How to Start a Trash Bin Cleaning Business in 10 Simple Steps

When it comes to maintaining cleanliness around our homes or businesses, trash bins are often the first thing that comes to mind. While they hold the entirety of our waste, the importance of regularly cleaning them cannot be overstated. A clean trash bin helps prevent unpleasant odors and pest infestations and promotes a healthier environment. 

So, if you want to earn pleasant profits from this publicly considered unpleasant job, you’re on the right track to offering a much-needed service in your community.

The global cleaning services market was valued at a staggering USD 370.56 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% between 2023 and 2030. This reflects the tremendous demand for services that maintain cleanliness and hygiene. 

So, without further ado, let’s walk through this guide and learn the 10 easiest ways to start a profitable trash can cleaning business.

10 Simple Ways to Start a Trash Bin Cleaning Business

1. Market Research

Understanding the market’s need for your services will help you identify possible clients, evaluate competition, and locate potential customers. Here’s how you can get started:

Considering the general scenario, the washing trash cans business market shows the following figures. It says that: 

• The cleaning services market share in the United States is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2030.
• The report also states that rapid urbanization has impacted the cleaning services business favorably. 
• This prediction means that the total size of the cleaning services industry in the US will increase consistently by 6.2% every year for the next seven years.

Research the local market to gauge demand for trash bin cleaning services:

• Survey potential customers: Start by conducting surveys or interviews with potential customers in your service area. Ask them about their current trash bin cleaning habits and whether they would be interested in professional cleaning services. 
• Analyze local trends: Look for trends in your local area that might impact the demand for trash bin cleaning. For example, if there’s a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, customers might be more inclined to hire services that use eco-friendly cleaning agents.

You can consider checking Google Trends for this. 

The image you are seeing here is from Google Trends, where we checked whether people are seeking cleaning services for their trash cans. Here’s what we found. 

Google Trends shows that people started searching the query “trash can cleaning” on Google after 2020. 

This means that your business could gain traction in this area. The increase in searches for “trash can cleaning ” suggests that more people are becoming aware of the service and its benefits, particularly in the context of cleanliness and hygiene.

2. Identify Your Target Customers (e.g., Homeowners, Businesses, Municipalities):

• Segment your market: Divide your potential customer base into segments based on characteristics such as residential vs. commercial clients. Each segment may have different needs, pricing expectations, and marketing approaches.
• Create buyer personas: Understand each customer’s pain points, preferences, and motivations for seeking trash bin cleaning services.
• Assess local demographics: Analyze the demographics of your service area to identify which customer segments are most prominent.

3. Analyze Competitors to Understand Their Services, Pricing, and Customer Base:

• Competitor identification: Make a list of all existing trash bin cleaning businesses in your service area. This includes both direct competitors (those offering similar services) and indirect competitors (such as traditional cleaning services or waste management companies).
• Service offerings: Study your competitors’ service offerings in detail. What specific cleaning services do they provide? Do they offer additional services like sanitization, deodorization, or power washing?
• Pricing structure: Analyze the pricing structures of competitors. Are they charging based on bin size, frequency, or other factors? 
• Customer base: Research the types of customers your competitors serve. Do they primarily cater to homeowners, businesses, or municipalities?
• Online presence: Evaluate the online presence of your competitors. Check their websites, social media profiles, and customer reviews. 

4. Create a Comprehensive Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan serves as the blueprint for your trash bin cleaning business. It’s not just a document for securing financing; it’s a crucial tool that guides your business’s growth and success.

Here’s why a comprehensive trash can cleaning business plan is required:

• It helps you define your short-term and long-term goals. 
• Your plan should include a thorough analysis of the market, as discussed in Step 1. Understanding your market deeply informs your strategies and decisions.
• Outline how your new business will operate on a day-to-day basis. This includes details about equipment, staff, schedules, and service offerings.
• Specify how you’ll attract and retain customers. What marketing tools and channels will you use? How will you differentiate your cleaning trash can business from competitors?
• Create financial projections that estimate your revenue, expenses, and profits. 
• Identify potential risks and challenges your business may face, such as seasonality or competition. Developing contingency plans can mitigate these risks.
• If you plan to seek financing from investors or lenders, a well-structured business plan is essential. It demonstrates your commitment and seriousness as a business owner.

