There is more than one way to make money in junk removal. None of them are guaranteed. What you earn depends on your market, your prices, your costs and your work. Be wary of anyone who promises a number.
Ways the work pays
- The job itself. Your main income. Price by volume, set a minimum, and make sure every job covers dump fees, fuel, labor and your time.
- Scrap metal. Appliances and other metal can often be sold to scrap yards. See metal recycling.
- Resale. Furniture and items in good shape can sometimes be resold. Only resell what the customer has agreed to give you, and follow local resale rules.
- Lower disposal costs. Donating and recycling cuts what you pay at the dump, which raises what you keep.
- Repeat partners. Agents, property managers and contractors can send steady work.
Side income or a business
Many people start part-time, helping neighbors or taking weekend jobs, to learn the work before investing. When demand is steady, set up the business properly: registration, licensing, insurance and a separate bank account. See Starting a Junk Removal Business.
Keep more of what you make
- Track every job’s price and costs.
- Set aside money for taxes from every payment.
- Raise prices when your calendar stays full.