7 Waste Management Business Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Start A Waste Management Business

Waste management is a booming industry with a lot of potential for growth. Waste management companies are in charge of collecting and transporting waste from households, business areas, and other sources. They also collect recyclable materials and sell them to recycling centers.

The market for waste management is huge, but it may be difficult to enter due to the high capital requirements. However, if you have the resources and expertise, there's a lot of opportunity to make it big in this industry.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a waste management business:

1. SOCO Waste ($2.76M/year)

Dustin Maze, the founder of SOCO Waste, came up with the idea for his waste removal business after realizing that he loved being outside and working in the waste management industry. After doing extensive research on the market and equipment needed, he launched SOCO Waste with a focus on providing excellent customer service and affordable prices. With a loan of $35k, Maze started with a pick-up truck and 5 dumpsters, and the business has since grown to have 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, and two residential garbage trucks. They are projected to reach $700-800k in sales for 2020.

How much they make: $2.76M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
Current team size: 32

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How I Started A $41K/Month Residential Waste Removal Service

This case study showcases the story of a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs started with a pick-up truck and a $35k loan, which now has 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, two residential garbage trucks, and is projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.

About
Dustin started SOCO Waste over 7 years ago
Revenue
Dustin grew the business to $230K/month
Costs
It cost Dustin $150000 to start the business
Read by 13,855 founders

2. Kroopin's Poopin Scoopin ($48K/year)

How much they make: $48K/year
Current team size: 1

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How to Start a Pet Waste Removal Business: $50 an Hour Part-Time

Kroopin's Poopin Scoopin is a dog waste removal company earning $1000 per week, allowing founder Erica Krupin to quit her day job, with a focus on ensuring customers have a great experience.

About
Erica started Kroopin's Poopin Scoopin over 5 years ago
Revenue
Erica grew the business to $4K/month
Read by 611 founders

So... can you actually make money with a waste management business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

3. 1-800-Got-Junk ($444M/year)

How much they make: $444M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 1700

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How to Start a Junk Hauling Business: From $0 to $300 Million and Beyond

This case study examines how the founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK grew his business to $37M/month by offering franchise-based, full-service junk removal to homes and businesses, including donating any possible items to charity.

About
Brian started 1-800-Got-Junk over 35 years ago
Revenue
Brian grew the business to $37M/month
Costs
It cost Brian $1000 to start the business
Read by 739 founders

So... can you actually make money with a waste management business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

4. Worm Bucket ($78K/year)

Audrey & Rob Wynkoop came up with the idea for the Worm Bucket Indoor Composting Kit after turning to backyard gardening during the pandemic. Rob experimented with various designs for an indoor worm composter to address the limited space of apartment living. Audrey quit her corporate job, built a website, and launched the vermicomposting kit, which has now generated $6,500 in monthly revenue.

How much they make: $78K/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
Current team size: 1

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We Quit Our Jobs And Are Building A $6.5K/Month Composting Business

Husband and wife duo Audrey & Rob Wynkoop built the Worm Bucket, an indoor composting kit for individuals living in apartments and condos, and have now launched on Amazon as well as their own Shopify store, currently doing $6500 in monthly revenue.

About
Audrey started Worm Bucket over 2 years ago
Revenue
Audrey grew the business to $6.5K/month
Costs
It cost Audrey $25000 to start the business
Read by 2,328 founders