Want to know how to start a litter cleanup business? Here’s a simple guide on how you can kick off a parking lot litter cleanup business and make $30 to $50 per hour.
Brian Winch has turned picking up trash into a lucrative business, earning over $650,000 a year. He’s shared his insights on Making Sense of Cents before, and I recently interviewed him to answer common questions about starting a litter removal business.
If you’re curious about:
– Earnings potential with a parking lot litter cleanup business
– Pros and cons of this business
– Why businesses would pay for litter cleanup services
– Startup costs
– Finding customers
Keep reading for answers to these and other common questions.
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**Background and Earnings:**
Brian Winch has been in the business of cleaning up litter outside commercial properties since 1981. It’s a profitable venture that’s as easy as taking a walk. At 21, Brian was working full-time as a shipper/receiver but saw no future in it. With no college education or special skills, he decided to start a simple home-based business. Growing up in a blue-collar family, he was inspired by his parents’ work ethic. His dad, a Polish refugee, worked various jobs and finally became a janitor, while his mom was a nurse’s aide and later a stay-at-home mom who took on side jobs like babysitting.
Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit showed early when he sold his brother’s toys at a young age. He scaled his side hustle from part-time to full-time, grossing over $100,000 a year. By recruiting family and friends, he grew his business to service 150-160 properties, grossing up to $700,000 annually.
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**What He Likes and Dislikes:**
Brian enjoys working outdoors, especially in the early morning when parking lots are empty. The work is easy and involves simple hand tools. However, he dislikes the mentality of people who litter, though their behavior provides him and others with plenty of business.
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**Earnings Potential:**
Earnings depend on how much you want to work. Some people make $1,500 to $2,500 per month working an hour or two each day, while others make over $100,000 per year working five hours a day. You can do all the work yourself or hire others to help.
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**Disposing of Trash:**
The collected litter, such as empty drink cups, cans, bottles, and cigarette butts, is disposed of in waste bins on site.
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**Why Businesses Pay for Litter Cleanup:**
Businesses need to maintain their properties to avoid neglect. Litter cleanup is essential, just like other services such as landscaping and snow removal. Property managers budget for these expenses to keep properties well-maintained and valuable. This service is recession-proof and pandemic-proof, as seen during COVID when clients ensured properties remained sanitary.
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**Year-Round Service:**
Litter cleanup is not seasonal. People litter year-round, and regular service is needed to prevent a buildup of trash, even in winter. You just need to dress appropriately for the weather.
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**Startup Costs and Requirements:**
Starting costs are low. Your office can be home-based, and cleaning tools can be stored in your vehicle. You’ll need a business name, a legal structure, a business bank account, licenses, permits, and insurance. Starting as a side hustle while working a full-time job is advisable, allowing you to reinvest earnings to grow the business.
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**Finding Customers:**
Brian started by cold calling property management companies, a strategy he refers to as “warm calling.” Introduce yourself and explain the benefits of your service, then ask for the decision maker’s contact details. Today, an online search can help you find property management companies. Sales skills improve with practice, and Brian found success by sharing how he could solve a problem for potential clients.
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**Sharing Knowledge:**
Brian shares his knowledge to help others start a simple, low-cost business. He offers an instructional manual, available as an ebook or hard copy, with no ongoing fees. His contact information is included for additional help at no extra charge.
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**Market Potential:**
There’s plenty of room for new litter cleanup businesses across the country. Brian’s primary income comes from his cleaning business, not from selling his book, so there’s no competition.
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**Steps to Start:**
1. Choose and register your business name
2. Buy a domain name and set up an email address
3. Get a business address and phone number
4. Create a legal business entity
5. Request an EIN
6. Open a business checking account
7. Obtain licenses and permits
8. Get insurance
9. Find an accountant
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**Learn More:**
For more information, visit Cleanlots.com. There’s a free guide and a brief video to help you understand how easy the work can be.
Are you interested in starting a litter cleanup business?