Running a garbage can cleaning business in colder climates can present unique challenges, especially during the winter months. However, with a little preparation and flexibility, these challenges can turn into opportunities. Whether you’re planning to continue operations year-round or pause for the season, understanding how to adapt your business to freezing temperatures is key to maintaining success.
What’s Different About Running a Can Cleaning Business Where It Freezes?
When temperatures drop below freezing, your day-to-day operations will require adjustments. The biggest concern is water — the lifeblood of your business. In freezing temperatures, water in your tanks, hoses, and pressure washers can freeze, causing downtime or damage to your equipment. Additionally, ice buildup around your worksite can create safety hazards for you and your customers.
You will need to keep your equipment warm. We will go over some ideas to do that a bit later.
How Do Service Offerings Change?
In colder months, offering services beyond traditional can cleaning can help keep your business profitable. You have a list of customers that trust you. Why not offer them more services? For example:
- Christmas Lights: A great way bring in some extra cash.
- Dog Poop Pickup: Most people have dogs and dont want to deal with the poop. Solve that problem for them!
- Snow and Ice Removal: If feasible, diversify by offering services like snow blowing or ice removal as a seasonal add-on.
By adapting your offerings, you can stay relevant to your customers, even when they may not prioritize garbage can cleaning.
What Are Maintenance Considerations?
Keeping your equipment in top shape is especially important when operating in freezing conditions. Key maintenance tips include:
- Insulate and Heat Your Equipment: Heated storage is a must when your trailer isn’t in use. A residential garage will do just great. Or an RV storage garage.
- Flush and Drain Daily: At the end of each workday, ensure all water is drained from tanks, pumps, and hoses to prevent freezing.
- Use Anti-Freeze Solutions: Run a non-toxic antifreeze solution through your pressure washer to protect internal components when not in use.
- Monitor Equipment More Frequently: Cold temperatures can cause faster wear and tear on parts like seals and hoses. Regular inspections will prevent costly breakdowns. If temperatures run below freezing, it’s best not to clean bins.
Proactive maintenance is the best way to ensure your business runs smoothly in the cold.
How Do I Winterize My Trailer If I Don’t Want to Work When It’s Cold?
If you decide to pause operations during the colder months, properly winterizing your trailer is essential to protect your equipment. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Flush and Drain All Water: Remove all water from your tanks, pressure washer, and hoses to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Run Antifreeze Through the System: Use a biodegradable antifreeze to protect your pressure washer and plumbing components.
- Store in a Heated Space: If possible, park your trailer in a temperature-controlled garage to avoid exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Inspect and Cover: Check for any wear and tear and cover your trailer to protect it from snow, ice, and debris.
- Perform Preventative Maintenance: Use the downtime to inspect and repair your equipment so it’s ready for spring.
Winterizing ensures your equipment will be ready to go when warmer temperatures return.
Conclusion
Running a garbage can cleaning business in freezing climates requires adjustments, but it’s entirely possible to stay operational and profitable. Whether you choose to adapt your service offerings, focus on maintenance, or winterize your equipment, proper preparation is key. By staying flexible and seizing opportunities even in the cold, you can keep your business thriving year-round—even in the frozen north!
