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

Starting a trash can cleaning business but not sure how to go about it? 

Well, you are not alone in this boat.

Many assume this venture is demanding, labour-intensive, and doesn’t even generate good returns, but let us tell you otherwise. Not only it is a profitable opportunity, but also pretty easy to start with a minimal capital investment. 

You just need to know and follow a few simple things (which we have mentioned in this blog), and voila! You are all set to begin your journey.

Ready to make sustainable returns — literally and financially? Let’s dig deep into it.

How to Start Your Own Trash Bin Cleaning Services in 10 Easy Steps?

“Anyone have any tips on starting a trash can cleaning business?” 

Just like this Reddit User, if you are wondering the same question, these 10 pointers will give you all the details you need to start your venture from scratch and achieve prominent growth. 

Let’s explore each of them, shall we?

1. Target Market Research

The first step is to conduct comprehensive market research. By that, we not only mean understanding the overall market size but also the demand for the service in your neighborhood.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors you need to focus on: 

Study the market:

• Market.us showcased US Trash Cans and Wastebasket Market are estimated to generate USD 608.0 million by 2033. This is significantly higher than the USD 391.5 million in 2023.

These numbers signify two factors:

1. The growing demand is contributed by homeowners and businesses as they prioritize health and hygiene, and seek solutions for such concerning issues.
2. The market will continue to flourish even in the future and yield solid gains due to the low competition and considerable requirement of the service.

Go local:

• 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 2023. 

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):

• Assess local demographics: Analyze the people living in your service area, including their age, income, and whether they own a property or are on rent, to determine which customer segments are most prominent and need your services.
• 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 to create detailed buyer personas.

Here’s an example of a buyer persona:

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

• Competitor identification: Make a list of existing trash bin cleaning businesses in your service area (You can find them on Google, Facebook groups, or local business directories). This includes direct competitors (those offering similar services) and indirect competitors (such as pressure washing companies, house cleaning companies, or waste management companies).
• Service offerings: Study your competitors in detail, including what specific cleaning services they provide and if 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 digital presence of your competitors. Check their websites, social media profiles, and customer reviews to monitor their growth and how they market their offerings.

4. Create a Comprehensive Business Plan

A comprehensive 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 detailed 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 the first point. Understanding the market deeply backs up 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 concerns.
• If you plan to seek finances 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 certain 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 relevant 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, vehicle & transport permits, and 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 Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is important for tax purposes and hiring employees.
• Business insurance: Protecting your trash can cleaning business from unexpected events is fundamental. Consider obtaining liability insurance to cover unwanted damages that may occur during the cleaning process.
• Business bank account: Open a new bank account to keep your business finances separate from your personal ones. This segregation is vital to accurately track your expenses, 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. Reach out to the environmental department to learn about guidelines and adhere to them to avoid potential issues and penalties. 
• Local zoning laws: Check local zoning laws to ensure that your business location is in compliance. Some areas may have restrictions for the operation of certain businesses. 
• Employment regulations: If you plan to hire employees, familiarize yourself with labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime costs, and workplace safety regulations. Cross-check employees’ work authorization and payroll tax registration. 

Essential Tip: Hiring a professional and experienced attorney is recommended to ease your legal journey. 

6. Right Equipment and Supplies

Think carefully before purchasing trash bin cleaning equipment. This will ensure you choose the right equipment and supplies that meet your business needs and offer high-quality services to your clients. 

Here’s what you need:

Trash can cleaning equipment:

• High-pressure washer: Invest in a top-quality high-pressure washer, as it’s the primary tool for cleaning bins effectively.
• Water tank: Get 200-500 gallons of tanks (depending on your requirement) that can go on-site and supply clean water to wash the bins. Ensure it can be easily mounted to the garbage collecting trailer or truck.
• Vacuum or water recovery system: This advanced system prevents wastewater from going down the storm drains. There are also some systems that filter dirty water for reuse. Generally, this system is only required if the local laws state its demand.
• Cleaning agents: Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products that are safe for use in the waste management industry.

Transportation:

• 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.

Safety & personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Safety gear: Prioritize safety by providing your employees with appropriate protective gear, including gloves, goggles, rubber boots, waterproof aprons, and hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs. 

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

Here’s an estimated cost of equipment and supplies

7. Service Offerings and Pricing

Once you decide which service to offer, develop an elaborate 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. You can also go with a flat-based pricing structure.

