How to Make Money Picking Up Trash
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How did you get started?
I decided that providing a service to businesses while working outdoors appealed to me. I tested the market by contacting my prospects – property management companies – to gauge any interest in my service. I developed an elevator pitch to quickly introduce myself and explain to my prospects how they could benefit from using my service. I would forward more details to prospects wanting to learn more. I wasn’t trying to sell from my initial contact, but to start a conversation that would hopefully lead up to a sale. I started on a shoestring budget. I used the money I made from my first client to grow my business. I started out with 3 properties that I serviced as a side hustle while I continued to work my full-time job.
What made you choose “picking up trash” as a side hustle?
My dad was a janitor for the public school system who always had a side gig to supplement his income. He would occasionally take me along with him when I was a kid to assist him. We cut grass, shoveled snow, and in one case cleaned up litter outside a nearby shopping plaza. It was almost as easy to do as going for a walk! We would show up early in the morning before the shops opened and walk the parking lot, sidewalks, and surrounding landscape and sweep up any litter material we found into our litter collection tools. When we were finished we dumped the contents from our tools into the waste bins on-site and go home to get ready to go to work (him) or school (me). I didn’t have much money, skills, or education to start a business as a side hustle. I realized the best opportunity for me to start was some sort of cleaning service. I recalled my experience working alongside my dad and chose “picking up trash”. Unfortunately, he unexpectedly passed away 2 months before I started my hustle so I didn’t have his experience to call upon.
How long have you been in business?
2021 marks 40 years. My business has survived a few recessions and now a pandemic. My service has been deemed an essential service during the pandemic. With people discarding their used PPE (masks, gloves, wipes) in addition to typical litter (empty drink cups, fast food or candy wrappers, cigarette butts) my service has never before been as vital to the ongoing maintenance of commercial properties.
Learn more about Clean Lots here.
What did you do before this venture?
I was working a full-time job at a sporting goods store. I didn’t mind the work but couldn’t see many opportunities for career advancement. I didn’t really enjoy the 9-5 routine and working within the same 4 walls every day.
What does it take to be a success in the “picking up trash” business?
You need to be persistent and patient. You need to reach out to your prospects and explain the benefits they receive by doing business with you. You may not get a client in your first communication. You need to follow up. You need to enjoy working outdoors and get satisfaction from providing the service you are providing in your community – keeping your community litter-free. Provide exceptional customer service. Anyone can clean, Not everyone takes the time to communicate with their clients. Developing business relationships with your clients leads to long-lasting contracts and referral business. It doesn’t take much to do so. When you’re at a site cleaning and you notice things like fresh graffiti, burned-out lighting, property damage, illegal dumping or vandalism inform your clients first thing in the morning. They appreciate this reporting and love that you are acting as an extra set of eyes for them.
Did you face any struggles when you were starting out?
Yes. I had never been in business before. I had to learn how to set up a legal business structure, name my business, open a business bank account, set up an accounting system, collect taxes, market my business, create various business forms, etc. I found plenty of “how-to” information back in the day from my bank, government, and book stores. It’s far easier now with the internet than when I started. I experimented with various tools to clean up litter. I found one that I continue to use today as it is still the best available. It allows me to quickly and easily clean up the most amount of litter in the least amount of time.
What are some crazy things that you’ve found when working?
Sometimes I find wallets, purses, phones, or items of clothing. I make my best effort to return these items to their owners. A few times each month I find paper bill money. A 5, 10, 20 dollar bill is always welcome. It seems people are careless with their money and stuff a bill or 2 in their pocket with their keys. When they pull their keys from their pocket then out comes their money unbeknownst to them. I once found a crumpled dollar bill and when I unfolded it discovered a $100 bill inside! Imagine my surprise. The most money I ever found was $600 rolled up in a tight roll next to a waste bin.
How many days of the week do you work?
I work 5 days a week (M-F). Most of my buildings are serviced M-F, but some are only 3 (M,W,F). I have an army of people who also work throughout the week and also on the weekend.
If there’s bad weather, what do you do?
You dress according to the weather and do the best you can. This service is not a seasonal one as people litter year round regardless of the season or conditions outside.
If someone is interested, how would you suggest they get started?
Check out the brief video to see how this work is performed. If it is of interest then get started by ordering the book, Cleanlots – America’s Simplest Business. I offer free support as my way of giving back to a business that has provided very well to me.
Anything else that you want to share?
If you work your business then your business will work for you. You decide how big or small you wish your side hustle business to be. Some are content with a side gig that generates an extra $1000 – $5000/month. Others, such as myself, go full-time and gross 6 figures each year. We do $650,000 – $700,000/year.
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Brian Winch is the author and creator of Cleanlots, America’s Simplest Business. Brian has been involved in all aspects of the parking lot litter cleaning business since 1981. He can show you how to start and operate a simple service business based from home and make money from a green business that’s almost as easy to do as going for a walk!
Have you thought about picking up trash as a side hustle?
Thanks for sharing this simple green opportunity. If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to make money while going for early morning walks, then consider this side hustle business.
Thanks for the opportunity, Brian.