When starting any business you need to look into all the regulations your business might face and what you will need to be deemed legal to operate in your area. This is the same with a valet trash service.
When first doing your research while writing your valet trash business plan, you will most likely have the thought of needing a license to operate in your county or state. Then a million questions will start to shoot through your brain. Is there such a thing as a valet trash license? Do I need a valet trash license or any license? Where would I look for what licenses my business needs? So, let’s dive into some of the questions to put your mind at ease.
Is There Such a Thing as a Valet Trash License?
I have never come across a specific license for valet trash. This doesn’t mean that one doesn’t exist in some county somewhere, but since your whole business model is to just pick trash up from doorways and take it to the dumpsters or trash compactors that really limits your exposure. Your business isn’t set up like an actual refuse service that transports the garbage from the property to a landfill. If that were the case, then you’d need to look into a license for transporting or hauling garbage.
Do I Need a Valet Trash License or Any License?
Each state and county varies, so you’ll need to look into this a little more if you need anything specific. If you need any type of license it will solely depend on how you operate your apartment trash valet program. If you just service the community and everything stays onsite, then you most likely will not need anything. If you take recycling or garbage offsite, then you will likely need trash hauling permits for the county you will be transporting in. If possible try to limit the demands of your business taking items offsite, as it can open the door for additional issues.
Where Would I Look for What Licenses My Business Needs?
As stated above each state, county and city have their own codes and restrictions. You will need to do a little digging to see what is required of you in your area. Here are some ways to find what you’re looking for.
Small Business Administration
The SBA has a fantastic resource to check for business permits and licenses for each state.
Google Search
Just type in the phrase, “business license your county name”. Within the top 5 answers will be your county’s website. You can then see what information they have regarding the licenses.
Call Your County
If you have a question don’t be afraid to ask. You rather be in good standing with the state/county/city than not. Just call your county’s information line and ask for the department that deals with business licenses. It might take a few minutes, but you can get all of your questions answered.
After all of your searching, you will have a better handle if your company needs any form of business license for a valet trash company. More than likely if you just stick to servicing on the property, you won’t need a whole lot of additional paperwork to take care of.
