Rubbish removal with a ute and trailer
Collect unwanted items and garden or building waste from homes, then tip it legally.
- A$1k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A one-person service using a ute or a car with a trailer to pick up household junk, green waste, old furniture and small amounts of renovation rubble, then take it to a licensed tip or recycling facility.
Your first three steps
- Check what your ute or trailer can legally carry and find your nearest tips, transfer stations and their fees
- Get an ABN, public liability insurance and a simple price list per load
- Post in local community groups and ask real estate agents if you can be their go-to for end-of-lease clear-outs
Who pays
Homeowners, renters finishing a lease, landlords, real estate agents and small tradies who don't want to deal with their own waste.
How it makes money
A fixed price per load or per job based on size and weight, plus a charge to cover tip fees. Quotes from photos save time.
Skills that help
- Safe lifting and loading
- Quoting jobs fairly
- Reliable and punctual
- Basic knowledge of sorting waste and recycling
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and check your vehicle insurance covers carrying waste for payment
- Some states and councils require a licence or registration to transport certain waste, check with your state environment authority
- Asbestos, chemicals and other hazardous waste usually can't go in a normal load, know when to decline
- Illegal dumping fines, keep tip receipts as proof
- Heavy lifting, plan for back safety and secure loads properly
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: rubbish removal with a ute and trailer
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a rubbish removal business?
Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you already own a ute or trailer and what equipment you add. These are estimates only, so price your own setup before you start.
Do I need a licence to remove rubbish in Australia?
Some states and councils require a licence or registration to transport certain waste, so check with your state environment authority. Also check public liability insurance, and whether your vehicle insurance covers carrying waste for payment.
How much can a rubbish removal business make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you do and tip costs. This is revenue before costs, and the work typically needs at least 10 hours a week.
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Photo: Hans on Pixabay