How to Start a Lucrative Trash Can Cleaning Business in 2024
Tired of the 9-to-5 grind?
Why not dive into the world of entrepreneurship with a business that’s literally cleaning up!
Starting a trash can cleaning business might not sound glamorous, but it’s a goldmine waiting to be tapped. Did you know that the average household trash can contains over 411 types of bacteria?
Yuck!
I’ve had a trash can cleaning business since 2002, and know all there is to know about how to make money cleaning trash cans. You’ll need to check out the competition in your area to see if there’s room for you. You might also be wondering how much does it cost to start a trash can cleaning business.
Understanding the Trash Can Cleaning Industry
Who knew that something as mundane as garbage could lead to a thriving business opportunity?
Trust me, I didn’t either until I stumbled into this industry after taking voluntary redundancy from the aerospace industry back in 2002.
The irony is, I’d had a trash can cleaner cleaning my trash cans since 1993, I was a manager in aerospace and almost looked down on this guy each time I’d ever watched him, or paid him the measly £2 he used to charge back then for cleaning our general waste can.
It was only after our company had gone through 7 months of weekly lay-offs after 9/11 that I knew I had to look for another career.
And just like that, my journey into the trash can cleaning industry began. I was just looking for a cash-flowing business that could be started for a minimum investment.
When I did the calculations, it dawned on my that the guy cleaning our trash cans was earning a lot more than me in my high profile middle management role.
Boy, did I feel dumb!
Overview of the market demand for trash can cleaning services
Let me tell you, the demand for this service is surprisingly high. Think about it – everyone has trash cans, and nobody wants to clean them.
It’s one of those necessary evils that people are more than happy to outsource. I’ve seen the market grow steadily over the past few years, especially in suburban areas where homeowners association rules often require clean bins.
And don’t even get me started on commercial properties – restaurants, cafes, schools, and offices are goldmines for this kind of service.
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so great about starting a trash can cleaning business?”
Benefits of starting a trash can cleaning business
Well, let me break it down for you. First off, the startup costs are relatively low. You don’t need a fancy office or a ton of employees to get started. Heck, I began with just a pressure washer, some cleaning solutions, and my trusty old pickup truck.
Another major plus is the recurring revenue. Once you snag a customer, they’re likely to stick with you for the long haul. I mean, trash doesn’t stop accumulating, right?
And let’s not forget the flexibility. You can schedule your cleanings around other commitments, making it a great side hustle or full-time gig, depending on your goals.
But here’s the kicker – it’s eco-friendly. By providing this service, you’re helping reduce water waste and keeping harmful chemicals out of the environment.
It’s a win-win situation that’ll make you feel good about your work.
Of course, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. There are some challenges you’ll need to overcome.
Potential challenges and how to overcome them
For starters, the smell. Oh boy, the smell.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone home reeking of garbage. I remember when I first started how I’d come home after a day’s cleaning and my wife and children directing me to the washing machine as soon as I opened the front door.
But you know what?
You get used to it. And investing in good quality cleaning products and protective gear goes a long way.
I invested in a nice uniform with the logo on, just a polo shirt and combat style trousers, but it put me in front of the competition in terms of appearance and professionality.
Buy 5 pairs, as they’ll be getting washed a lot at first because you will be doing a lot of ‘first cleans’ which have a lot more grime and smells than when you are just maintaining the trash cans on future washes.
Another hurdle is educating potential customers about the importance of clean bins. Some folks don’t realize how quickly bacteria and pests can build up in dirty trash cans.
I’ve found that offering free demonstrations can be a game-changer. Once people see (and smell) the difference, they’re usually sold.
Competition can also be tough, especially if you’re in a larger market. To stand out, I’ve focused on providing top-notch customer service and using eco-friendly cleaning methods.
It’s amazing how far a friendly attitude and a commitment to sustainability can take you in this business.
One thing I wish I’d known from the start is the importance of proper waste disposal. You can’t just dump all that dirty water anywhere.
