Subcontain is an environmental-services franchise offering semi-underground waste container systems with installation and servicing, serving municipalities, multi-family communities, and commercial properties, and known for space-saving designs, cleaner collection points, and infrastructure-backed contracts that modernize local waste management.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$59,500
Investment
?
$178,000 - $912,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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SubContain is a clean-technology franchise offering semi-underground waste containment systems to commercial, residential, and municipal customers. The concept modernizes traditional waste management by reducing odors, preventing pest intrusion, and improving site aesthetics.
SubContain operates in the essential services sector, serving property developers, multi-family housing communities, businesses, and public entities. The brand is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
SubContain was founded in 2025 and began franchising the same year. The franchise entered the market with a scalable model designed for rapid expansion across the United States.
Its early-stage growth positions franchisees in a category with limited direct competition and strong long-term demand. The system is already used globally, giving the brand a proven foundation despite its recent U.S. launch.
SubContain franchisees sell, install, and service semi-underground waste containers that replace conventional dumpsters. Revenue is generated through equipment sales, installation services, and recurring waste collection and maintenance contracts.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Subcontain franchise is
$178,000 - $912,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$59,500 – $148,500
Rent, Utilities, and Leasehold Improvements
$4,000 – $11,000
Customized Vehicle
$40,000 – $387,000
Vehicle Delivery, Registration, and Tax
$1,900 – $15,000
Containers
$28,400 – $113,600
Other Inventory
$3,000 – $5,000
Furniture, Office Expenses, and Uniforms
$2,000 – $5,000
Computer Systems
$4,000 – $5,500
Initial Marketing
$4,000 – $8,000
Insurance (3 months)
$5,000 – $10,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,500 – $3,000
Professional Fees
$2,500 – $5,000
Travel, Lodging, and Meals for Initial Training
$2,000 – $3,500
Additional Funds (First 3 Months)
$20,000 – $160,000
Total
$177,800 – $911,600
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$59,500 – $148,500
Rent, Utilities, and Leasehold Improvements
$4,000 – $11,000
Customized Vehicle
$40,000 – $387,000
Vehicle Delivery, Registration, and Tax
$1,900 – $15,000
Containers
$28,400 – $113,600
Other Inventory
$3,000 – $5,000
Furniture, Office Expenses, and Uniforms
$2,000 – $5,000
Computer Systems
$4,000 – $5,500
Initial Marketing
$4,000 – $8,000
Insurance (3 months)
$5,000 – $10,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,500 – $3,000
Professional Fees
$2,500 – $5,000
Travel, Lodging, and Meals for Initial Training
$2,000 – $3,500
Additional Funds (First 3 Months)
$20,000 – $160,000
Total
$177,800 – $911,600
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Subcontain's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Subcontain had 0 total units in 2025, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Subcontain franchise offers a structured and multi-phase training program to equip its franchisees with the necessary skills to operate successfully. Below are the training programs provided by the franchisor:
Pre-Opening Training The franchisor offers standard pre-opening training for the Principal Executive and up to two other employees. This training is conducted either at Subcontain’s headquarters or a designated Subcontain business location. While the training itself is free, the franchisee is responsible for travel, lodging, and other related expenses.
New Franchisee Training Program The Principal Executive must complete this program to the franchisor’s satisfaction before opening the business. If the Principal Executive will not be managing daily operations, a manager must also attend and complete the training. This program must be completed within 60 days of signing the agreement.
Post-Opening Training Subcontain may require the Principal Executive and other employees to complete additional training programs at any time. These sessions can be held in any format or location determined by the franchisor and may come with a reasonable fee. The franchisee is also expected to provide training to their own employees when required.
Market Introduction Planning Support The franchisor assists franchisees in planning and executing a market introduction strategy. This includes advice tailored to local conditions and potential customer engagement. It ensures the business starts with a strong presence in its designated territory.
Ongoing Operational Support and Training After opening, the franchisor provides ongoing advice through calls or electronic communication and may offer in-person support for operational improvements. This includes assistance with pricing, administrative procedures, and business development. The franchisor may also conduct evaluations and require participation in programs like customer feedback surveys and performance reviews.
Territory Protection
The franchise Subcontain provides franchisees with a protected territory, typically defined by zip codes or other mutually agreed-upon boundaries. Within this exclusive territory, Subcontain will not authorize another franchisee or company-owned outlet to offer the same or similar services under the Subcontain brand.
The protection is not contingent on performance targets, but failure to meet minimum annual sales can lead to loss of exclusivity or modification of the territory. While Subcontain generally honors territorial exclusivity, it reserves the right to intervene under specific conditions. If a franchisee fails to meet customer demand or serve a customer properly, the franchisor may allow others to operate within that territory.
Additionally, Subcontain may serve customers in the territory using different trademarks or through other distribution channels like online or catalog sales, provided these services differ from those offered by the franchisee.
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