Trash hauling with a pickup or trailer

Homeowners, landlords, property managers, small contractors and small businesses that need trash taken away between regular pickups.

A flat price per job or per load, sized by volume and weight. Extra charges apply for heavy items, stairs or long hauls. Dump fees are a main cost, so price them in.

• Physical stamina and safe lifting
• Driving and towing a loaded trailer
• Quoting jobs by volume and weight
• Reliable customer communication

• Check whether your city, county or state requires a solid waste hauler permit or registration, as rules vary widely
• General liability and commercial auto insurance, since personal auto policies often exclude business use
• Disposal rules: hazardous waste, paint, chemicals, electronics and tires are often not accepted at regular dumps
• Illegal dumping carries heavy fines, so keep receipts from licensed disposal sites
• Heavy lifting and loaded-trailer driving put strain on your body and vehicle

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on whether you already own a truck or trailer, and on equipment and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many jobs you book, your local rates and the hours you work. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check whether your city, county or state requires a solid waste hauler permit or registration, as rules vary widely. Also check insurance, since personal auto policies often exclude business use, and which items dumps will not accept.