I learned that lesson the hard way after a run-in with local environmental regulations. Now, I make sure to dispose of wastewater properly and use biodegradable cleaning products whenever possible.
Despite the challenges, I gotta say, starting a trash can cleaning business has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest work that provides a valuable service to the community.
Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about transforming a grimy, smelly bin into a clean, fresh-smelling one.
So, if you’re considering jumping into this industry, I say go for it.
Just be prepared for some dirty work, invest in good equipment, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your marketing. Who knows? You might just clean up in more ways than one.
Essential Equipment and Supplies
Let’s talk about the nuts and bolts of trash can cleaning – the gear that’ll make or break your business. I’ve learned the hard way that skimping on equipment is a recipe for disaster.
Trust me, you don’t want to be elbow-deep in grime with a subpar pressure washer.
Pressure washers and their specifications
First up, pressure washers. These babies are the workhorses of our industry. When I started out, I thought any old pressure washer would do the trick. Boy, was I wrong.
After burning through two cheap models in my first 3 months, I bit the bullet and invested in a commercial-grade unit. Look for something with at least 2500 PSI and 3-4 GPM (that’s gallons per minute for the newbies).
I personally swear by gas-powered pressure washers for their mobility, but electric ones can work if you’re always near an outlet.
I did look into having an electric one running off batteries in the van, but the more I looked into, there seemed more things that could potentially go wrong.
And in this game, every lost revenue is difficult to claw back because people start filling their trash cans again soon after collection.
Get a washer with adjustable pressure settings. Some customers buy decorative numbers for their bin, and you don’t want to be that guy who blasted Mrs. Johnson’s fancy new numbers on the trash can down the street.
Been there, done that, got the angry phone call.
Cleaning solutions and disinfectants
Moving on to cleaning solutions – this is where the magic happens. You’ll need a good degreaser, a disinfectant, and maybe a deodorizer if you’re feeling fancy.
I started with generic cleaners, but quickly realized that eco-friendly options were the way to go.
Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re also a great selling point for environmentally conscious customers.
Don’t forget about disinfectants. In this post-pandemic world, people are more concerned about germs than ever.
I use a quaternary ammonium compound (yeah, it’s a mouthful) that’s effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses. Just make sure whatever you choose is EPA-registered.
Vehicle requirements (e.g., truck or van with water tank)
Now, let’s talk about your mobile office – your vehicle. You’re gonna need something that can haul a water tank, your pressure washer, and all your supplies. I started with my old pickup truck, but quickly realized a van was more practical.
It keeps everything dry and secure, plus it’s great for advertising. Look for something with at least a 200-gallon water tank. And here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: make sure your vehicle can handle the weight of a full water tank.
I once had to call a tow truck because I overloaded my suspension. Not my proudest moment.
Safety Gear
Last but definitely not least, safety gear.
This ain’t no joke, folks. You’re dealing with dirty water, chemicals, and high-pressure equipment.
At the bare minimum, you’ll need waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection. I also recommend a good respirator, especially for those extra stinky jobs. And don’t forget about ear protection – those pressure washers can be loud!
Oh, and here’s something I wish someone had told me early on: invest in some good rain gear. You’ll be working outdoors in all kinds of weather, and there’s nothing worse than being soaked to the bone while trying to clean someone else’s trash.
One last thing – don’t forget about maintenance supplies for your equipment. Keep spare nozzles, O-rings, and hoses on hand. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to cancel jobs because your gear broke down and you don’t have the parts to fix it.
Remember, any equipment you buy is an investment into your business. Of course, it might hurt to shell out the cash up front, but trust me, quality gear will pay for itself in the long run. It’ll make your job easier, your results better, and your customers happier. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about in this biz.
Developing Your Business Plan
I remember when I first started out, I thought I could wing it without a solid plan. Big mistake.
Trust me, a little planning goes a long way in this business.
Defining your target market and service area
First things first, you’ve got to figure out who you’re going to serve. When I started, I tried to be everything to everyone. Literally, anyone with a heartbeat was a potential customer for me.