5. Legal Requirements and Business Setup

To ensure that your trash bin cleaning business operates legally and smoothly, you must take care of various legal requirements and set up your business correctly:

• Business structure: Decide on the legal structure of your business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation. Each has its advantages and implications for taxation and liability. Choose the one that best aligns with your business goals and needs.
• Business name registration: Selecting a memorable and unique business name that represents your brand is crucial. Check if your chosen name is available and register it with the appropriate government agency. 
• Licenses and permits: Research the specific licenses and permits required in your locality to operate a trash bin cleaning business legally. This may include a general business license, environmental permits for waste handling, and any other industry-specific permits.
• Tax Identification Number: Depending on your business structure, you may need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the IRS. This is essential for tax purposes and hiring employees.
• Business insurance: Protecting your trash can cleaning business from unexpected events is crucial. Consider obtaining liability insurance to cover accidents or damages that may occur during the cleaning process.
• Business bank account: Open a separate business bank account to keep your business finances separate from personal finances. This separation is essential for accurate financial tracking, tax reporting, and legal compliance.
• Environmental compliance: Depending on your region, there may be environmental regulations governing the handling and disposal of waste materials and cleaning agents. 
• Local zoning laws: Check local zoning laws and regulations to ensure that your business location is in compliance. Some areas may have restrictions on where certain types of businesses can operate.
• Employment regulations: If you plan to hire employees, familiarize yourself with labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and workplace safety regulations. 

6. Equipment and Supplies

You need to think carefully before purchasing trash bin cleaning equipment to ensure that you have the right equipment to meet business needs and offer high-quality services to your clients. Here’s what you need:

• High-pressure washer: Invest in a high-quality high-pressure washer, as it’s the primary tool for cleaning bins effectively.
• Cleaning agents: Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products that are safe for use in the waste management industry.
• Safety gear: Prioritize safety by providing your employees with appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
• Specialized vehicle: Your cleaning equipment should be transported in a vehicle specially equipped for bin cleaning. This vehicle should be easy to operate and large enough to accommodate your equipment.

Adequate equipment and supplies ensure that your cleaning services are efficient and effective, providing value to your customers.

7. Service Offerings and Pricing

Once you decide which service to offer, develop a detailed pricing structure that takes into account factors such as bin size, the number of bins cleaned, the frequency of service, and the level of cleaning required. 

Consider offering subscription packages that provide customers with regular, scheduled cleanings at a discounted rate. Or you can even go with a flat-based pricing structure. Here fees are charged for one or two bins, with an additional fee for each extra trash can.

8. Hiring Employees

When it comes to hiring for your service business, look for candidates who are dependable, meticulous, and have a positive attitude toward cleaning trash bins. To attract and retain talented employees, consider providing competitive compensation, perks, and career advancement chances.

What are the things to consider when hiring a reliable team of professionals?

• Define roles: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of your employees, including cleaners and drivers. Ensure everyone understands their job duties.
• Hiring process: Establish a structured hiring process, including creating job postings, conducting interviews, and checking references. 
• Training: Provide thorough training to your staff on safety protocols, cleaning techniques, and customer service. Properly trained employees are more efficient and capable of handling various situations.

Your employees are the face of your business, so investing in their training and well-being is a smart business move.

9. Marketing and Branding

Marketing and branding play a crucial role in establishing and growing your trash bin cleaning business.

What should a detailed marketing plan be like?

