Welcome Back To Side Hustle Weekly!

I’m excited to share with you another great side hustle you can start today! Today we will be discussing how to start a bulk trash pickup business.

Ones Trash Is Another’s Treasure

Trash to Cash: How to Start a Bulk Garbage Pickup Business From Scratch

Get paid to haul what others don’t want—and turn junk removal into a fast-growing, high-income local business.

Every city has the same problem: too much stuff and not enough time. Old furniture, broken appliances, renovation debris, yard waste, and bulk trash pile up quickly—and most people don’t have trucks, trailers, or the desire to deal with it.

That’s where a bulk garbage pickup business comes in.

You provide a simple but essential service: you show up, haul away large amounts of trash or junk, and leave the space clean. The demand is constant, startup costs are relatively low, and once systems are in place, this business can scale into a $5K–$10K+ per month operation surprisingly fast.

Here’s how to start step by step.

Step 1: Understand the Bulk Garbage Pickup Business Model

This business is straightforward and powerful.

You charge customers to:

• Pick up bulk trash

• Remove old furniture

• Haul appliances

• Clear construction debris

• Clean out yards, garages, or rental properties

Customers include:

• Homeowners

• Renters

• Landlords

• Property managers

• Realtors

• Contractors

• Small businesses

Jobs typically range from $100 to $800+, depending on volume, weight, and difficulty. Many jobs take only 1–2 hours.

Step 2: Decide What You’ll Pick Up

You don’t need to haul everything on day one. Start simple.

Common bulk items:

• Mattresses and couches

• Old appliances

• Construction debris

• Yard waste

• Scrap metal

• Office furniture

• Storage unit clean-outs

As you grow, you can add specialty services like estate clean-outs, foreclosure cleanups, or renovation debris removal.

Step 3: Get the Right Vehicle (or Start Without One)

You don’t need a huge truck to begin.

Starter options:

• Pickup truck

• Cargo van

• SUV + utility trailer

Many beginners start by renting a trailer or truck for jobs and upgrade once cash flow is steady.

A basic trailer dramatically increases how much you can haul—and how much you can charge.

Step 4: Handle Legal Basics and Disposal

Before your first job, handle the basics:

• Register your business name

• Get general liability insurance

• Learn local disposal rules

• Identify nearby landfills, dumps, and recycling centers

• Understand dumping fees

Knowing disposal costs upfront ensures you price jobs profitably, not emotionally.

Step 5: Set Smart Pricing

Pricing should reflect:

• Volume of trash

• Weight

• Labor required

• Dumping fees

• Travel time

Common pricing models:

• Flat rate per load

• Price per cubic yard

• Minimum pickup fee

• Premium pricing for heavy items

Example:

• Small load: $150–$250

• Medium load: $300–$500

• Full trailer/truck: $600–$900+

Always factor dumping fees into your quote.

Step 6: Get Your First Customers Fast

Bulk garbage pickup is hyper-local—so market locally.

Proven ways to get clients:

• Facebook Marketplace listings

• Local Facebook groups

• Craigslist services section

• Nextdoor app

• Simple flyers in neighborhoods

• Realtor and property manager partnerships

Before-and-after photos build instant trust and drive bookings.

Step 7: Maximize Profit With Resale & Recycling

Here’s the hidden income boost: not everything is trash.

Many items can be:

• Sold online

• Donated for tax write-offs

• Scrapped for metal value

• Recycled for reduced dump fees

Common profit boosters:

• Scrap metal

• Tools

• Furniture

• Appliances

• Electronics

This extra income can add $500–$2,000+ per month without extra jobs.

Step 8: Create Packages and Recurring Clients

One-time jobs are good. Repeat clients are better.

Offer:

• Monthly property cleanups

• Rental turnover clean-outs

• Contractor debris hauling

• Apartment complex bulk pickup days

• HOA neighborhood cleanups

Recurring contracts stabilize income and reduce marketing effort.

Step 9: Automate Booking, Payments, and Scheduling

Even a simple service benefits from automation.

Use tools for:

• Online booking

• Digital invoices

• Card payments

• Appointment reminders

• Route planning

Automation makes your business look professional and lets you handle more jobs without chaos.

Step 10: Scale With Help

To reach $10K+/month, you can’t do everything alone.

Hire:

• One hauling assistant

• A driver/helper crew

• A virtual assistant for scheduling

• A part-time operations manager (later)

As volume grows, add a sales/outreach rep to contact:

• Realtors

• Property managers

• Contractors

• HOAs

• Businesses

Commission-based sales reps keep growth affordable and predictable.

Estimated Monthly Income Potential

Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Beginner Level

• 8–12 jobs/month

• Average $300 per job
  $2,500–$4,000/month

Growing Business

• 15–25 jobs/month

• Mix of residential & commercial
  $5,000–$10,000/month

Scaled Operation

• Multiple crews

• Recurring contracts
  $15,000–$30,000+/month

Margins improve as systems and routes optimize.

Products to Buy to Maximize Results

• Heavy-duty gloves

• Safety goggles

• Dollies and hand trucks

• Ratchet straps

• Tarps

• Utility trailer

• Truck bed liner

• Branded shirts or safety vests

• Smartphone mount and GPS

Websites & Software You May Need

• Scheduling & invoicing software

• Google Business Profile

• Facebook Marketplace

• Nextdoor

• Payment processor (Square, Stripe)

Requirements to Start

• Reliable transportation

• Physical ability (or hired help)

• Knowledge of disposal sites

• Liability insurance

• Willingness to work locally

• Basic customer service skills

Pros

• Very high demand

• Low barrier to entry

• Immediate cash flow

• Easy to scale with crews

• Minimal competition in many areas

• Flexible schedule

Cons

• Physical labor (until outsourced)

• Dumping fees must be managed

• Some jobs are messy

• Vehicle wear and tear

Summary: How to Start a Bulk Garbage Pickup Business

1. Choose bulk trash and junk services to offer.

2. Secure basic hauling equipment and insurance.

3. Price jobs based on volume, labor, and disposal fees.

4. Market locally using online platforms and partnerships.

5. Boost profits through resale and recycling.

6. Create recurring contracts for stable income.

7. Automate booking and payments.

8. Hire crews and a sales team to scale.

When built correctly, a bulk garbage pickup business becomes a reliable, scalable, and surprisingly profitable operation—turning unwanted junk into steady cash flow month after month.

That’s A Wrap

I hope you enjoyed today’s post and if you have any questions about the post, upcoming posts, how to advertise, or anything else, feel free to reply. See you next time with another money-making post, helping you boost your income!

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.