The

5

best

Waste

franchises of 2026

Complete ranking by Growth & Profitability

Waste franchises operate in essential service niches such as junk removal, dumpster rentals, hauling, and specialty waste services.

These businesses benefit from recurring demand, strong local market economics, and relatively simple operations.

Below are the top 5 waste franchises based on overall performance and system strength.

1-800-Got-Junk?

8.7
/
10

1-800-Got-Junk? provides professional junk removal services, offering efficient and reliable solutions for decluttering homes, offices, and commercial spaces by responsibly disposing of unwanted items and debris.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

133
+
4%
4%
Franchise fee

?

$65,000 to $97,500
Investment

?

$165,000 - $250,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$2,553,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
8.7
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

1-800-Got-Junk? provides full-service junk removal with a strong national brand and proven marketing engine.
Its ranking reflects unmatched system scale paired with strong unit-level performance.

  • Large system with 133 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment (~$208K)
  • Attractive 0.08x payback
  • Stable franchisee growth (~4%) supports durability

Smash my Trash

8.3
/
10

Smash my Trash offers eco-friendly waste disposal solutions, utilizing innovative compaction technology to reduce waste volume and costs for businesses.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

504
+
-4%
-4%
Franchise fee

?

$49,500
Investment

?

$372,000 - $492,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$235,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
8.3
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Smash My Trash offers mobile dumpster compaction services focused on commercial clients.
Its ranking is driven by rapid early expansion and a differentiated service model.

  • Very large system with 504 franchisees
  • Higher average investment (~$432K)
  • Longer 1.84x payback weighs on efficiency
  • Slightly negative growth (~-4%) limits upside

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

8.1
/
10

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving offers professional junk removal and moving services, providing clients with reliable and efficient solutions for decluttering their spaces and relocating their belongings with ease.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

202
+
34%
34%
Franchise fee

?

$55,000 - $75,000
Investment

?

$258,000 - $481,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$1,030,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

0.5%

Our score
8.1
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

College Hunks combines junk removal and moving services with a strong brand identity.
Its ranking benefits from scale and diversified service offerings.

  • Large system with 202 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment (~$370K)
  • Efficient 0.36x payback
  • Positive franchisee growth (~34%) supports momentum

Junk King

7.9
/
10

Junk King specializes in eco-friendly junk removal services, offering efficient and responsible solutions for decluttering homes, offices, and commercial spaces while minimizing environmental impact through recycling and donation efforts.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

172
+
9%
9%
Franchise fee

?

$55,000
Investment

?

$125,000 - $300,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$436,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
7.9
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Junk King provides eco-focused junk removal with an established franchise footprint.
Its ranking reflects solid economics balanced against moderate growth.

  • Large system with 172 franchisees
  • Accessible average investment (~$213K)
  • Efficient 0.49x payback
  • Modest franchisee growth (~9%)

Bin There Dump That

7.6
/
10

Bin There Dump That offers residential-friendly dumpster rental services, providing convenient and efficient solutions for waste removal projects.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Franchisees

?

206
+
17%
17%
Franchise fee

?

$29,000
Investment

?

$116,000 - $235,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$283,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Our score
7.6
/
10

What WE LIKE

Here's the rationale for our score

Bin There Dump That specializes in residential-friendly dumpster rentals.
Its ranking benefits from predictable demand and system maturity.

  • Large system with 206 franchisees
  • Moderate average investment (~$176K)
  • Solid 0.62x payback
  • Steady franchisee growth (~17%)

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