Here’s how to approach marketing plan and branding effectively:

• Your company logo and name are the foundation of your brand identity. Ensure they are memorable, reflect your business values, and are visually appealing.
• Have a strong online presence. 
• Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and social media. 
• Consider traditional methods like going door-to-door in neighborhoods, participating in local events, or attending community initiatives to enhance your visibility in the area.
• Depending on your budget, consider online advertising through platforms like Google Ads and social media ads. These can be highly targeted to reach your ideal customers.
• Build partnerships with other local businesses that can complement your services. Collaborate with waste management companies or cleaning product suppliers. 
• Attend networking events in your community to connect with potential customers and other professionals.
• Run promotions or special offers to attract new customers and encourage repeat business. Highlight these promotions on your website and in your marketing materials.

10. Excellent Customer Service

Exceptional customer service is a key differentiator for your business. Provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation in your community. Make sure you address customer inquiries and concerns promptly. Establish a feedback mechanism to gather input from customers. 

Use this feedback to continuously improve your services and address any issues. Building strong relationships with your customers can lead to long-term loyalty and business growth.

Did You Know?

One study by Harvard Business School points out that an increase of 5% in retention rate generates 25-95% in profits for your company.

Reasons Why Trash Bin Cleaning is a Profitable Venture

Before you make the plunge toward starting your own business in the industry, it is crucial to take into account a few significant aspects. So, let’s discuss the top reasons to start a dumpster cleaning business. 

• Cleaning trash cans is a new industry with a lot of growth potential in the years to come. Also, as the market expands, you can carve out a distinct niche, offer a higher standard of service, and develop a loyal clientele. 
• Flexible working hours are also one of the reasons to start a trash bin cleaning business. As a business owner, you have the freedom to manage your time and work and keep a healthy balance between work and life.
• Although there may be some businesses in the market offering similar services, this industry of cleaning garbage cans is new and still emerging. This means there is room for new players to enter the market. 
• The advantage of a dumpster cleaning business is that there are minimum startup costs. It does not require a physical storefront, an extensive inventory, or expensive equipment. 

Although establishing a business cleaning garbage cans has many advantages, you may find difficulties while running the business. Let’s look at it more closely, just as you would with a pool cleaning business.

What are the Challenges Typically Faced by Trash Bin Cleaning Businesses?

Unlike other businesses, trash cleaning also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some challenges bin cleaning owners should be aware of:

1. Waste disposal laws: Different states and municipalities have different laws and regulations for waste disposal and dumpster cleaning. So, failing to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties, leading to a financial burden. 
2. Maintenance of equipment: The equipment used in cleaning services is subject to wear and tear, which can affect the quality of cleaning services. Preparation of a maintenance plan for regular checks of equipment is necessary which can help identify the issues early on, thus reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
3. Health and safety risks: Bin cleaning jobs involve working with heavy equipment and chemicals. Hence, workers involved in this field are exposed to serious health problems and infections.  
4. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat can hinder the process of bin cleaning. The workers are also exposed to the risk of slip and fall accidents, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

How Upper Route Optimization Transforms Your Trash Bin Cleaning Business

If you’re running a trash bin cleaning business, you know that efficient routing can make or break your day. That’s where Upper comes in! Think of it as your secret weapon for planning the best routes for your cleaning crews, saving time, and cutting down on fuel costs. Let’s get into some of the fantastic features Upper offers to elevate your game:

1. Easy stop imports: Got a long list of stops? No problem! With Upper, you can quickly import multiple locations from CSV or Excel files. This is a lifesaver for businesses managing various sites—efficiency at its best!

“Upper’s Excel import feature is wonderful! I was able to import CSV files directly without any modifications, saving me hundreds of dollars in developer fees. I love the flexibility to use any file format, which makes my operations so much smoother. Highly recommended!”

— David (One of the Upper users)

2. Live driver tracking: Ever wonder where your crew is? With Upper’s live tracking, you can monitor your drivers in real time. This means you always know where your resources are and whether they’re sticking to the schedule.

Before we started using Upper, we often struggled to know if our drivers had completed furniture deliveries. With Upper’s live driver tracking software, I can monitor everything in real time. It’s made a huge difference in our operations. Thank you, Upper!”

