Thursday, 29 March 2007

Wheelie Bin Cleaning

There seem to be more and more companies offering Wheelie Bin Cleaning franchises. This is a business I just don't get. Why would anyone pay to have their wheelie bin cleaned? Unless you are pouring rubbish into it without using bin liners, it doesn't really get very dirty, does it? Ours certainly doesn't. And I don't know anyone who pays to have their bin cleaned (although I suppose they wouldn't necessarily share this information with me unprompted).

But even if some people do pay to have their wheelie bin cleaned, I can't see how you can make any money out of it. I've just googled "wheelie bin cleaning" and got a bunch of companies wanting to sell me a franchise (and it is interesting that their primary aim seems to be to sell me a franchise, not to actually clean my bin. I'm always suspicious of any franchise company whose website is all about selling franchises, not actually selling the service being offered.)

Most seem to be saying that you can clean 150 bins a day, that's one every 3 minutes in an 8-hr day. That seems quite a lot, surely even the fanciest cleaning machine is going to take 30-60 seconds to actually do the cleaning leaving you 2 - 2.5 minutes to get to the next location. Possible, I suppose.

Those people that do pay for their bins to be cleaned apparently do so once every four weeks. So to get 150 bins a day over a four week cycle you need 3,000 customers (150 x 5 day week x 4 weeks). That's fully 3% of your allocated territory of around 100,000 households (that was the territory size in one franchise I was looking at). That's quite a high penetration: if, say, a quarter of households actually want to pay for a clean, plus there are, say, 4 other competing companies in your area, that leaves you expecting about 6% as a steady-state, well-established figure. So getting to 3% right away is going to be tough.

Or, to put it another way, you'd have to sign up 11 new customers every working day for a year to get to your 3,000. Is that doable? Seems unlikely, unless they are all coming over the internet or some other automated system. If you are having to go door-to-door to sign them up yuo wouldn't have any time to do the cleaning, would you?

I just doesn't seem to add up to me. I'm not at all saying these franchises are scams (at least one of them is a BFA member), I just can't see how it works.

Any wheelie bin franchisees reading this? Can you really do 150 bins a day? And can you economically sign up that many customers to provide that volume of bins?

221 comments:

  1. hi bruce
    john here from premier clean in kent
    just to let you know that i have 4000 customers who pay me £3.50 every 4 weeks to have their bin cleaned. not bad eh you do the sums!and yes i do clean 200 bins per day very hard work but as you can see highly profitable and no franchise fee.!all my own work. just buying new van and equipment and expanding into more lucrative commercial market.
    happy days
    john

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  2. john can you e mail me as i hoping to do this and would appretiate some help thanks.
    robingully@aol.com

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  3. Hi John

    Would you email me back as were starting the same business and windered if you would sell us bin liners etc?
    penny.gardener@btinternet.com

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  4. Hi there;

    I am very interested in setting up my own wheelie bin cleaning business, so any advice any one can send me would be very gratefully received.

    Andy (andy.lloyd@hotmail.co.uk)

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  5. my email is premierclean@hotmail.co.uk

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  6. Hi Bruce

    My name is Dan and I am the Franchise Manager from Green Cleen the Wheelie Bin Cleaning Franchise! You raised some very interesting questions that I would be delighted to answer for you! Your first point about how most Franchises seem to be offering you the opportunity to buy a Franchise but not to wash your bin is a very good point! Here at Green Cleen not only do we offer a Bin Washing Franchise, we also run a Bin Washing business currently washing over 7000 bins monthly both domestic and commercial! This means we have experience to offer our Franchisees. There are a few Bin Washing Franchises that do not or never have washed bins so why you would want to pay them money for advise in an industry they don't have any experience in I don't know! In answer to your next question, yes bins do get dirty even if bin liners are used, they also get very smelly and help germs to thrive while attracting rats, insects and other nastys. This is especially true in areas that have now been put on a fortnightly empty! Regarding your question how many bins can been cleaned in an eight hour day, our Duplex Bin Washer takes about 30 seconds to clean a domestic bin and has the capability to clean two domestics at once as well as the bigger commercial bins! All the water is recycled and filtrated and by using bio-degradable chemicals the whole system is 100% enviromentally friendly! (One fill of water will do a whole day's work!) You do have to travel between bins but because your rounds follow the bin mens rounds you will always be in a small area each day! The idea is to build your rounds so you have numbers of bins on the same road! With the training and Marketing plan that we provide there is an 8 week build time before you start washing bins, in that time you get your first 500 customers then we see a steady growth of about 150 customers every 4 weeks till you hit 3000 which is a full van. With a population of over 100,000 in most UK towns and citys that is a very small % to get leaving the opportunity to put more vans on the ground! Once washing bins we recommend as your rounds build you should still be doing an hour or two canvassing daily but it's a very organic business so you pick up a lot of new customers whilst out washing bins! The idea is as your rounds build and you are in an area washing bins, when you finish knock the doors on the roads you have already got customers to build those rounds up where you already are working! We do provide a website for people to book to have their bin washed visit www.greencleen.co.uk
    We base our cash flows on doing 150 domestic bins a day five days a week which adds up to 3000 customers that we visit once every 4 weeks which is acheivable in an 8 hour day! We know this to be true because we do this everyday on our own rounds! This means after Fuel, Franchise Fees, Staffing costs, insurance, all permissions from the Council, Enviroment Agency and Local Water Provider you can still make profits of over £80,000 a year! For more information visit www.greencleen.com or call me on 01785 282855.