What you’ll find is, every household has a trash can, and you can’t clean them all.
So, it pays to be picky when choosing your target market.
When I first started out I used traditional marketing methods like cold door to door canvassing as the ‘go-to’ customer acquisition strategy.
The problem with ‘interruption marketing’ is:-
1. You get demoralised with a low conversion rate.
2. People aren’t looking for your service, so won’t value it long term, which leads to…
3. High attrition rate (people cancelling).
For the first 10 years or more, I got this wrong, just doing more of the same expecting different results.
I learned it’s better to focus on a specific target demographic for your market. For me, it was working people in nicer neighborhoods who:-
1. Search for you,
2. Value your service, so stay a customer for longer, and…
3. Pay up front by DD or automated payment system,
But here’s the thing – your target market might be different.
Maybe you wanna focus on restaurants or schools. Whatever you choose, make sure there’s enough demand in your area. I once expanded into a neighborhood that already had a established trash can cleaner.
Let’s just say it wasn’t my brightest moment.
Setting competitive pricing strategies
Now, let’s talk pricing. This is where a lot of newbies trip up. I know I did. At first, I priced my services way too low, thinking I’d attract more customers.
Sure, I got busy, but I was barely breaking even. Don’t make the same mistake. Research what others in your area are charging and price yourself competitively.
Remember, you’re providing a valuable service – don’t sell yourself short!
I found that offering different packages worked well. Like a basic clean, a deep clean, and maybe a premium package with extra services. It gives customers options and can boost your average sale price.
Ask yourself this question. “What else could I offer to make my service feel more premium to the customer and they would have no problem paying more.
For me it was putting a bin liner in the bin after cleaning and taking the trash can back up the driveway and leaving it by the gate or garage, where our competition used to clean it and leave it on the sidewalk.
Little touches can mean a lot.
Creating a marketing and advertising plan
Marketing is crucial.
You can have the best service in the world, but if no one knows about it, you’re outta luck.
I started with good old-fashioned flyers and door-to-door introductions like I said earlier. It was tough at first, but it helped me build those initial relationships.
These days, you can’t ignore online marketing. How do you search for anything these days?
You put your hand in your pocket and pull out your cell phone, and you do an online search. This is how you get in front of your target market.
A simple website and some social media presence can work wonders. I’ve had great success with before-and-after photos on Facebook. People love seeing those transformations!
Don’t forget about partnerships either. I teamed up with a local real estate agency to offer cleaning services for homes going on the market. It’s been a great source of steady business.
Financial projections and startup costs
Now, let’s talk money.
You need to crunch those numbers and make some financial projections.
- How many bins can you realistically clean in a day?
- What are your operating costs?
- How long will it take to break even?
These aren’t just questions for some fancy business plan – they’re crucial for your success.
When I started, I underestimated my startup costs. I forgot about things like insurance, permits, and marketing materials.
Don’t make the same mistake. Factor in everything – your equipment, vehicle, cleaning supplies, and don’t forget about a buffer for unexpected expenses.
One thing I wish I’d done earlier was to set aside money for taxes. Trust me, Uncle Sam always comes knocking, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Set up several bank accounts. This is easy now with online banking, have one for profit, yes, Pay Yourself First!
Have one for taxes, one for expenses, one for long term growth items that you can save for.
When you see different accounts growing, it makes it easier to deal with the odd bad day that inevitably happens.
And by setting the right customers up (target market) on the right payment plans (DD’s), you will have consistency of income every month.
It took me 10 years of being at the back of the line when it came to getting paid, to put these things in place.
Don’t make the same mistakes as me!
Remember, your business plan isn’t set in stone.
Mine has evolved over the years as I’ve learned and grown. But having that initial roadmap…
It’s invaluable.
It’ll help you stay focused, make informed decisions, and adapt when things don’t go as planned (and trust me, they won’t always go as planned).