Example of rate card

8. Hiring Employees

When hiring for your business, look for candidates who are dependable, meticulous, and have a positive attitude toward cleaning trash bins. To attract and retain talented resources, consider offering competitive compensation, perks, and career advancement opportunities.

Here’s what you need to take care of when hiring a reliable team of professionals:

• Define roles: Specify the roles and responsibilities of your employees, including cleaners and drivers. Ensure that no one is confused about their job duties. 
• Hiring process: Establish a structured hiring process, including the creation of job postings, conducting interviews, and checking references. Hiring employees on your own can be daunting and time-consuming. This is why we recommended hiring an experienced HR or partner from a trusted and renowned consultancy. 
• 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.

But what does a detailed marketing plan look like?

Below is the answer: 

• 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 channels.
• Consider tried and tested methods like going door-to-door in neighborhoods and participating in local events. You can also attend community initiatives to enhance your visibility in the area and reach out to potential customers and industry professionals.
• Depending on your budget, consider running online ads on Google, Facebook, and social media. These platforms will not only help you connect with a wide range of audiences but also generate results in a short period.
• Build partnerships with local businesses that can complement your services. Collaborate with waste management companies or cleaning product suppliers.
• Run promotions or special offers to attract new customers and encourage repeat business. Highlight these promotions on your website and in your marketing materials, such as social media, emails, brochures, and flyers. 

10. Exceptional Customer Service

Excellent customer service is a key differentiator for your business. Provide impeccable 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?

• 85% of customers are willing to go out of their way to do business with a company that has better service.
• HubSpot Research says that 93% of customers are likely to make repeat purchases with companies that offer excellent customer service.
• 83% of customers agree that they feel more loyal to brands that respond and resolve their complaints — A study by Khoros. 

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

The potential earnings for trash bin cleaning services are $14.80 per hour as of March 2025. This presents a lucrative opportunity for business owners seeking a specific target market however the rate may vary depending on the bin’s location, size, and dirtiness of the bin, and the frequency of cleaning.

Now that you know almost everything about starting a trash can cleaning business, the next big question is how you can optimize it.

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.

While running a trash bin cleaning business comes with its set of challenges, optimizing it remains a never-ending challenge, especially if you are doing it manually. 

Enter: Upper.

Think of Upper as your secret weapon for planning the best routes for your cleaning crews, saving time, and cutting down on fuel costs.

And this doesn’t end here.

It has a range of fantastic features that not only streamline operations but also enhance customer experience. 

Ready to know more about Upper? Let’s go. 

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.

2. Route optimization

Experiencing lower productivity, higher fuel costs, or loss of business? It’s time you change your ways — literally! 

With Upper, you can create routes in seconds. Just assign the drivers, set locations, and prioritize stops, and our comprehensive platform will do the rest for you, ensuring seamless deliveries. 

3. Team management and task assignment

Missed stops, paper-based schedules, and messy spreadsheets — what’s that? Manage your team and seamlessly divide their work by route or priority with Upper. 

And the best part? No calls or texts to coordinate with drivers. 

Assign them the tasks,  and they will be notified on their mobile app. 

4. Live driver tracking

Is your crew on schedule or running behind? Find out with Upper!

With the live tracking feature, you can track your drivers in real-time. This means you always know where your resources are and whether they’re sticking to the schedule.

5. Client communication

Trust us, your customers would want to know when to expect you. This is when Upper comes into the picture.

It helps you provide estimated arrival times through customizable and automated text messages, reducing uncertainties and enhancing their experience.

Interesting Fact: 83% of consumers want an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA) for their orders.

6. Proof of service

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.

heck out this video as Jacob Turner Steele talks about our Proof of Service Feature

7. Live route modifications

Need to add a last-minute stop or reroute a cleaner due to traffic or equipment failure? Let Upper do that for you! Whether you are out managing your other business or relaxing at your home, map routes anytime and from anywhere with a few taps.

Capabilities of Upper’s live route modifications:

• 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.

8. Curbside delivery

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.

9. Mobile app

From route optimization to tracking your drivers and everything in between, Upper Delivery Route Planner allows you to keep your operations moving, even outside the office.

Conclusion

By now, you would have understood that the trash can cleaning business does not just involve scrubbing and washing bins and generating profits. You have to invest in the right equipment and supplies, focus on marketing your offerings, provide quality services, and adhere to legal requirements. 

With extensive research, thoughtful planning, and seamless execution, you will be operating a successful and scalable venture.