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  7. Does anyone know why this business is not taking off in the US? Is it because the homes are futher apart?

    Also - John- you posted a year ago... are you still really doing 200 bins/day ? !!

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  8. Anyone thinking of staring, or already operating a "Wheelie Bin Washing Company" should be aware thet the industry is governed by both legislation and guidelines that are being policed more and more by the Environment Agency, Water Companies and Local Authorities who can all make money out of it. Failure to comply can be very costly if caught.

    General Secretary
    The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers (NAWBW)
    www.nawbw.co.uk

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  9. some shrewd wheelie bin cleaners build up their customers' spend as well as the number of customers by selling "add on" products, such as BinScents Wheelie Bin Fresheners. They work in the same way as car valets leave an air freshener hanging from the mirror. Except these beauties contain tea tree oil as well as natural fruit fragrance and so help to kill germs such as e-coli until the next washing cycle.

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  10. hi every 1 myself and my family have been cleaning bins for 15years now, my advise is no need for a franchise why pay someone money you have worked hard for these companys will take a big chunk every week or a month from you ,also i now think wheelie bin cleaning wil soon finish now the fortnightly and the recycling collections are now here,this is what i have found from my experience if anyone wants any infomation i will would be happy to help.

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  11. hi i am thinking of starting a wheelie bin cleaning business by mine how did you advertise your business did you nock door to door or did you post leaflets around how much does it cost to start up thanks steve

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  12. hi
    i was thinking of starting a wheelie bin cleaning business myself, but im now slightly worried after the comment about business possibly dropping due to recycling etc.

    Can anyone advise please?

    Dani

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  13. hi ste ,
    the way i did it was to drop 1000 leaflets on sat an the same again sun, these used to cost around 120 per thousand, do this all year round or just in summer all depends how fast you want to build a round up.then you need avan pressure washer,
    insurance, public liablity, waste carrying licience,stand pipe licience witch can be a be a big expence each year. you will need to work very hard but the money will be great,its achance you will have to take with the recyling,

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  14. Hi
    I started a wheelie bin cleaning business last year and it built up really quickly, so quickly that I have just bought all new equipment. One person can easily clean 100 bins a day is they are close together. A two man operation can easily do 200+ bins a day. The secret is to get the customers close together on estates. You dont need a franchise, just the right equipment and lots of door knocking and leafleting. If you get a machine that filters and recycles the water and don't let contaminated water run off in the street, you'll stay on the right side of the environment agency rules. Everyone needs public liabilty insurance regardless of what business you're in.
    If anyone is interested, I have my original bin washing trailer for sale. It meets all envir.agency guidelins and can be towed with a family car. If someone wants to give it a try, getting a trailer instead of a van is a low cost way to get started with minimum expense. Email me for more details or to ask how I got started. Mark, binwashed@hotmail.co.uk 07782 473514

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    Replies
    1. I know it's a long shot but you you still have a trailer? Cheers jules

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  15. hi,
    i am very intrested in starting my own business in wheelie bin cleaning, an would appreciate any information available.

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  16. my email for above is: charliebrown187@msn.com

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  17. Before you start investing in equipment the best advice is to check out the local area, some councils/Environment Agencies are not bothered how you operate. Many areas have cowboys operating with them washing bins in the street and leaving all the waste behind. Also you don't need a waste water carriers license, an email from the EA after I asked why do I need a license when you don't enforce it, here is there reply:
    Thank you for your enquiry about waste carriers license in relation to your business.

