Not every path to wealth involves suits and spreadsheets. Some involve rolling up your sleeves and tackling the jobs that others shy away from. These ‘dirty’ businesses – the likes of sewer maintenance, waste hauling and trauma scene cleaning – have low competition, steady demand and serious profit potential.
In this post, we’ll explore seven underrated business ideas, how to get started and why they’re worth the mess.
Sewer Maintenance
Sewer maintenance can be a goldmine for those who are able to brave the smell and who aren’t afraid of the underground. This business involves inspecting, repairing and cleaning sewer lines to prevent backups and leaks. Not only is this important for maintaining wastewater flow, but also for preventing structural damage caused by leaks or toxic emissions from backups. With aging infrastructure in many cities, demand is often constant.
To get into this trade, you’ll need to start by getting certified in plumbing or wastewater management. You can then invest in tools such as pressure jets, cameras and protective gear and start reaching out to customers through local digital marketing such as SEO and advertising. Consider taking on emergency jobs, as you can charge more for these. Small teams can net £100k+ annually after expenses!
Waste Hauling
Waste hauling turns trash into cash. This job involves transporting residential and commercial waste to recycling centres and landfills. Because people are always creating waste, it’s an evergreen business, and you can enjoy a sense of pride knowing that you’re cleaning up your local environment.
You’ll need a truck, permits and insurance to carry out this job. Commercial waste management software could also be useful for planning routes and handling payments. To increase your revenue, focus on niche waste removal services like construction waste, medical waste or chemical waste (this will require extra training and licensing). Services like skip hire are also profitable without you having to do much active work. Make a name for yourself locally, and you could easily make over £100k per year.
Hoarder Clearing
Hoarder cleaning is a specialised cleaning service that involves tackling extreme clutter, helping to restore people’s homes to a more livable condition. It’s often tied to mental health support – many hoarder cleaning services get referrals from therapists and social services. In other cases, it may involve clearing homes after people have passed away.
You’ll be sifting through all kinds of objects and substances, so make sure you’ve got a strong stomach and be sure to invest in PPE. You’ll also need cleaning supplies and a van. You can charge a lot of money per job, but will need to budget for overheads like skip hire as well as paying a team (such jobs are often so big that they can’t be done solo). Annual income can hit £100k if you get the right connections.
Colonic Hydrotherapy
Also known as colonic irrigation, this is a treatment that involves cleansing the intestine. Such treatments are commonly used to relieve constipation and IBS. Practitioners of this treatment are often well-paid – especially those running their own private clinic.
How do you get into this line of work? You’ll need to undertake an accredited training program that covers colon anatomy, physiology and practical training. Once licensed, you can then look into setting up your own clinic and acquiring specialist equipment. The training and setup costs could be fairly high, but if you’re able to get regular business, you’ll soon make up for these costs and make a healthy profit.
Pest Control
Pest control is a trade that is buzzing with opportunity. Infestations of pests are very commonplace both in cities and rural areas and pest control services can be few and far between in some locations. If you’re not afraid of rodents and bugs, this could be an in-demand and lucrative business opportunity worth looking into.
Specialized training is required in pest identification, control methods and safety regulations (especially when it comes to fumigation). Marketing your services involves investing in local SEO and potentially partnering with local landlord realtor companies. It’s hands-on work that could have you crawling in attics or rummaging through sheds, but it’s ultimately rewarding and you could exterminate any financial worries you have once you’ve established a good network.
Trauma Scene Cleaning
This unique job involves cleaning locations where crimes or traumatic incidents have occurred. This could include burglaries, vandalism, homicides, suicides, accidents or drug use. While it’s pretty grim work, it’s a vital job and it pays very well – largely because there aren’t many cleaning services that are willing to do it.
You’ll need to undergo training in biohazard remediation and invest in suitable cleaning gear and PPE. Many trauma scene cleaning companies find work by partnering with local police and first responder services, while seeking out help from specialist waste hauling services when it comes to disposal of waste.
Portable Toilet Supply
Another dirty but financially rewarding business to consider could be portable toilet supply. Such toilets are needed at events and on construction sites where plumbed-in toilets are not available. By renting out these toilets, you can make a steady income without having to replace stock too often.
This is a business that doesn’t require any licensing or training to get into, however upfront costs can be high. On top of purchasing the toilets themselves, you’ll need space to store them when not being hired and you’ll need to either own or outsource lorries to transport them to the sites where they are needed. Toilets will need to be cleaned afterwards and waste will need to be suitably disposed of. The good news is that you can make a lot of money – £100 at least per unit per day – resulting in a flush of cash at events.
Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty?
While these jobs aren’t pleasant, they are personally rewarding and can help make you a lot of money. Some people may even find them less intimidating than regular corporate work. There will be gross moments and you’ll need to be able to power through them. Remember, fortune favours the bold!
