Let’s start with the basics—where are you originally from, and what brought you to this area? How long have you been living here?
I’m originally from Cincinnati OH, but we moved to Jersey from Atlanta about 10 years ago! My in-laws are from the area and our family wanted to be closer to our family here!
Tell us about your family! How many kiddos do you have, and what ages/stages are they in?
We’ve got 2 crazy boys – a 6 year old and a 2 year old. It’s been fun having this business with them! My 6 year old loves the truck and even got to ride in it in a St Patrick’s Day parade we sponsored!
What inspired you to start Jersey Garbage Can Cleaners? Was there a “this is it!” moment?
I had been looking to start my own business for some time. Then my wife asked me to clean our own garbage can, and when I got out there to clean it I wanted no part of it!! I started looking to see if I could hire someone online, but couldn’t find anyone local, but I did see all sorts of business in warmer weather states. There was clearly no one here offering this type of service, and it seemed like a fun business to get into where there was a need and no one else offering it.
This is such a unique business… how did you even realize garbage can cleaning was something people needed (and wanted)?
The world has been trending to more convenience type services like Amazon same day shipping, DoorDash, grocery delivery, etc. This seemed to fit in that same type of service offering. When I started to talk to people local, there was a lot of excitement, especially considering the fairly low ticket cost vs. effort to do it yourself.
For someone who’s never used your service before—what exactly do you do and how does it work?
Our truck is built specifically to clean garbage cans! We arrive on your garbage/recycling day after the cans have been emptied so we can clean them. We then clean the outside of the can, lid, handle with 200 degree high-pressure water. We then pickup the can in our truck where a spinning head washes out the inside of the can, and our truck catches all the dirty water. We then deodorize the cans to leave them smelling fresh, and then walk them back up to the side of your home.
I feel like every parent can relate to this… why are garbage cans actually such a big problem for homes?
For one, they just stink and it’s unpleasant to be around, especially during the summer when we all want to enjoy our yards. It also poses some health risks – there are tons of bacteria and germs in the cans and on the handles. Touching or breathing it in can potentially get you sick. Garbage cans can also become a breeding ground for maggots, or even attract animals such as raccoons and possums.
What makes your cleaning process different from just hosing down a bin in the driveway?
There are a few issues with trying to hose it down yourself: One being it’s not that effective. You need heat to kill bacteria. Sure some bleach and water can work, but you need to ensure the area is scrubbed and bleached, and then it doesn’t necessarily get rid of the smell. Second being it takes a lot of effort to do it yourself! What other disgusting job can you outsource for $30 every few months?! Third, when you hose it down yourself and if you are using chemicals, you have to dispose of the dirty water. That is often overlooked and that water is dumped either on your grass or can make it’s way into our storm drains, waterways, and rivers. Our process uses 200 degree high pressure water, without chemicals, and it’s self contained. All of the dirty water from the inside of the can gets caught by our truck, and then we dispose of that water at a local sewerage authority per NJDEP standards.
I love a “set it and forget it” moment—can you talk about your subscription options and why customers love them?
We all have so much going on today! I personally love anything that is automated and doesn’t take up any headspace. We have 2 subscriptions – Quarterly or Monthly cleanings. When you sign up you tell us your garbage/recycling collection days, and then we will align the cleanings with your collection day so there is no extra effort on our customer’s part. We even bring the cans down to the curb to clean, and then walk them back up to the home.
You’re a local, family-run business—how has the community supported you since you started?
We wouldn’t still be here without the community’s support. It’s a new business concept, so a lot of people are hesitant and think it’s the dumbest idea ever – and that’s okay – we get that our service is not for everyone. But the positive feedback and excitement that we get from the part of the community that loves our service really inspires us. Also, tons our business has developed through word of mouth, which we love. We try to give back as much as we can via sponsoring local events and trying to use local businesses for our own needs.
Last one—what would you say to a busy mom who’s on the fence about trying your service? Is this one of those “once you do it, you never go back” things?
It sure is! I said this earlier, but what other disgusting job can you outsource for $30-40 per quarter? We have a few people that have told us that we are their favorite service and that they will never cancel! We also make it really easy – it’s not a contract. If you need to skip a service, or reschedule a service, just let us know in our reminder process. Separately, if you wanted to try the service out on a one time basis and then opt-in to a subscription, then we just make your 2nd cleaning free to offset the price difference.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? My oldest just started riding his bike without training wheels, so we’ve been enjoying going on walks with him while the younger one scoots around!
2 – Favorite coffee spot? The Morning Roast in Cranford. It’s inside a brewery and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and approachable about coffee. They have tons of unique drinks.
3 – Favorite lunch place? Any deli!
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Wightman Farms.
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Felina in Summit. It’s on the main floor of a hotel, brand new, amazing environment and great food.
6 – Favorite boutique? Wherever my wife wants to go where she spends under $50!
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Huntley Taverne in Summit.
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Bagels Supreme in Springfield.
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Either Ava’s in Kenilworth, or Nola’s in Garwood.
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Any place that serve Gelato.
This article was done in partnership with Jersey Garbage Can Cleaners. Be sure to follow them on social media below:
