000 based on liability and auto coverage | $2,000–$6,000 for stronger commercial auto and liability coverage | $3,000–$8,000+ once payroll or multiple vehicles are involved |
| Branding and website | $150–$1,000 for DIY branding and a basic website | $1,000–$3,500 for a stronger launch presence | $3,000–$8,000 for a vehicle wrap, uniforms, business cards, and a more polished site |
| Marketing launch budget | Up to $1,500 using mostly free local channels and light paid ads | $500–$3,000 for ads, directory listings, and lead gen sites | $2,000–$10,000 to scale faster with paid acquisition |
| Software, phone, and admin setup | Up to $500 for basic scheduling and business tools | $300–$1,500 for invoicing, CRM, and scheduling software | $1,000–$4,000 for a more complete office stack |
| Working capital and dump fee float | $500–$2,000 for fuel, dumps, and initial cash flow needs | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000–$6,000 to support higher monthly burn |
| Total estimated costs | $4,350–$29,000 | $18,000–$51,000 | $46,550–$126,000+ |
Sources: Durable, Gushwork, Financial Models Lab, Wexfordins
1. Write a junk removal business plan
To help you secure funding for your junk removal business, you’ll first need a detailed business plan to share with future partners, lenders, or investors. A business plan covers a summary of your plans, goals, and structure.
Your junk removal business plan should include:
- Cover page: Include your business name, branded logo, and contact information.
- Executive summary: Write a brief one-pager about your business that includes what you need to get started and how your business is unique.
- Business overview: Summarize your business structure, when you registered the business, and other important details.
- List of services: Show which junk removal services you’ll provide to customers.
- Competitive market analysis: Review competing junk removal businesses in your neighborhood and explain how your business will stand out.
- Marketing plan: Explain how you plan to advertise to your ideal customers, including your marketing strategy and budget.
- Employee planning: Show when and how you plan to hire employees, as well as their roles and responsibilities.
- Financial plan: Briefly cover your startup costs, operating costs, expected revenue, and your small business budget.
If you’re starting solo and not pitching investors, your plan can be much simpler. It can be a basic roadmap that covers:
- What you’ll do
- Who you’ll serve
- What it will cost to start
- How you’ll find jobs
- How you’ll know the business is successful
I wrote a 60-page business plan, executed it, and made $380,000 in year one. That’s when I knew I found it.
2. Create a junk removal brand
A recognizable, memorable service business brand helps you stand out from your competitors and build a reputation for your business. That brand starts with your business name and logo.
To create your brand, first pick a junk removal business name that attracts customers and makes a strong statement about your business. Make sure it’s not already in use in your service area, too.
Then design a logo for your junk removal service. You can hire a designer to help, or you can make one yourself using an online logo builder like Looka. It could look something like this:
You’ll also want to set up your Google Business Profile (GBP) using your new logo. GBP is free and important for local SEO. Fill out the profile, list your services, and offer online booking for an easy customer experience.
3. Get set up: registration and business structure
Depending on where you live, there’s a good chance you’ll need to register your business name to ensure that you’re running the business legally. Registration requirements are based on your city, state, and country.
You can learn about business registration requirements in your area by googling “AREA + business registration,” or checking with the business division of your local government.
Business name registration
You can register your junk hauling business at your local registry office. Here’s what the process looks like in a few different countries:
- United States: Trademark your junk removal business name and register your domain name.
- Canada: Register and trademark your trade name. You can skip this step if your junk removal business name is the same as your personal name.
- United Kingdom: Check that the name is available and not trademarked. You only need to register your business name if you’re setting up a limited company.
- Australia: Register your junk removal business with the Business Registration Service, ASIC, or a private service provider. Skip this part if the business’s name is the same as your personal name.
Choose a business structure
As part of the registration process, you’ll need to decide on a type of business structure (also known as a business entity). The structure you choose affects how much your business pays in annual income tax.
Options for your business setup generally include:
- Limited liability company (LLC): Registration as an LLC protects your personal assets and safeguards you for situations like lawsuits or debt.
- Sole proprietorship: Register as a sole proprietorship if you plan to run a one-person operation. This gives you complete control over your business and assets.
- Partnership: Having two or more corporate partners means that you’ll want to register your business as a partnership.
Register for state and federal taxes
Have a partner or plan to hire employees one day? You’ll need an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service so you can accurately file taxes in the U.S.
If you live in a different country, this number is also called a business number (CA), company registration number (U.K.), or Australian business number (AU).
Remember, business taxes vary based on where you live. You can Google “[YOUR STATE] + business taxes” to learn more. It’s also a good idea to set aside those taxes after every job so you’re saving throughout the year.
4. Secure a junk removal business license and permits
You may need a business license to legally operate a junk removal business in your area, or a transportation license or waste hauler permit to haul heavy loads. Licensing and permitting requirements vary depending on where you live.
Waste hauling and disposal permits
You may need a state permit, license, or certification for certain types of waste removal, especially if you want to dispose of chemicals, biohazards, and similar dangerous substances.
Requirements vary by state and city. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or the Small Business Administration (SBA) to see which licenses or permits you need—and what items you can dispose of legally.
What you can and can’t haul
Not all junk can go to the same place. Some things can go to a landfill, some need to be recycled, and others require special handling. Here’s a breakdown so you know what you’ll be able to accept or refuse from customers.
| Item type | Can you haul it? | Compliance considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General household junk | Yes | Furniture, boxes, clothing, and toys are usually straightforward if your local dump accepts them. |
| Construction debris | Usually | Check whether your disposal site accepts it. Separate the materials if it’s required. |
| Yard waste and brush | Usually | The rules for acceptance vary by municipality and facility. |
| Scrap metal | Usually | It’s often best taken to a scrap yard or recycling center for better disposal value. |
| Mattresses and box springs | Sometimes | These often come with extra disposal fees or recycling requirements. |
| Appliances | Sometimes | Refrigerators and AC units may have refrigerants or other regulated components that you can’t throw out. |
| Electronics and e-waste | Sometimes | TVs, computers, printers, and batteries often need special recycling. |
| Tires | Sometimes | These are commonly restricted and might require separate fees or approved facilities. |
| Paint, solvents, oil, fuel, pesticides, and propane tanks | No, not normally | These are hazardous materials and usually require special handling or drop-off. |
| Medical waste, sharps, and contaminated materials | No | These are biohazards, so refuse them from customers unless you’re licensed and equipped. |
| Asbestos-containing materials | No | This requires specialized abatement and shouldn’t be treated like regular junk. |
| Leaking, smoking, or unstable materials | No | These are safety risks to your crew, truck, and disposal site. |
Pro Tip: Figure out a responsible junk disposal plan ahead of time, like heading to the dump or recycling depot, or selling unwanted items and scrap metal. Check to make sure your disposal site accepts the types of waste you’re collecting.
5. Get junk removal business insurance
Junk removal comes with many hazards, from damaging a customer’s home to straining your back while lifting heavy objects. Business insurance protects you, your employees, your company, and even your customers in case of an incident.
At the very least, your small business insurance policy should include:
- General liability insurance for property damage and personal harm
- Commercial property insurance for damage to your office and equipment in it
- Business income insurance to keep you up and running after an incident or disaster
- Commercial auto insurance for your company vehicle
- Workers’ compensation insurance in case an employee is injured on the job
You may also want extra junk removal insurance coverage for different situations, like professional liability, employment practices liability, cyber liability, and crime insurance.
Prices for junk removal business insurance can vary depending on where you are and what services you offer. If you’re handling hazardous waste as a service, expect to pay more in insurance fees.
6. Find funding sources for your business
Although you can start a junk removal business for less money than other business types, it could cost anywhere between $2,000 and $25,000 to get started. While many of your startup costs are minor (like gloves and boxes), others (like a truck) can be much higher.
With junk removal, you need practically nothing. I know people who started without a truck. I know people who started with 50 grand. You can start with nothing or a lot.
If you don’t have these items already, you’ll need to get a loan or funding from a third-party investor to purchase them before you can serve new customers.
Here are a few popular options for starting your junk removal business:
- Invest your personal savings into the business.
- Get a small business loan from your bank or credit union.
- Ask family, friends, or angel investors to invest in your business.
- Apply for a small business grant or other government funding (e.g., U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Government of Canada).
- Open a business credit card to improve cash flow and manage business expenses.
- Explore the Jobber Grants program, which offers $150,000 in available funding to recognize excellence in 25 small home services businesses.
7. Set up your accounting
Getting your accounting set up early makes running your business much easier as jobs start coming in. Here’s how to build a solid financial foundation for your junk removal company:
- Open a dedicated business bank account. Keeping business and personal expenses separate makes it easier to track income, monitor cash flow, and stay organized.
- Choose a simple bookkeeping system to help you record payments and keep your books up to date.
- Use junk removal business software like Jobber to track expenses like fuel and disposal fees, instantly create accurate invoices, and get paid faster with convenient credit card processing.
- Hire a bookkeeper or accountant if finances aren’t your strong suit. It’s an added expense, but the accuracy and peace of mind are often worth the cost.The key is to build good habits from day one. Clean records make tax season less stressful, and they give you a clear picture of how profitable each job really is.
Pro Tip: Save money when you’re filing taxes by deducting up to $5,000 for startup expenses in your first tax year. This is just one of many small business tax deductions that might be available to you.
8. Price your junk removal services
It’s great to get paid for junk removal, but to be profitable, make sure your prices cover labor, materials, and overhead. Learn how to price a junk removal job by following these steps:
- Pick a pricing method. Decide whether you’ll charge customers by time, weight, or truck volume based on cubic yards. You can always set prices for all three methods and choose the best one for each individual job.
- Research competitor pricing. Use these as a benchmark to see what customers expect to spend on junk removal services. You don’t have to match their prices because their costs are different, but competitor pricing should help inform yours.
- Calculate your monthly overhead by adding together expenses like rent, insurance, payroll, and utilities. Then, break that down into hourly overhead by dividing it by the number of billable hours you work in a month. Apply this rate for every hour of labor.
- Add up all your costs. Factor in materials, travel time for waste disposal, taxes, and at least a 15% net profit margin. Use our free profit margin calculator to double-check your pricing and make sure every job is profitable.
Set junk removal prices quickly
Pick a simple pricing model and build in your costs. Try not to overthink it—you can always adjust along the way as you gain experience.
Here are the three most common ways to price junk removal:
- By truck volume: Charge based on how much space the junk takes up in your truck. This is the most common approach because it’s easy for customers to understand.
- By labor or time: Charge an hourly rate for each employee needed when the amount of work is hard to estimate, such as large cleanouts or jobs that require extra lifting.
- By job type: Set flat rates for common services like appliance removal or furniture pickup, once you’ve completed enough jobs that you know how much they cost. This will speed up your quoting.
Once you’ve settled on your service pricing, you can apply it when you’re creating your junk removal estimate. With the Jobber mobile app, you can send estimates right from your truck.
9. Buy basic junk removal equipment
You’ll likely spend $2,000–$5,000+ (USD) on equipment when you’re starting a junk removal business. Spread out these business expenses over time by only buying equipment when you need it, or buying used items instead of new ones.
Many of the items you need are available at your local hardware store. You can also talk to local contracting and janitorial suppliers to see if they offer better prices, payment plans, or product bundles.
What do I need to start a junk removal business?
Here’s some of the equipment needed for a junk removal business:
| Category | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Hand tools and demolition tools | 16oz claw hammer Crowbar Reciprocating saw Screwdriver set Sledgehammer Wrench set Long cut snips |
| Safety gear | Construction gloves Hard hat Safety glasses |
| Moving and hauling tools | Four-wheel dolly Forearm forklift Hand truck Laundry cart Utility cart Wheelbarrow |
| Cleanup and disposal supplies | Bulk bags Garbage bags Large trash bins Construction broom Rake Shovel |
| Transport and jobsite supplies | Heavy-duty extension cords Moving blankets Orange vehicle flag Packing tape Ratchet straps Tarps |
If you don’t have a flatbed, box truck, or moving vehicle, you’ll also need to invest or rent at least one of these for easy hauling.
How to start a junk removal business with a pickup truck
If you’re trying to keep your costs down, a pickup truck is often enough to get your business off the ground. You can handle small to medium loads, curbside pickups, and single-item removals without needing a larger commercial vehicle.
A truck bed is an affordable way to start, but it also limits how much you can haul. Focus on local jobs where you can avoid multiple dump runs—the costs of these will eat into your profits.
You’ll also need tie-down straps, ratchet straps, tarps, moving blankets, and work gloves to protect the load and your truck.
When to use a trailer
A trailer can be a good next step if your pickup can’t keep up with demand anymore. Consider adding one if you:
- Regularly run out of truck bed space on profitable jobs
- Want to haul larger loads like furniture or garage cleanouts
- Need more capacity but you’re not ready to invest in a box truck
If you’re still testing the market, renting a trailer or truck can also be a cost-effective way to take on larger jobs before buying.
When to upgrade to a box truck
A box truck starts to make sense once your business has steady demand. The numbers need to support the higher operating costs, so it may be time to upgrade if you:
- Turn away jobs because your pickup doesn’t have the capacity
- Make multiple dump runs on most jobs, reducing your profit
- Want a more professional setup to compete for larger jobs
- Have consistent pricing and job volume that can support higher insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs
To keep it simple, start with a pickup truck and learn the business. Add a trailer when you need more space to haul junk. Upgrade to a box truck once your schedule and sales justify the investment.
