Do you want to learn how to start a litter cleanup business? Here’s a clear, practical guide to launching a parking lot litter cleanup service that can pay $30 to $50 per hour—or more if you scale it.
Brian Winch turned picking up trash into a full-time business that generates over $650,000 a year. He shared his experience and answers to common questions about starting and growing a litter removal business.
Common questions answered in the interview include:
- How much can someone earn with a parking lot litter cleanup business?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of running a litter cleanup business?
- Why do businesses hire litter cleanup services?
- How much does it cost to start this kind of business?
- How do you find customers for a parking lot cleanup business?
Read on for Brian’s practical advice and lessons learned from decades in the business.
You can learn more about Brian’s guide on starting and running a parking lot litter cleaning business from his published manual.
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How to start a litter clean up service.
1. Background: How you got started and how much you’ve earned
My name is Brian Winch. I’ve been cleaning up litter at commercial properties since 1981. It’s not glamorous, but it’s profitable—and nearly as easy as taking a walk.
I started at age 21 while working full-time as a shipper/receiver. I didn’t have a college degree or special skills, but I wanted a business I could run from home. I evaluated my strengths and decided on a simple service I could provide: parking lot litter cleanup.
I came from a blue-collar family where both parents worked hard and took on extra jobs. They modeled a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit—lessons that shaped my approach to business. As a child I even sold toys to neighborhood kids, so the drive to work for myself started early.
2. How did you scale to $650,000 per year?
I started as a one-person side hustle and was earning over $100,000 a year before I decided to expand. Clients asked for service at more properties; rather than doing all the work myself, I recruited reliable friends, family, and former coworkers. That allowed me to grow without burning out.
Today we service around 150–160 properties and gross up to about $700,000 annually. Some sites need service three days a week, most need five days, and a few require six or seven days. We focus on small to medium retail, office, and industrial properties that can be walked and cleaned efficiently. Large enclosed malls are usually cleaned in-house and aren’t our target.
3. What do you like and dislike about the business?
I enjoy working outdoors in the early morning when lots are empty. The work uses simple hand tools and is physically light while providing steady income. I especially value the routine and the independent nature of the work.
What I don’t like is the attitude that leads people to litter. I’ll never understand why some people discard trash carelessly, but that behavior has created a steady market for litter cleanup services.
4. How much can a person expect to earn?
Earnings depend on how much time you put in. Some people run this as a side hustle and earn $1,500–$2,500 a month with an hour or two of work daily. Others scale to full-time and earn over $100,000 a year working about five hours per day.
You can operate solo or build a team. There’s no fixed ceiling—one of my students manages over 300 properties across several states. Your income is proportional to your ambition and how you choose to grow.
5. Where do you put the trash you collect?
We use simple hand tools to gather cups, cans, bottles, wrappers, and cigarette butts, then dispose of the collected material in on-site waste bins or designated disposal areas at the property.
6. Why do businesses pay for litter cleanup?
Litter cleanup is a necessary exterior maintenance service, similar to landscaping, snow removal, parking lot sweeping, and exterior repairs. Property managers budget for these services because tenants expect clean, well-maintained grounds. Owners—such as pension funds, insurance companies, or real estate investment trusts—rely on managers to maintain property value.
This service is recession-resistant and proved essential during the pandemic when sanitation concerns rose. Properties with visible litter deter customers, so managers prioritize keeping exterior areas clean.
7. Is the business viable in winter?
Yes. Litter appears year-round. In colder months you may collect more coffee cups and cigarette butts. Snow can temporarily hide litter, but it resurfaces as snow melts—so consistent year-round service is valuable. Dress appropriately for the weather and plan schedules accordingly.
8. Licenses, permits, insurance, and startup costs
Startup costs are low. Most owners run the business from home with tools stored in a vehicle. Key tasks include choosing a legal structure, registering a business name, opening a business bank account, obtaining required licenses, permits, and insurance, and setting up basic contact information. These steps can be completed online.
I recommend starting as a side hustle while keeping a full-time job—use savings to cover startup costs and reinvest earnings. Expect initial expenses around $500, depending on your setup and whether you already have a vehicle and basic tools.
9. How to find customers for your parking lot cleanup business
Early on I refined a short sales pitch and began cold-calling property management companies listed in the phone directory. My aim was to identify the decision-maker and request permission to send information—an approach I called “warm calling.” Today you can find prospects easily through online searches.
If you’re not naturally salesy, remember that sales is a learned skill. Think of it as explaining how you solve a problem for a property manager. With practice, outreach becomes easier. My first break came after a few calls; a prospect asked for proposals for three shopping plazas, and I won the contracts. I built my side business in the mornings and after work until it surpassed my full-time job income.
10. Why share this knowledge?
I chose to share this low-cost, home-based business model because it’s accessible to people without lots of capital, formal education, or technical experience. I deliberately avoided franchising or any model that requires ongoing fees. My goal was to provide a one-time instructional manual so others can learn and run the business independently.
The manual is available in ebook or print form and includes my contact information for support. Helping others start a practical business is something I enjoy and support.
11. Is there room for new entrants?
Yes. There’s abundant opportunity across the country. I’m not trying to block newcomers—my cleaning business is my primary income, not book sales. Markets are local; I focus on my territory and encourage others to serve theirs. With efficient tools and consistent service, there’s space for many operators.
12. Step-by-step startup checklist
Here is a condensed startup checklist to get you going:
- Choose and register your business name
- Buy a domain name and set up a business email
- Get a business address and phone number
- Create a legal business entity (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
- Request an EIN (if needed)
- Open a business checking account
- Obtain necessary licenses and permits
- Get insurance
- Find an accountant or bookkeeping resource
13. About the resource Brian offers
Brian has a practical manual that explains how the parking lot litter cleanup business works and includes a free guide and a short video demonstrating the work. The manual walks readers through starting and operating the business in a clear, actionable way.
Are you interested in starting a litter cleanup business?
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