Make Money with a Junk Hauling Business

Without a truck, people have two options for getting rid of heavy items: hire someone to haul it off or keep it. Since few people want to keep their junk lying around once they've decided that it's junk, they are more than happy to hire someone to get rid of their trash. This is where you come in.

If you want to make good money and be able to operate from the comfort of your home, then start a trash hauling business. Not only will you be helping others get rid of their junk and making a pretty penny doing it, who knows what treasures you'll find.

People are wasteful. While the economic collapse of 2008 has many tightening their waistbands, we remain a nation of consumers. The more we consume the more junk we accrue. What's considered junk to one family, may be a money maker for you.

Earn Big Bucks Sifting Through Trash

To get your trash hauling business off the ground, you'll need to register your business, purchase hauling equipment, hire a strong assistant, secure a trash disposal site and get clients.

Once you've registered your business, call your bank or a liability insurance provider to purchase commercial auto insurance and general liability insurance. Without it, you'll have zero protection in the event that you damage a client's property. Liability insurance may cost you about $100 per month.

In addition to a truck, you may want to invest in a trailer, especially if you intend to haul for commercial businesses or construction sites. Additionally, invest in a dolly, thick gloves, steel-toed boots and a tarp.

You'll also need to secure a dump site. Find out which landfills allow commercial dumping.

Once you're business is in order, start making money. Print out business fliers and begin posting them around town on bulletin boards at businesses such as grocery and hardware stores. Craigslist.org will be another excellent source for clients.

Create a price list based on the time, effort and money needed to get the job done. For example, junk that is curbside will be much easier to move than junk that has to be pulled from the garage. There are fewer potential liability issues as well. The weight of the items, distance from the landfill or your home, cost of gas and payroll must be considered when evaluating what to charge for hauling trash.

Once you've got the goods, start looking for money makers. Clean up furniture and clothing, repair appliances, separate recyclables and inspect potential antiques. Cash in recyclables. Make money selling the rest on Craigslist or eBay. Those that don't sell can be donated.