Junk removal with your pickup or trailer

Homeowners, renovating households, landlords and tenants moving out, and small businesses with the odd cleanout.

A quote per load, based on how much space the items take up, plus extra for heavy or awkward items. Dump fees are usually added to the price.

• Physical fitness and safe lifting
• Comfortable driving and loading a pickup or trailer
• Clear, honest quoting
• Reliable and punctual

• Your personal auto policy may not cover business hauling, so check with an insurer about commercial auto and general liability cover
• Dump fees can eat your margin, so build them into every quote
• Hazardous items such as paint, propane tanks, batteries and fridges with refrigerants often have special disposal rules, check with your municipality
• Check whether your municipality or province requires a business licence or waste hauler registration
• Dumping illegally brings heavy fines and damages your name
• Back injuries are a real risk, so use proper lifting technique and say no to items that are too heavy
• Winter weather and frozen ground can slow work, while spring and fall cleanups tend to be busier

Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the trailer or equipment you need and your insurance. Dump fees are a running cost, so build them into every quote.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many jobs you take and how many hours you work. Dump fees can eat into your margin, so check them before pricing jobs.

Check whether your municipality or province requires a business licence or waste hauler registration. Also check that your auto policy covers business hauling, and look up disposal rules for hazardous items such as paint, propane tanks, batteries and fridges.