So take the time to develop a solid plan.
It might seem like a pain now, but future you will thank you for it.
And who knows…
With a good plan and a little elbow grease, you might just clean up in this industry. Pun absolutely intended!
Legal Requirements and Licensing
I’m sorry, but there’s no way I can leave out the boring legal stuff, haha.
Let me tell you about the legal side of the trash can cleaning business.
One thing I must point out up front is I am not a legal professional, so please seek out all the advice and guidelines that will be applicable for your area. Anything I write below in this section is purely my own experience.
When I first started out in 2002, I’d been watching (and paying) a guy who had just grabbed a pressure washer and started spraying since 1993.
Was I in for a rude awakening when I started!
Things had moved on, more regulation, more permits and the like were required.
First things first, you gotta register your business. I remember sitting at my kitchen table, scratching my head over whether to be an LLC, sole proprietorship, or something else entirely.
I ended up starting as a sole proprietor before going with an LLC for the liability protection a couple of years later.
Registering your business entity
Trust me, when you’re dealing with other people’s property (and potentially slippery situations), and you start adding staff members into the equation, you want that extra layer of protection.
Now, don’t make the same mistake I did and think you can skip the permits and licenses. I operated for a few months “under the radar” until a nosy garbage collector (bin man in the UK) reported me.
That was not a fun conversation with the local authorities, let me tell you.
Obtaining necessary permits and licenses
Depending on where you’re operating, you might need a general business license, a special service license, or both. And don’t forget about a sales tax permit if your state requires it.
One permit I totally overlooked at first was a wastewater discharge permit. Turns out, you can’t just let all that dirty water run into storm drains.
Who knew, right?
Well, the EPA knew, and they weren’t too happy with me. Now I make sure to dispose of wastewater properly and have all the necessary permits.
Insurance considerations for your trash can cleaning business
Insurance is another biggie. When I started, I thought my personal auto insurance would cover my work vehicle.
Wrong again!
You need commercial auto insurance if you’re using your vehicle for business. And don’t skimp on general liability insurance either.
I remember hearing a quote years ago that has served me well in several scenarios.
“Pay the premium and cry only once.”
This has served me well when it comes to insurances, regulations and even hiring ‘A-player’ employees.
You might baulk at the premium on day 1 but will thank yourself down the road when it has served you well!
I learned that lesson the hard way when a staff member accidentally damaged a customer’s car on the driveway when taking the trash can back. That could’ve been a financial disaster without proper coverage.
I even had to give a yea’s free cleaning to the customer just to keep him sweet and avoid any negative feedback.
Your reputation is key in this business, just like any other I suppose.
Oh, and if you’re planning on hiring help down the line, don’t forget about workers’ comp insurance. It’s required in most states, and trust me, you don’t want to mess around with that.
Environmental regulations and waste disposal guidelines
We also need to discuss environmental regulations. This is where things can get really tricky. Different areas have different rules about wastewater disposal, chemical usage, and noise pollution.
I once got a citation for using a pressure washer too early in the morning. I didn’t even know that was a thing!
You’ll need to familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal environmental guidelines. The EPA has some pretty strict rules about wastewater management.
I invested in a water reclamation system to filter and reuse water. It was expensive upfront, but it’s saved me a ton of headaches (and fines) in the long run.
And here’s something I wish someone had told me early on: keep meticulous records. Document everything – your licenses, permits, insurance policies, employee records (if you have any), and especially your waste disposal practices.
If you ever get audited or inspected, you’ll be glad you have all that paperwork in order.
One last thing – don’t forget about taxes.
As a business owner, you’ll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. I learned that one the hard way come tax season my first year. Nearly gave myself a heart attack when I saw how much I owed!
Remember that tip I gave earlier about several bank accounts?
If you overestimate how much your taxes will be, you’ll have a nice surprise at tax end rather than pain in the pit of your stomach…
Now, I know all this legal stuff can seem overwhelming.
