•

How to Start a Junk Removal Company

•
4 min read

Junk removal is one of the fastest-growing home services industries in North America. With low startup costs and strong local demand, it’s an ideal business to launch if you’re looking for a hands-on operation with recurring revenue potential.

 

But getting started takes more than a truck and a few trash bags. From licensing to local SEO, this guide walks you through the essentials so you can hit the ground running with confidence.

 

 

1. Know the Market Before You Dive In

 

Before you buy gear or print business cards, take time to understand your local market. Junk removal is growing steadily, with the U.S. waste collection industry valued at over $68 billion in 2024. But your success depends on local dynamics.

 

Ask: Who’s already offering this service near you? Are they solo operators or part of national franchises? What types of jobs are they targeting?

 

Also, consider demand drivers in your area:

  • Are there lots of rental properties or student housing?

  • Are people frequently moving, renovating, or downsizing?

  • Are contractors and real estate agents looking for dependable cleanout help?

Use tools like Google Trends to see how often people in your area are searching for or talking about junk removal services.

 

These factors shape the types of services you offer—from curbside pickup to estate cleanouts or post-construction debris hauling.

 

Common customer segments to consider:

  • Property managers and landlords needing tenant turnover cleanouts

  • Contractors needing post-renovation cleanup

  • College students moving out at semester-end

  • Seniors downsizing from long-term homes

 

 

2. Set Up the Essentials (Legally and Logistically)


Starting a junk removal company is relatively low-cost, but you still need the right foundation. 

 

Here’s what to cover:

  • Register your business: Choose your structure (e.g., LLC or sole proprietorship) and get a business license.

  • Insurance: General liability insurance is a must. If you hire, you’ll need workers’ compensation. Consult your local business services or insurance agent to make sure you’re covered for everything you need.


  • Licensing and Permits: Depending on your region, you may need waste transport, disposal, or local hauling permits.


  • Accounting: Open a business bank account and use accounting tools to manage quotes, invoices, expenses, and taxes.


  • Truck and gear: Start with a pickup and trailer or a used box truck. Other essentials include:

    • Tie-down straps, dollies, gloves, and safety equipment

    • Access to your local landfill or recycling center

    • Fuel budget for hauling. Rent larger equipment for big jobs as needed. Focus on jobs you can handle solo to build revenue before scaling.

 

 

3. Build a Brand That Customers Remember


Your brand is your first impression—and it can make or break your ability to attract leads.

  • Pick a name that’s easy to remember, easy to spell, and reflects your service

  • Design a simple, bold brand logo you can use on your truck, shirts, and social media

  • Claim your Google Business Profile and maintain consistency across all platforms

Strong branding makes your business easier to trust—and ensures you stay top of mind.



 

4. Price It Right (And Explain Your Value)


Most junk removal businesses charge based on volume (e.g., quarter truck, half truck, full load), but hourly or per-item pricing works too.

 

Make sure your pricing reflects the value you're offering your customers. Don’t just copy the lowest price in your area. Focus on building value.

Some questions to ask yourself to determine your pricing strategy: 

  • What does your price include? (Labor, disposal fees, sweep-up?)

  • Can customers book online?

  • Do you offer same-day service?

Use your website and Google Business Profile to make your pricing clear. Bonus points if you use real customer reviews and photos to show your professionalism.

 

Consider costs like travel time, landfill fees, and job complexity. Display example pricing on your website to reduce quote requests and build trust.

 

 

5. Build Trust Before You Book a Job


When someone needs junk removed, they’re often making a fast decision. That’s why trust is your most valuable asset.

 

Make sure you have:

  • A verified Google Business Profile

  • Clear business info (photos, FAQs, hours)

  • Recent, positive reviews from real customers

Pro Tip: Automating your review requests saves time, reduces manual follow-up, and consistently boosts your review count. Tools like NiceJob automatically enroll your recent customers into SMS and email campaigns, sending up to five gentle reminders to encourage customers to leave a review.

 

 

Turn every job into your next 5-star review

NiceJob automatically sends and follows up on review invites, which helps you build trust and boost your online reputation without manual effort.

Learn More
A smiling junk removal worker in uniform loading a truck with neatly stacked items.

 

 

6. Turn Early Jobs Into Marketing Fuel


Your first ten jobs aren’t just revenue—they form the foundation of your marketing.

These early jobs give you a chance to start building a reputation that sells your service for you. This is called reputation marketing, and it means using real jobs to show proof of your quality and make customers confident in choosing you.

 

Every haul is an opportunity to collect:

  • Before-and-after photos

  • Written or video testimonials

  • Referrals from happy customers

Pro Tip: With NiceJob Stories, your best reviews and job photos automatically publish to your Google profile and website, boosting local SEO without extra work.

 

 

Get more reviews for your junk removal business

NiceJob helps you turn every junk removal job into 5-star reviews that boost your reputation and win more local customers.

Learn More
Junk removal truck parked in a suburban neighborhood.

 

 

7. Scale Strategically, Not Stressfully


Once the calls start coming in, don’t rush to expand. Scale based on consistent lead flow and solid processes.

 

Ways to grow intentionally:

  • Hire help once you’re regularly turning away work

  • Expand your service area or add weekend hours

  • Build referral relationships with contractors, property managers, and realtors

Use automation tools to keep the admin light as you grow. Reputation marketing, review collection, and follow-ups can all be handled in the background while you focus on the job.

 

Want to see how it works? See how G.I. Junk Removal used automation to grow

 

Final Thoughts: Start Strong, Grow Smart

 

Building a successful junk removal company is about more than hauling junk—it’s about building trust, creating visibility, and delivering a consistent experience that customers want to talk about.

 

From setting clear prices to automating reviews and turning early jobs into long-term growth, the right systems make your business easier to run and faster to scale.

 

With tools like NiceJob, your business can grow on autopilot while you focus on what you do best: clearing space and helping customers.

 

 

Ready to grow your junk removal business effortlessly?

Start your free 14-day NiceJob trial and grow on autopilot while you focus on clearing space and delighting customers.

Start Free Trial
The image depicts a busy urban scene where a bright blue junk removal truck is parked in front of a modest house.
Blog Grow a Local Business Guides