# How much does it cost to start a junk removal business?

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)](https://profitdrawer.com/guides/how-to-start-a-junk-removal-business.html)
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Category: Start a business
- Canonical: https://profitdrawer.com/answers/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-junk-removal-business.html
- Publisher: ProfitDrawer (https://profitdrawer.com)