— Derek Neill

3. Accurate ETAs: Your customers will appreciate knowing when to expect you. Upper helps you provide estimated arrival times through customizable and automated text messages, reducing uncertainties and enhancing their experience.

The reports on the internet reveal that 83% of consumers want an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA) for their orders.

4. Dynamic scheduling: Planning ahead? Upper makes it easy to organize routes in advance, ensuring your team is always at peak productivity. Not just this, you can effortlessly adjust routes on the fly for unexpected situations or last-minute orders, ensuring seamless operations.

Capabilities of Upper’s dynamic scheduling:

• Set up recurring stops for efficient and streamlined deliveries every time.
• Easily fine-tune schedules by dragging and dropping routes for maximum efficiency.
• Streamline the management of multiple drivers and routes for unmatched operational efficiency.
• Instantly respond to emergencies or last-minute requests to maintain smooth operations.

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5. Curbside delivery made easy: Say goodbye to confusion! With Upper’s curbside delivery feature, you can clearly define where customers should place their bins for cleaning. This minimizes hassles and ensures quick access for your crew.

Interested in optimizing your curbside operations? Don’t miss our thorough exploration of the latest software solutions!

6. GPS and Navigation Integration: No more guessing! Upper integrates seamlessly with GPS devices and navigation apps, guiding your drivers along the most efficient paths.

Upper offers multiple navigation options (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, Yandex, Sygic, and Maps. me, including its built-in navigation feature.

Upper’s in-app navigation benefits users in multiple ways:

• For starters, it ensures seamless route planning with real-time updates, helping your team navigate efficiently. 
• Plus, it reduces reliance on external apps, streamlining your workflow. 
• With Upper, you can enjoy enhanced accuracy and optimized routes, all in one convenient platform.

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7. Proof of delivery: Keep things professional with features that allow you to capture proof of delivery through photos, notes, and e-signatures. This not only boosts accountability but also enhances customer satisfaction.

8. Insights and analytics: Want to improve your operations? Upper provides comprehensive reporting and analytics, giving you the insights you need to assess route performance and make informed decisions.

What are the Potential Earnings for a Trash Bin Cleaning Business?

Trash bin cleaning services present a lucrative opportunity for business owners looking for a specific customer base. The expected income from this business is promising but will vary depending on the location and frequency of cleaning. 

The potential earnings can be classified based on the following services:

• One-time cleaning: Pricing between $20 and $30 per can
• Monthly cleaning: Prices ranging from $8 to $12 per can
• Bi-monthly cleaning: The cleaning service is offered every 2 months, with prices ranging from $12 to $15 per can
• Quarterly cleaning: The cleaning service is offered every 3 months, with prices ranging from $20 to $25 per can
• Dumpster cleaning: The cleaning service is offered for large trash containers, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 per can

Thus, the total earnings for the trash bin cleaning business will depend on how many trash cans and dumpsters you clean daily. However, the average hourly pay for a trash bin cleaner in the United States is $14.80 an hour as of December 2023. With somewhat low startup costs and an open market, exploring the potential earnings in trash bin cleaning can be a rewarding venture.

Conclusion

Referring to the business launching process, it is very obvious that one of the most lucrative options for entrepreneurs is a trash can cleaning service. But for it to thrive, proper organization and planning are still needed. Otherwise, difficult jobs like manual route planning will increase your workload. Luckily, Upper has sorted out the routing chaos. Similarly, if you’re considering starting a dry cleaning business, efficient planning and optimized routes are crucial for pickup and delivery services, ensuring your business runs smoothly and meets customer expectations.

You no longer need to spend hours figuring out the best routes to the client’s location to offer cleaning services. Using Upper, you can simply plan and optimize multi-stop routes in minutes and assign them to your cleaning professionals, saving you hours of precious time. So, sign up for the 7 days free trial today and experience the seamless routing process.