For more than two decades, The Junkluggers has been redefining what it means to “take out the trash.” What began in 2004 as founder Josh Cohen’s small side hustle in Fairfield County, Connecticut — using his mom’s SUV to pick up unwanted items and donate them instead of tossing them — has evolved into a national franchise system with over 150 locations and the backing of Authority Brands. Today, The Junkluggers stands out in the booming $1.6 billion junk removal market as the premier eco-conscious option for entrepreneurs seeking purpose and profit in equal measure.

Under the leadership of Brand President Justin Waltz, a former franchisee himself with nearly 20 years of experience in junk removal, The Junkluggers is scaling with a clear mission: to help owners build sustainable, community-driven businesses while making a real environmental impact. Here are the top five reasons why now — in 2026 — is the perfect time to join this fast-growing franchise.

1. A Mission That Matters: Sustainability and Community Impact

The Junkluggers isn’t just a hauling company — it’s a movement. Each truckload represents an opportunity to rehome, repurpose and recycle items instead of sending them to the landfill. “We divert nearly 50% more waste from landfills than anyone else,” Waltz said. “We’re innovating the world of junk removal by being eco-minded, customer-centric and data-driven.”

This sustainability-first approach resonates deeply with today’s consumers. Franchisees like Lucy Mejia of Atlanta Metro East say that mission-driven appeal is what drew them in. “The culture was solid, and it really hit all my passions and checkpoints — sustainability, community orientation, the people at headquarters, and the other franchisee owners,” she said. “We partner with more than a dozen donation organizations and recyclers — people can feel good about where their things are going.”

2. A Frictionless Franchise Model Designed for Growth

For Waltz, one concept guides everything: frictionless franchising. “We focus on reducing backend costs so franchisees can invest more in their frontline employees — the people who actually drive revenue,” he said.

The Junkluggers model includes a national call center that manages bookings, advanced routing software for efficiency, and centralized marketing and data tools that make running the business simpler and more profitable. “The more efficient the franchisee can be, the more profitable they are,” Waltz said. “We provide clear marketing plans, ongoing training and real-time data that help owners perform at a higher level.”

That support starts before opening day and continues well after. From five days of pre-opening training to individualized coaching, vendor partnerships and systemwide lead generation, The Junkluggers gives owners everything they need to focus on growth.

3. Established Financial Performance and Scalable Territories

For owners who want low overhead with real upside, The Junkluggers posts solid figures. According to its 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees operating the full fiscal year averaged $761,391 in gross revenue, and the top third averaged $1,346,540.

Each protected territory encompasses roughly 400,000 people, giving operators room to expand without oversaturation. The estimated initial investment ranges from $96,010 to $359,160, including a $50,000 franchise fee — making it one of the most accessible entry points in the Authority Brands portfolio.

“Franchisees buy into a business for two main reasons: the culture and the business opportunity,” Waltz said. “When you combine founder mentality with strong financial backing, the business can be very successful.” In other words, they’re “betting on the jockey, not the horse.”

4. A Brand Positioned for Massive Industry Growth

The junk removal industry is on the rise — projected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2025 to $2.7 billion by 2033. Waltz points to major macroeconomic tailwinds fueling that expansion: downsizing baby boomers, the rise of e-commerce-driven clutter, the growing number of storage units nationwide and the eco-conscious mindset of modern consumers.

“We’re the hungriest company in this space,” Waltz said. “We’re evolving, we’re innovating and we’re here to dominate the industry.”

With the resources of Authority Brands — one of the largest multi-brand home services franchisors in the world — The Junkluggers is scaling smarter and faster while preserving its founder-driven culture.

5. A People-First Culture That Drives Success

At its core, The Junkluggers is a people business — not just in how it treats customers, but in how it empowers franchise owners. Waltz’s leadership philosophy centers on franchisee feedback and collaboration. “Franchisees have often risked their life savings,” he said. “Their feedback is invaluable. The best ideas in franchising come from owners on the front lines.”

That franchisee-first culture continues to attract passionate operators like Mejia, who see The Junkluggers as more than just a business — it’s a legacy. “To have my kids watch me growing a successful business means the world to me,” she said. “Helping the community and educating people that we can do better — that’s my ultimate goal.”

With a mission that aligns with today’s values, a frictionless system built for scale and the backing of Authority Brands, The Junkluggers is redefining what’s possible in junk removal. The brand is actively expanding in key markets including Central Florida; Houston, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Cincinnati, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Salt Lake City, Utah; Indianapolis, Indiana; Birmingham, Alabama; Jacksonville, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We’re here to stay, and we’re coming for our competitors,” Waltz said. “If you want to be part of a forward-thinking, eco-conscious company that’s changing the world one truckload at a time, I’d love to hear from you.”

For more information, visit: https://junkluggersfranchise.com/.