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Stable

Junk Removal With a Truck

Haul away unwanted furniture, appliances and debris for homeowners and landlords.

75/100

Hustle Score

Est. monthly
$1,500–$5,000
Startup cost
$50–$500
Time to first $
2–4 days
Hours / week
8–25
LocalModerateTruck requiredYear-round
Build My Plan

Last researched: 2026-08-10 · Sample estimates (stored research)

Estimated earnings based on available market information. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, demand, expenses, and time invested. Earnings are not guaranteed.

What This Side Hustle Is

If you own a truck or trailer, junk removal is one of the fastest ways to earn. Customers pay for convenience and muscle; you earn on the haul and sometimes again by reselling or scrapping items.

Who It Is Best For

Truck ownersVeteransPhysically fit peopleWeekend workers

Realistic Earning Potential

Beginner / mo

$1,200–$3,000

Experienced / mo

$3,500–$8,000

High performer / mo

$15,000+

Hourly est.

$40–$90/hr

Income assumptions: Assumes 2–4 loads per weekend at $150–$450 each, minus fuel and dump fees.

Estimated earnings based on available market information. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, demand, expenses, and time invested. Earnings are not guaranteed.

Startup Costs

$50–$500 to get started. Time to first dollar is typically 2–4 days.

Equipment Needed

  • Pickup truck or trailer
  • Straps and gloves
  • Dolly

Skills Needed

LiftingRoute planningQuoting

Age: Must be able to lift 50+ lbs

Geography: Dump fees and rules vary by county

How to Get Started

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Where to Find Customers

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craigslist
  • Landlords and property managers
  • Realtors
  • Estate sale companies

How to Price Your Services

Common advertised pricing is $100–$200 for a quarter load up to $400–$700 for a full pickup load, dump fees included.

How to Get Your First Customer

Post in 5 local groups with "same-day junk removal" and a clear price list.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Fast first dollar
  • High ticket per job
  • Resale upside

Disadvantages

  • Heavy lifting
  • Dump fees eat margin
  • Vehicle wear and tear

Common Mistakes & Risks

  • Not including dump fees in quotes
  • Overloading the truck
  • No before photos
  • Risk: Injury
  • Risk: Vehicle wear
  • Risk: Dump fee surprises

How to Scale

Add a second truck, hire helpers, get commercial cleanout contracts.

Scalability 75/100 · Passive potential 5/100 · Recurring potential 40/100

Tools and Platforms

Platforms

Facebook MarketplaceCraigslistNextdoorThumbtack

Tools

SquareGoogle Maps routingCanva

Helpful: SBA.gov

Taxes and Business Considerations

Track mileage and dump receipts; consider an LLC once income is steady.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Consult a professional for your situation.

Sources and Last Updated Date

Last researched: 2026-08-10 · Data quality: sample

Stored research / estimates — live data sources are not connected yet.

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