Believe me, there were times I thought about throwing in the towel because of all the red tape. But here’s the thing – once you get it all sorted out, it actually gives you peace of mind.
You can focus on growing your business without worrying about getting shut down over some technicality.
Plus, being fully licensed and insured is a great selling point. Customers appreciate knowing they’re dealing with a legit operation.
You could even display licenses and insurance info on your website and work van. It shows you’re professional and trustworthy.
Remember, the specific requirements can vary depending on your location and the scale of your operation.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a local business attorney or your chamber of commerce to make sure you’re covering all your bases.
Yeah, dealing with all the legal requirements can be a pain in the rear.
But it’s just part of the job when you’re running your own show. And hey, once you’ve got it all sorted, you can stand tall and proud, knowing you’re running a legit, above-board operation.
That’s worth something in this business, let me tell you!
Building Your Customer Base
Alright, let’s lift the mood and get into talking about the lifeblood of any trash can cleaning business – customers.
I love this part, it’s what gets me up in the morning…
How can I compete?, how can I win?
Building a solid customer base is like trying to get gum off the bottom of a trash can – it takes effort, but it’s totally worth it in the end.
When I first started out, I figured people would just flock to my amazing service. Boy, was I wrong!
Marketing strategies for attracting residential clients
I quickly learned that marketing is key, especially for residential clients.
I’ve already talked about one strategy that worked wonders for me in the beginning, old-fashioned door-to-door. Yeah, I know it sounds old school, but let me tell you, nothing beats a face-to-face introduction.
I’d go around neighborhoods, armed with flyers and my winning smile (okay, maybe it was more of a nervous grimace at first).
Timing is everything. There’s 2 shools of thought on door-to-door canvassing for our business.
1. I found that hitting up neighborhoods right after trash day was perfect. People had just dealt with their smelly bins and were more receptive to the idea of a cleaning service.
The downside is you have to wait until the next collection day to start and get paid.
Plus, I could point out any particularly stinky bins as I walked by. Talk about perfect timing!.
2. A day or 2 before collection day, the smell is not ‘top of mind’ for our potential customer, but the return on investment of your time is quicker.
If your situation dictates you are going to do door to door, take into consideration my previous points about payments and ‘customer demographics’.
Approaching commercial businesses and property managers
Now, let’s chat about commercial clients. These guys can be a goldmine, but they’re a whole different ball game.
Property managers and business owners are busy people – they don’t have time for a long sales pitch. I learned to keep it short, sweet, and focused on their bottom line.
I now have an automated system in place that educates them on a drip system to warm them up over time.
How can my service save them time, money, or headaches?
Implementing a referral program
One tactic that worked well was offering a free trial cleaning for a single bin. Once they saw (and smelled) the difference, they were usually hooked. Just be prepared to put in some extra elbow grease for these trial runs – first impressions matter!
Referral programs are like finding a five-dollar bill in your pants pocket – always a pleasant surprise. I started offering discounts or free cleans to customers who referred new clients.
It was slow going at first, but once it picked up steam, it became one of my best sources of new business. People trust recommendations from friends and family way more than they trust some random flyer.
Leveraging social media and online platforms
I want to talk about the importance of embracing the digital world. When I first started, my idea of social media was shouting out my window.
But trust me, this old dog learned some new tricks.
Setting up my website to attract people searching for ‘trash can cleaning’ is probably the biggest reason for my success.
I was ahead of my competition when it came to this, so I could get some traction early on. Later came a Facebook page and I started posting before-and-after pictures of my cleanings.
People love a good transformation story, and nothing’s more transformative than a sparkling clean trash can!
I also jumped on the review bandwagon. I encouraged satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and Yelp. It was scary at first – what if someone left a bad review?
But I found that addressing any issues head-on actually improved my reputation. People appreciate honesty and good customer service.
Set up an email as part of your nurturing and follow up system that ask people to leave a review.