Vehicle and dumpster options
For occasional large cleanouts or renovation debris, you may eventually want a dumpster, but these cost thousands of dollars. It’s better to go with a dumpster rental until your small business budget has room for the expense.
Owning a dumpster makes sense for larger junk removal businesses with consistent demand. It also cuts down on the number of dump runs needed to finish a job. However, it’s a big investment.
Beyond the price, you’ll also need:
- Space to store it
- A way to transport it
- Funds for ongoing maintenance
- Additional insurance and liability considerations
For most new businesses, buying a dumpster too early can put pressure on cash flow. A good rule of thumb is to match your equipment to your workload.
Start with a pickup truck or trailer for everyday jobs. Rent a dumpster when a project calls for it. Then consider buying a dumpster only after your workload, storage space, and revenue justify it.
10. Market your junk removal services
Your junk removal business is ready to roll—it’s time to land your first customer. Use these junk removal marketing ideas to attract potential customers and start winning work:
- Create a website where a potential customer can learn about your junk removal business, see before-and-after photos of finished jobs, and book a consultation online.
- Print business cards with your junk removal business name, logo, and contact information, then pass them out to people in the community.
- List your company on Google Business, Yelp for Business, Thumbtack, and other online directories or lead generation sites where potential customers are searching for junk removal services.
- Network with other home service contractors in your area—you may be able to send work to each other. You can also reach new customers by joining your local business association and sponsoring community events.
- Use word of mouth among friends and family to advertise your junk removal company. After your first few jobs, start a customer referral program and ask for customer reviews of your business. Jobber makes this easy with automated review requests.
- Apply vehicle decals to make your truck and trailer look more professional and act as a large mobile billboard for your junk removal services as you drive around town. Think about upgrading to a custom wrap if and when you have room in the budget.
- Sign up for social media, since this is a popular place for home service businesses to find new customers. Set up a Facebook business page, X (formerly Twitter) profile, or Instagram account to reach potential junk removal customers on the platforms where they spend time.
- Send direct mail—like postcards, flyers, and door hangers—to homes in the areas where you want to work. Consider focusing on older communities where owners have been living in the same home for a long time. Just make sure you aren’t breaking any local rules around flyers and soliciting.
- Advertise online using digital marketing platforms like Google Search, Local Services Ads, or Facebook ads. You can choose the audiences you advertise to and when, which makes your budget go further.
Just start marketing. You’re never going to know exactly what you should be doing, but the only way to figure it out is by starting.
I didn’t know how to market… but I just said, “You know what? I’m going to make a post that I do junk removal.” And I got a job. And then from there, it just continued.
How to get your first junk removal job (fast)
You might find it easier to get your first customer from your personal network of friends and family since they already trust you. Aside from that, you can focus on simple marketing channels to start generating calls.
Here are some of the best places to find your first junk removal jobs:
- Friends and family: Let people know you’ve started a junk removal business. Ask them to share your name when someone needs furniture removed or a garage cleaned out. Give them a simple explanation of what you do and the areas you serve so it’s easy to refer you.
- Facebook Marketplace: Create a listing with your services, service area, and a couple photos of your truck or completed jobs. Include a clear call to action, like messaging or calling you for a quote.
- Nextdoor: Introduce yourself as a local business and focus on being helpful (instead of promotional). Many homeowners use Nextdoor when they need curbside pickups or getting rid of an appliance.
- Realtors and property managers: Reach out to professionals who regularly need move-out cleanouts and vacant properties cleared. Sometimes they need help on short notice, so it’s good to put your name in their head so they think of you.
- Contractors and remodelers: Tradespeople may need debris hauled away after a project. If you can be available same-day, that will give you an advantage over competitors.
11. Hire a team and grow your business
Junk removal is a big job that requires lots of heavy lifting—and you’ll want a team to help you handle the workload.
Hire employees who can do heavy labor with a good attitude, even if they don’t have junk removal experience. You can train them on the job to work safely and help you get the job done faster.
When to hire extra team members
Consider hiring new staff members for your business when the following conditions apply:
- You can no longer manage every job on your own time (as a one-person business).
- You have goals to grow or expand outside of your existing services.
- You’re ready to step into management and want to transfer the daily work to others.
Many business owners start the hiring process when administrative needs increase. For instance, you could hire an office manager or virtual assistant to schedule new jobs, manage your marketing, and handle the administrative side of the business.
