Dumpster Business Overview
Dumpster rentals might not seem like an obvious business venture, but with some creativity and strategic planning, they can be a lucrative source of income. Although owning a dumpster isn’t as glamorous as investing in other forms of property, renting one out can be highly profitable and requires minimal time investment compared to other rental properties. Therefore, buying a dumpster could be an excellent option if you’re interested in boosting your income and starting your own business.
Dumpsters provide essential services and are always in demand. Few people want one of their own, but many people need to rent them occasionally. The rental company drops off the dumpster at the designated location and retrieves it after the rental period ends.
Understanding the Industry
You’ll need to do thorough research to understand local competitors and opportunities. Check out competitors’ dumpster sizes and how much they charge, and identify gaps in the market that other organizations may have overlooked, such as underserved areas or neglected customer bases. Additionally, contact local landfills and learn about waste disposal restrictions in your area. Try negotiating discounted disposal rates and learning about special disposal requirements for hazardous waste.
The Cost of Running a Dumpster Business
Before you do anything, it’s important to calculate the funds you’ll need for this venture. While you’ll need to buy a dumpster, many other costs are similar to what you would incur with any business. For example, you’ll need to market your product by creating a website or putting up listings on marketplaces, handling the logistics like bookkeeping, and making sure you have all the necessary equipment, such as computers, printers, and more.
Identifying Your Target Audience
Determine the people and industries that will require your services. Construction companies, remodeling contractors, and homeowners preparing for renovation projects will likely be your primary clients. You can use this as a business opportunity and develop relationships with local contractors and remodeling companies. That way, they’ll use your dumpster when needed and refer you to others.
Getting to Know Local Construction Companies
One of your most lucrative industries will be construction, and getting to know your local contractors and construction businesses is crucial. They are always doing new projects and generate a massive amount of waste every week. In 2018, the EPA estimated 600 million tons of C&D debris were generated in the United States. Therefore, networking with people in this industry will be highly profitable; the sooner you can do it, the better.
Setting Realistic Rental Rates
You want to charge rental fees that are competitive but realistic, especially at first. Many people will put pricing above all else and could be deterred if they feel overpriced. Additionally, if you’re charging too little, potential customers may be weary of doing business with you. The amount you charge will depend on factors like your location and the size of the dumpster. Typically, a dumpster rental costs $485 on average, although prices range from $244 to $928, according to Dumpsters.com.
Offering Additional Services
Dumpsters don’t just need to be designated for waste disposal. While it may be your primary income, recycling, and composting could add extra income and be more environmentally friendly. Many people think that recyclable or compostable materials are trash, and often it’s more convenient to throw things away than recycle or compost them. According to the EPA, more than 30% of household waste can be composted, and the easier you make it for people to do, the more likely they are to follow through.
Dumpster rentals are a profitable and easy-to-manage business. Rentals are highly sought after, and waste disposal will always be needed. Investing in a few dumpsters can help you generate extra income while providing a necessary service.