Customers will go blank when thinking about what to write, so give them some prompts to help them:-
1. What was the reason you took up our service?
2. What has been your experience since using us?
3. What do you like best about our service?
PRO TIP:
Start your email by asking if they have any issue with your service you want to know about it so you can put it right. Ask them to reply to you directly with their concern.
And if they like your service and have no concerns, would they mind leaving a review to help relieve other potential customers concerns about using you.
Oh, and don’t forget about local online forums and community groups. I joined a few neighborhood Facebook groups and would chime in whenever someone complained about smelly bins or asked for service recommendations.
Just be careful not to come across as too salesy – nobody likes a spammer.
One thing I wish I’d done earlier was create a simple website. Nothing fancy, just a place where people could learn about my services and book online.
It’s amazing how many people prefer to book services at 2a.m. in their pajamas rather than picking up the phone.
Here’s a little secret – partnerships can be gold. I teamed up with a local real estate agent to offer bin cleaning services for homes that were about to go on the market.
It was a win-win – the homes looked (and smelled) better, and I got a steady stream of new clients..
Remember, building your customer base isn’t a one-and-done deal.
It’s an ongoing process. You gotta keep at it, even when business is good. I made the mistake of slacking off on marketing when I got busy, and boy did I regret it when things slowed down.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned customer service. In this business, word travels fast.
One happy customer can lead to a whole neighborhood of new clients. So always go the extra mile, even if it means re-cleaning a bin that didn’t pass muster the first time.
Building a customer base can feel like an uphill battle sometimes, but stick with it. Before you know it, you’ll be the ‘go-to trash can cleaner’ in your area.
And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving down a street and seeing a whole row of clean bins that you’ve worked on. It’s enough to bring a tear to this old cleaner’s eye… or maybe that’s just the smell of success!
Streamlining Your Operations
Next, we have to get into the nitty-gritty of running a smooth trash can cleaning operation.
Trust me, when I first started, I was about as streamlined as a garbage truck stuck in rush hour traffic. But over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks that’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
Creating efficient cleaning processes and routines
First up, let’s talk about creating efficient cleaning processes. When I started, I was all over the place, literally. I’d be running back and forth to my truck, forgetting tools, wasting time. It was a mess.
So, I developed a routine.
Everything starts as I get back from the end of the shift.
As I’m tanking up the van with the fresh water for tomorrow, I have a list of all the consumables that need to be replenished.
Ensuring you have sufficient water for the day, or strategically planning top-ups if required. No more stopping to refill or dump water every few houses. And let me tell you, that saved me hours each day.
There’s no worst feeling than driving an hour and many miles to your cleaning area to find that you’ve nearly ran out of something and won’t have enough for the day.
I wish this had only happened once or twice, call me slow!
Now, after many a pity party, I’ve got my process down pat.
Even with the cleaning, I start with a quick pre-rinse, apply the cleaning solution, let it sit for a bit (that’s when I set up for the next bin), then go in for the deep clean.
It’s like a well-choreographed dance… if that dance involved soap suds and garbage juice.
Scheduling and route optimization
Now, onto scheduling and route optimization. Oh boy, did I learn this one the hard way. I used to zig-zag all over town like a drunk bumblebee. Gas costs were through the roof, and I was wasting so much time.
These days, I plan my routes carefully. I use a simple app to map out the most efficient path. It’s not perfect – sometimes a last-minute booking throws a wrench in things – but it’s way better than my old system of “drive until you see a dirty bin.”
Understand the routes of the garbage collection trucks.
It’s not unusual to have several different trucks that you are following.
Try to cluster your appointments by neighborhood. It’s more efficient, and customers love it when they see you cleaning multiple bins on their street.
It’s like free advertising!.
Hiring and training employees (if applicable)
Hiring and training employees… now that’s a whole can of worms (or should I say, bin of trash?).
When I first started expanding, I thought I could just hire anyone with a strong stomach and a willingness to get dirty.
Big mistake. Turns out, there’s an art to this stinky science.
Now, I look for people who are detail-oriented and have good customer service skills.