How to start the hiring process
First, write a clear job description that outlines your role’s duties and qualifications and provides details on your company.
Then, post the description on job boards or platforms like Indeed.com. Screen applicants based on your criteria, and schedule interviews to find the best person for the opening.
Check each candidate’s professional references, and prioritize those who have a strong work ethic and great customer service skills.
With a solid plan and dedication, your junk removal business can thrive, offering a steady stream of profits and growth opportunities for years to come.
High-performing teams want to be held accountable.
As a business leader, I want to be held accountable, and because of that, I hold others accountable.
Run your junk removal business with software
Now that you know how to start a business in the junk removal industry, you can begin hauling junk for money.
Starting a business takes lots of work, though, and software saves you time managing it all. Here are just a few ways that junk removal apps like Jobber can help:
- Create and send professional quotes that include photos taken at the site assessment.
- Schedule jobs and generate the fastest, most fuel-efficient routes.
- Instantly create accurate invoices and get paid faster with convenient credit card processing.
- Collect Google reviews through automated review requests to give your online reputation a boost.
With the right junk removal business software, you’ll have the tools you need to run a successful company from day one.
Originally published on March 21, 2023. Last updated on July 14, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
To successfully start and run a rubbish removal business, you need to be:
• Physically strong: You’re capable of lifting heavy furniture, appliances, bags of trash, debris, yard waste, and anything else people want to remove from their homes.
• Safety conscious: You know how to safely lift and move heavy (or even dangerous) items without injuring yourself or your customers’ property.
• Focused on customers: You know how to communicate clearly with customers, handle conflict, and make sure they’re satisfied at the end of a job.
You also need passion for the work. Just ask Andy Weins, founder of Camo Crew Responsible Junk Removal: “If you want to get into junk removal, go bang out 100 jobs and see if you still have the passion for it.” -
Yes, it can be a good idea to open a junk removal franchise (like Junk King or College HUNKS Hauling Junk). As a franchisee, you get a recognized brand and access to the company’s systems, processes, training, and support which can help you win clients and earn revenue faster.
However, buying into a franchise usually has a five-figure cost up front, so be prepared for that expense. It’s also an option to start your own business from the ground up. -
Your junk removal business startup cost will be at least $2,000+ (USD). This estimate includes costs like:
• Business license and registration ($75–$400 per year)
• Junk removal business insurance ($300+ per month)
• Junk removal software ($600+ per year)
• Branded uniform and boots ($50–$200)
• Junk removal equipment ($900–$2,950)
• DIY website and business cards ($150)
If you don’t already have a pickup truck, dumpster, or trailer, expect to spend another $6,000–$25,000. Your startup budget should also include commercial office space, utilities, digital advertising, employee wages, accountant’s fees, and vehicle use. -
Your junk removal business income could be up to $200,000 (USD) per year, assuming you charge at least $600 per truckload and transport five truckloads per week.
-
It definitely can be. Junk Teens Junk Removal is one example of a successful junk removal business. What started as two young men with a single pickup truck has grown into a thriving business, jumping from $120,000 to over $1 million in annual revenue. To become this profitable, you’ll need to manage labor, materials, and overhead costs responsibly.
Additionally, the amount of profit your junk removal company makes depends on your profit margin. You can use Jobber’s free Profit Margin Calculator to see how profitable your current pricing strategy is. Start with 15% profit on every job and gradually increase the percentage as you get more experience.
Remember, revenue is the total amount of money your business brings in before deductions, and profit is the amount your business gets to keep after deductions and expenses. That’s money you can reinvest in the business to help it grow. -
The average junk removal employee in the United States earns $36,442 per year, or $18/hour. As a junk removal business owner, you could make much more, especially if your salary is a percentage of gross income.
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Yes, you will most likely need a basic business license or registration before taking on jobs. The requirements vary based on your city and state, so check local licensing requirements to avoid fines. Depending on what you haul, you may also need:
• A waste hauler permit
• A transportation permit
• Special authorization for items like appliances, electronics, and chemicals
It’s also a good idea to carry business insurance, since customers and commercial clients will expect it. Be prepared for them to ask you about it. -
Yes, junk removal is a popular side hustle because you can start with a pickup truck, basic equipment, and a flexible schedule. You might begin by taking residential jobs on evenings or weekends, and finding customers through referrals, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor.
The biggest challenge is balancing your communication with customers, scheduling, and dump runs in addition to your full-time job. As the demand grows, it’s possible to turn it into a full-time business.