How to Start a Trash Disposal Company
Starting a trash disposal business requires thorough planning, research and knowledge. Trash disposal is a competitive and growing industry. As the standards for trash disposal are becoming stricter for environment maintenance, the need for trash disposal businesses is rising. With a large number of people understanding the importance of effective trash disposal and indulging in such services, competition in the business has also increased. Trash disposal businesses remove trash from both residential and commercial settings.
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Things You'll Need
- Business plan
- Start-up capital
- Business license, permits and certification
- Location
- Vehicles
- Insurance
- Trained drivers
Instructions
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Decide if you have the personality for starting this kind of business. This business can be exhausting and tiring. Do not consider the business if you are not in good shape. The business is not for those suffering from joint pains and other illness, as it requires substantial amount of physical effort and strength. You must be prepared to lift heavy objects, get dirty, work in extreme weather conditions, not be sensitive to smells and work at random hours.
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2
Research the market and the local environmental regulations regarding waste disposal. Check with both the federal and state departments to understand their requirements. Formulate a detailed business plan before venturing into the business. This will prepare you for the future. It is important to see if there is a market in the chosen area for your services. Moreover, would prospective clients switch from the existing companies to a new one? Use the website mentioned under the Resources section to search for existing competition in your state.
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Outline the business strategy for the trash disposal. Unlike other businesses, this business does not depend on demand. However, it depends on the supply of environmentally accepted waste disposal solutions.
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Consider the franchise option and leverage the brand name, track record and expertise of an already existing waste removal business.
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Gather start-up capital from investors, venture capitalists, personal contacts, bank loans or government grants. Use the business plan to convince people to invest in your business.
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Learn about the state's legal requirements to operate a trash disposal business. Get the necessary registration and permits to operate the business. The registration process will require an inspection of vehicles before the issuance of the license. The business will have to register with the Environmental Protection Agency on the federal level. In addition to this, the business will also have to be registered with the state department of waste management or an equivalent agency.
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Determine the range of services and the rates for these services that would be rendered by the business. Will the business dispose general trash, or render services for specific types of trash like industrial waste, paper waste, medical waste or pet waste?
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Determine the range of equipment that needs to be purchased. Equipment for residential and commercial establishments is different. For example, trucks used for commercial purposes are larger trucks that may be used for hauling too. In comparison to this, trucks for residential purposes are generally back-end loading trucks. All equipment must be registered and insured. Start the business with one or two trucks on regular routes. Gradually, increase the number of trucks and routes.
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Locate a space for the trash disposal business. To do so, check the local zoning department to ensure the land that you have selected for the business can be used for the purpose.
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Hire qualified employees who have clean driving records. These employees might require some training before they are sent on the job. The drivers must have appropriate driving licenses. Consider hiring an environmental waste engineer to help in framing disposal solutions for the business.
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Draft a safety manual. This manual should include policies that must be adhered by all employees around safety and day-to-day operations.
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Make a contract with the city cleaning services. Offer trash disposal services at an efficient and cheaper rate. Enter into contracts with landfill owners to secure a contract for disposing waste.
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Design and build a website for the business. It is advisable to have two versions of the information, one for homeowners and the other for business owners. Information about the business, including business services, contact details, operation hours, prices, policies and industry news must be mentioned on the website.
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Advertise and market the business to build a consumer base. Discounts, early-bird offers and other deals are a great way to encourage potential customers to switch to your service.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit construction waste image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