The actual cleaning part, that can be taught.
But a good attitude and a strong work ethic… That’s priceless.
Training is key. I developed a whole program, complete with a manual (yep, a manual for trash can cleaning – who would’ve thought?).
We cover everything from proper cleaning techniques to customer interaction. And let me tell you, role-playing different customer scenarios has saved us from some potentially stinky situations.
Implementing a booking and payment system
One thing I wish I’d done earlier was to implement a proper booking and payment system. In the beginning, I was juggling phone calls, text messages, and scribbled notes on napkins.
It was a disaster waiting to happen. And it did happen, when I showed up to clean Mrs. Johnson’s bins on the wrong day. She was not amused.
These days, I use an online booking system. Customers tell us their personal contact details, their collection day, the average time of collection, and then get taken to the payment setup page.
Works like a charm.
No more missed calls or appointments. And the best part?
We now have an email address to educate and nurture our customers over time. It sends automatic messages to our customers, educating on our other services, and asking for reviews.
It also allows us to communicate with them with one click when we have the occasional breakdown or delay.
There is no substitute for great customer service and communication.
As for payments, I’ve gone almost entirely cashless. Direct debit is our primary method now, we have PayPal as well, and utilize a card reading app for people who’d like a one-off clean while we are in the street.
The days of not being paid and the customary excuse of “Sorry, I’ve got no change on me” are long gone.
Going to automatic payments gives you leverage when you have the inevitable break down or delay.
Back in the day, whenever we arrived late to a customer, we would lose up to 50% of the scheduled cleans because the customer would either start filling up their trash can.
Or, they would think to themselves, I’ll save a little money by missing this week’s clean.
Now, because they have pre-paid, and we can email them in advance that we are running late, we can still clean 99% of the trash cans the next day by requesting that they leave them accessible for us.
This has had a massive impact on cash-flow and not having to give refunds for missed cleans.
So, always have a backup plan. Equipment breaks, employees call in sick, it rains cats and dogs. Having a Plan B (and sometimes a Plan C) has saved my bacon more times than I can count.
And implementing the cashless payment system has boosted our revenue and profits no end.
Remember, streamlining your operations is an ongoing process. What works today might not work tomorrow as your business grows.
Stay flexible, be willing to adapt, and always be on the lookout for ways to improve.
And hey, don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t always run smoothly. Even after two decades in this business, I still have days where everything goes sideways.
The key is to learn from those experiences and keep pushing forward.
After all, in the trash can cleaning business, there’s always another dirty bin waiting around the corner!
Expanding Your Services
If you’re an over-achiever, let’s talk about taking your trash can cleaning business to the next level.
Expanding your services is where the real money’s at, but let me tell you, it’s not always a smooth ride.
Offering additional cleaning services (e.g., commercial bins)
When I first started out, I was laser-focused on residential trash cans. But then I noticed something – my customers kept asking if I could clean other stuff too.
And I resisted for so long, and I made relationships with other contractors who did those services, and we had an agreement that they would pass any trash can inquiries to me, and I would pass other service inquiries to them.
Looking back, this was so dumb.
You see, what will happen is, you’ll exhaust an area of trash can cleaning and then you’ll start marketing in the next neighboring area, which is fine and logical.
I branched out into commercial cleaning, restaurants, cafes and schools etc, which was nice.
And commercial clients pay more and often need more frequent cleanings.
But here’s the catch – you’ll need beefier equipment. I learned that the hard way when my residential-grade pressure washer conked out halfway through my first big commercial job. Talk about embarrassing!
But here’s the thing. I was still the trash can guy.
That’s when the lightbulb went off.
Offering additional cleaning services (e.g. other pressure washing)
Why stop at trash cans when there’s a whole world of other things out there waiting to be cleaned?
Let me tell you, that was a game-changer.
When I introduced gutters, driveways, patio etc, everything opened up to a new level, and the possibilities didn’t end there.
We could stay more local, we didn’t have to move to other areas as quickly, which kept expenses down.
