ProfitDrawer's junk removal business guide gives an example budget of about $550 to $9,650. If you already own a suitable truck, you mostly pay for gear, a license, insurance and marketing. The biggest lines are a used dump trailer or vehicle upgrade ($0 to $6,000), liability and business auto insurance for the first months ($150 to $1,200) and dollies, straps, tarps and tools ($150 to $500). These are example ranges; your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Used dump trailer or vehicle upgrade (if you need one) | $0 | $6,000 |
| Dollies, straps, tarps, gloves and tools | $150 | $500 |
| Business registration and local license or permit | $50 | $500 |
| Liability and business auto insurance (first months) | $150 | $1,200 |
| First disposal fees (money set aside) | $100 | $400 |
| Simple website or booking page, business cards | $0 | $400 |
| Marketing (flyers, truck magnets, local ads) | $50 | $500 |
| Phone and software for the first months | $50 | $150 |
| Total | $550 | $9,650 |
The trailer or truck is the cost that moves the total most. If you need a loan for it, a written plan with numbers helps when you talk to a lender.
Disposal fees come out of every job, so build them into each price. In the guide's worked example, a quarter-load garage cleanout takes 2 people 1.5 hours ($90 of labor), with a $45 dump fee, $17.50 of driving and $15 of overhead, for a cost of $167.50; adding 20% to the cost (a 20% markup) gives $201, rounded up to $205 (see answer 144). Put your own numbers into the free startup cost calculator.
Source: How to Start a Junk Removal Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.