Top 8 Low-Cost Junk Removal Franchises for 2024

The junk removal industry is experiencing significant growth as more homeowners seek to declutter their spaces and dispose of unwanted items responsibly. And for entrepreneurs, the category comes with a slew of advantages — no need for a retail space, small teams, simple operations and, best of all, low start-up costs. 

If you're considering diving into this lucrative market, here are eight low-cost junk removal franchises that stand out in 2024 for their affordability and strong business models.

Accelerated Waste Solutions

Accelerated Waste Solutions (AWS) was founded in 2008 in Florida with the mission of providing technology-driven, 21st-century junk removal and valet trash services to residential and commercial building owners. Since then, AWS has combined these two essential businesses, JunkShot and Doorstep Details, under one franchise investment. The brands not only complement each other, but also provide a valuable diversification of revenue for franchisees. Today, AWS serves more than 20,000+ apartment doorsteps in over 20 states, including some of the biggest property management companies in the nation.

Growth Club Profile

• Units: 32
• Total Initial Investment: $127,200 to $247,100
• Franchise Fee: $59,900
• Royalty Fee: 7%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $10,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

Junk King

Since being founded in 2005, Junk King has grown into the second-largest junk removal franchise in the U.S. Junk King is recognized for its commitment to eco-friendly disposal methods, recycling up to 60% of the junk it hauls away. For less than $100,000 in some cases, Junk King offers a tremendous start-up and ongoing support network including a national call center, a proprietary Junkware software program and a state-of-the-art review and referral platform.

• Units: 177
• Total Initial Investment: $93,000 to $180,000
• Franchise Fee: $54,000 to $78,000
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 5%
• Liquidity Required: $50,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

1-800-GOT-JUNK?

As a pioneer in the junk removal industry, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? provides widespread name recognition and a proven business model. The concept has expanded significantly since its founding in 1989 and has enjoyed broad media coverage from sources like The Oprah Show, CNN and MSNBC. The company recently launched additional franchise concepts — WOW 1 DAY PAINTING and Shack Shine — to continue disrupting the home services industry under the O2E Brands umbrella.

• Units: 175
• Total Initial Investment: $164,800 to $249,650
• Franchise Fee: $65,000 to $97,500
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 6%
• Liquidity Required: $15,000 to $50,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 Years

College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving

College HUNKS (Honest Uniformed Nice Knowledgeable Service) is the largest and fastest-growing junk removal and moving franchise in North America, combining two lucrative revenue streams for franchisees. Known for its vibrant culture and customer service, College HUNKS also focuses on leadership development within its franchise network. Last year, the IFA named co-founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman the 2023 Entrepreneurs of the Year.

• Units: 210
• Total Initial Investment: $158,700 to $288,500
• Franchise Fee: $45,000 to $65,000
• Royalty Fee: 7%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $75,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

The Junkluggers

This eco-conscious junk removal franchise was started in Connecticut back in 2004 and started franchising in 2012. Today, The Junkluggers stands out for its commitment to sustainability, aiming to keep junk out of landfills through donation and recycling. Plus, as part of the Authority Brands Family, a home services franchisor that owns 15 concepts, The Junkluggers provides a strong support system and infrastructure for its franchisees. 

• Units: 139
• Total Initial Investment: $96,010 to $339,160
• Franchise Fee: $50,000
• Royalty Fee: 7%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $75,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

Bin There Dump That

While the home services industry can often be cluttered, this junk removal franchise aims to be more simple. Offering residential-friendly dumpster services, Bin There Dump That specializes in smaller, clean trucks and dumpsters that fit into tight spaces, ideal for suburban settings. This niche approach reduces competition and targets homeowners directly. In order to start the business, franchisees simply need to purchase a Ford F600 truck and 12 to 24 dumpsters of various sizes. From there, they can expand to a City Builder, replicating operations in other markets.

• Units: 246
• Total Initial Investment: $180,000 to $260,000
• Franchise Fee: $38,000 to $42,000
• Royalty Fee: $500 - $1,000 per truck per month
• Marketing Fee: $100 - $200 per truck per month
• Liquidity Required: $75,000 to $180,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK

In 2023, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*, the national, full-service moving franchise with over 430 locations nationwide, expanded into junk removal with the launch of its sister company TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK. Today, the junk removal concept has 35 franchise agreements executed and is operating in 15 states. “We have found this is a very good complement to the franchisees that were already in the moving industry,” said Jason Galey, senior brand director for TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK. “They were getting inquiries from homeowners regarding couches or beds they no longer wanted when it came time to move, and the team jumped into an exploration of what it might mean to be in the junk removal space.”

• Units: 35
• Total Initial Investment: $112,860 to $226,525
• Franchise Fee: $50,000
• Royalty Fee: 7%
• Marketing Fee: 7%
• Liquidity Required: $80,000 to $150,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 Years

Metropolitan Movers

Metropolitan Movers, based in Canada, is a unique junk removal franchise that provides a comprehensive suite of moving services, including local, interstate, long-distance and international options. The company also handles packing and storage services for both residential and commercial clients. It specializes in transporting a variety of specialty items, such as automobiles, pianos, art pieces and medical equipment. 

• Units: 16
• Total Initial Investment: $53,350 to $250,000
• Franchise Fee: $29,500 to $49,500
• Royalty Fee: 7.5%
• Marketing Fee: 3%
• Liquidity Required: $48,500 to $250,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 Years

In the burgeoning field of junk removal, these eight franchises offer a compelling blend of affordability and opportunity. Whether your focus is on sustainability or enhancing customer convenience, these franchises allow you to step into a vital market, lead in the green revolution and make an impact in your community — all without spending an arm and a leg.

Continue your research with these related 1851 Franchise articles:

• Top 5 Junk Removal Franchise Opportunities
• The Top Low-Cost Franchises This Year
• Top 15 Home Improvement Franchise Opportunities of 2023