There are some statistics that the business gurus preach about how it’s 7x easier to get a second sale than it is the first.
I’m not sure about the true statistic, but I do know this…
Customers who already know you and trust you, are more likely to take up your 2nd and any future services when you offer them.
Always think of ‘Lifetime Value’ of your existing customers before you think about marketing for new customers.
When these 2 strategies are used in tandem, there’s no stopping you!
Seasonal Considerations
Now, let’s chat about seasonality. This industry can be feast or famine if you’re not careful. Summers are usually booming, but winters?
When we were a predominantly cash payment on the door business, we always used to have people canceling in the winters.
Psychologically, customers didn’t think their bins needed doing because they didn’t smell as bad, you couldn’t convince them that the bacteria was still there and growing.
We always tried to make as much hay as we could in the summer knowing it was going to scale back during the winter.
That’s when I took the decision to go all DD and online booking back in 2014, and we’ve never looked back.
You see, when it’s a relatively small amount leaving customer’s bank accounts each month, they simply forget about it, it’s just something they pay for every month.
And because you’re not showing up on their door every month, they don’t have to psychologically ask themselves “Do I still need this service?” each time they see you.
Our cancellation rates plummeted when we introduced this into our business.
And don’t fall for the dumb logic that numerous people said to me, “What about all the Christmas tips you’ll miss out on?” DUH!
One thing you won’t have much of in the winter is new customers coming on board, you will get some, but nowhere near the same quantities as the summer.
So, the time that you’re saving on cleaning trash cans for the 1st time can be invested into your other services like gutter cleaning, or end of season driveway cleaning.
Introduce any new services during the fall / winter when you will not be as busy with new customers joining your trash can cleaning service.
Franchising opportunities and growth strategies
Now, let’s talk about the big leagues – franchising.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t taken the plunge myself, but I’ve seen others do it successfully. It’s a way to grow your business beyond what you can personally handle.
But fair warning – it’s a whole different ballgame. You’ll need systems, training programs, and a solid brand.
It’s not for everyone, but if you’ve got big dreams, it might be worth considering.
If franchising seems too daunting, there are other ways to grow. You could expand into neighboring towns or cities. Or you could diversify into related services like pressure washing driveways or cleaning outdoor furniture.
I’ve even seen some folks branch out into sanitizing services, which became huge during the pandemic.
One thing I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t always mean getting bigger. Sometimes it’s about getting better. I’ve focused on improving my efficiency, using better products, and providing top-notch customer service.
That’s allowed me to charge premium prices and work smarter, not harder.
Remember, expansion isn’t always the answer. I made the mistake of growing too fast at one point and nearly burned myself out. Make sure you’ve got a solid foundation before you start adding on. There’s no shame in staying small if that’s what works for you.
Whatever direction you choose, keep your eyes open for opportunities. This industry is always evolving, and the most successful folks are the ones who can adapt.
Who knows?
Maybe you’ll come up with the next big innovation in trash can cleaning. Stranger things have happened in this wacky business of ours!
Just remember, whether you’re cleaning one can or franchising across the country, it all comes back to providing a quality service.
At the end of the day, we’re in the business of making the world a little cleaner, one stinky bin at a time. And that’s something to be proud of, no matter how big or small your operation is.
Conclusion:
Starting a trash can cleaning business in 2024 is more than just a way to make money – it’s an opportunity to provide a valuable service to your community while building a successful enterprise.
With the right equipment, a solid business plan, and a commitment to exceptional service, you’ll be well on your way to cleaning up in this lucrative industry.
Remember, every successful business starts with that first step – or in this case, that first sparkling clean trash can!
So, what are you waiting for?
It’s time to turn those dirty bins into your ticket to entrepreneurial success. Get out there and make your mark in the world of trash can cleaning!
Want to get off on the right foot?
Book a free 15 minute business planning call with me here, we’ll discuss where you are right now and create a game plan to you having a successful trash can cleaning business.
