So, you have set out to start your very own waste removal business in England. Congratulations, soon you will have to deal with piles upon piles of other people’s refuse. While this might not be the most glamorous of jobs your wallet will feel much better once you are unable to close it from the fat stack of cash inside.
To succeed in this business you need a steady workload and a reputable name. Your first priority is to make yourself known to local homeowners and businesses – guess who they’ll call the next time they need a hand with some old furniture or discarded kitchen appliances!
To Start Your Waste Removal Business You Need:
- A fully functional lorry (truck)
- Hands-free communication equipment
- Several garbage bins
- Clothing for work and protective gloves
- Shovel and rake
- Computer and Internet access
- Insurance
- Registration
#1. Purchase A Second-Hand Lorry
You need a sturdy lorry that is ready for action so you can transport the ‘precious cargo’ to the nearest waste disposal facility. Depending on your budget and personal preferences, opt for a vehicle that is fuel-efficient and has a large load capacity. There are many deals you can find online but make sure you personally inspect the vehicle before you buy it. Pay particular attention to the engine.
And hey, don’t go for anything too fancy, your new ‘wastemobile’ doesn’t have to be luxurious.
#2. Buy Hands-Free Communication Equipment
Get a Bluetooth headset or something similar that allows you to talk with your hands free. After all, you won’t be sitting at home in front of the computer, accepting phone calls all day long. With the help of a hands-free calling equipment you will be able to work and drive while you take and make important business calls.
#3. Work Clothes And Waste Removal Equipment
The waste management industry is not exactly a ‘suit and tie’ type of thing. This is heavy lifting and bags filled with God-knows-what we are talking about – you need durable clothes that can also protect you from the harmful environment. Keep in mind you will be working in some non-friendly places such as gardens, basements, and waste yards. Don’t be surprised if you have to occasionally fend off snakes, rats, dogs, raccoons, and other wonderful critters with rabies.
There are many specialised stores where you can purchase loose-fitting work clothes that will stand the trials of time and wear. At least you can opt for your favourite colours that will one day represent your successful brand. Oh, a pair of durable gloves is a must, especially during the cold months of the year.
A rake and a shovel will also come in handy as you will sometimes have to remove sand, gravel, leaves, dirt, and a wide range of debris from various types of properties. Also, they make for pretty good weapons against the horde of animals that will go full agro on you.
#4. Business Insurance
It would be best if you acquire some reliable insurance for your waste management business. Accidents happen all the time so a fail-safe like this will make you feel more secure on the road and while you work. Call some insurance companies with good reputation and compare the deals they offer you. Your insurance should cover your waste transportation vehicle, equipment, and any work-related injuries that might happen to you.
#5. Online Marketing
Once your business takes off and you start to gain considerable profits, it’s time to expand your reach. Contact an IT company and have them make you a website that best represents your company. You need to create a brand identity that corresponds to the specific needs of your target market. The majority of clients nowadays book the services they need online. Your company’s website will play a major role in your businesses from now on as it will convert a lot of visitors into actual clients.
However, starting a website is only half the journey. At some point you will have to resort to SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). An SEO company will rank your website higher in the Search Engine Result Page for certain keywords and phrases. This way more and more potential clients will learn about your company. After a while you will be able to hire your very own employees and buy more lorries for your waste management empire.
Waste Removal Company Registration And Waste Management Laws
Since January 2014, if you transport and dispose of your own or somebody else’s waste, buy or sell waste, or act as a waste broker (yes, that’s a thing), then you must register. You can do so here and it will take you only 15 minutes to complete the form.
In case you begin some sort of waste-related operation and you fail to register, you can be fined by the local authority with up to £5,000. Ouch! Once you list your organisation, it will become visible in the public register of waste carriers. If your company undergoes any changes, you are supposed to update your information within four weeks or you will be susceptible to fines.
What About Hazardous Waste?
This is where things get really tricky as with all things that present harm to human health and the environment. Hazardous waste such as toxic chemicals can cause various health issues and superpowers according to many reputable comic books. The good news is your company doesn’t have to necessarily collect hazardous waste if you don’t want to. This way you also eliminate any risks of accidentally turning into the Hulk, or dying of asbestos exposure. However, if you decide that you want to collect hazardous waste, then here’s what you have to do:
#1. Formally state that your company collects hazardous waste when you register.
#2. Always check parts ‘A’ and ‘B’ of the consignment note before you accept any waste. A ‘consignment note’ is an official document that travels with the waste that contains info about the waste itself. Also, you have to make sure that the waste is classified and that the business you collect it from is registered.
#3. Hazardous waste has to be separated from regular refuse and stored correctly. You can find out more about this here: https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview/storage
#4. Fill in the parts of the consignment note that concern you and give a copy to the waste producer. The other two copies must remain with the waste until you dispose of it according to local laws.
#5. Find a waste site that is authorised to accept hazardous waste.
#6. Keep a register (comprehensive information and evidence) of the waste you have dealt with in the past for future inspections and checks by the authorities. Make sure this documentation is always available.
Well, this is pretty much the just of it. We at 24/7 Waste Removal wish you good luck with your waste collection company!