    If you simply wash out empty wheelie bins and then transport the dirty water away (including any sludge that may settle out), you do not need to register as a waste carrier. This is because the activity of cleaning the bins produces the contaminated water, therefore the wheelie bin cleaner is the waste producer.

    However, if you take away any solid wastes removed from bins or any solid wastes screened out from the washings, at the time of cleaning, then you do need to register.

    I am including a link to the guidance notes called "Preventing Pollution From Wheelie Bin Cleaning" which may be of help to you if you do not have them already.

    http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/ppmbin.pdf

    If you would like to chase up the other companies you have reported then please send us the companies names and addresses, or general location of the area and we can make enquiries to see if any action has been taken.

    I trust you will find this information helpful

    Emma Morton

    Customer Service Advisor
    Environment Agency

    The link they supply has a section where they can fine upto £20,000 but once again they don't enforce it. If this gets past around with the bin cleaners and carpet cleaners then they will loose money with no one buying the licenses and then maybe they might actually do their job properly.

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  18. Could anyone tell me if you use software to plan your route and if you do what is it. Thanks for any help you can give

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  19. Can anyone tell me what software they use to keep a check on the rounds and maybe for route planning

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  20. Re the Post 19 August 2008. Please note that the General Secretary of the NAWBW is owner and MD of Green Cleen UK Ltd.This company sells franchises.
    Yes you do need consents and licences, but these are all available from your council or water authority etc.You dont need a franchise (which can cost in excess of £10K, with an ongoing monthly fees of hundreds of £s per month) to start this business. A franchise agreement will restrict your working area, limit your choice for supplies and limit your choice of equipment and repairs to that equipment.If you rent a machine from a franchise company check who is reponsible for repairs and maintenance. Also re the Waste carriers licence. This costs about £100 for 3 years so it is worth getting one, because you will be carrying solids from a bin at some time.( unless you bag it and put it back in the bin.) Re leafleting etc. Try getting a long narrow leaflet designed that can be attached to the bin lid handle with elastic band or stapler. These can be attached to bins on the day they are out on the street (saves walking up paths)The disadvantage of this is it flags up to your competitors where you are targeting.
    As a rule of thumb, remember a franchise company is trying to sell you something so if they say profits can be "X", half it.
    If they say expenses will be "Y" double it. If they say new customers = "Z" per month, half it. If they say 13 washes per year per customer work on 10 washes, because every customer will miss sometimes ( Bin not out. Bin not emptied. Customer on holiday etc.)Remenmber also that not every customer will pay every month so you will always have a debt on the round.

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  21. Did ask recently on 1 of the big cleaning forums based in the UK how there area is with bin cleaners, seems the Environment Agency are not enforcing it like they could, so just check before you invest money in a proper set up and then find out that the local cowboy brigade are 'splashing and dashing' and leaving all the waste behind and charging £1 per clean and you'll be struggling to compete. But all in all , theres good money to be made in it.

    Taken directly from a letter I received from the EA,

    Where a bin washing operation is identified on site, to pursue it a prosecutution under relevant legalislation ( water resources act 1991 ) requires us to prove that the pollutant has entered a watercourse. This requires us to establish that the drain to which the contaminated water is poured does run to surface water and not a combined(foul) sewer. Thereafter we are required to prove that the material has entered the water course, which in practical terms, unless the wateris disposed very close to the outlet, will not flow through or be measurable upon entry into the water course.

    Thats there reply asking if they'll ever do anything about the local cleaners.

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  22. I clean 300 bins per day at £1.40 per clean every two weeks.2000 customers. Is it worth it? YES. Come to my run and legs get broken. Sorry dog eat dog and all that

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  23. hi i work for a company that makes bin cleaning equipment and sells it direct with no franchise fees. they have sold loads of these things and some of the stories that i have heard from customers about the money they are earning is definately food for thought. im not sure how much they charge but i think its about £3500 but they are goodv bit of kit. if you are thinking of setting up give them a call 01204 391100

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  24. the company gmv northwest ltd send info packs to customers about the wheelie bin cleaning units and starting up a successfull wheelie bin cleaning round just call them on 01204 391100

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  25. all very interesting! My local council has recently introduced a three wheelie bin waste management system.
    One for oraginc waste, one for recycling and one for rubbish. I see alot of potential here for a successful bin cleaning business!! The city has 130,000 dwellings each with 3bins!. I have built a bin cleaning truck with the help of may dad and am ready to launch, the only problem is sorting the software. How do you manage all your
    customers? what options do you think I should offer? there seems to be a tradeoff betseen flexibility and complexity. Is ther specialised software out there to manage customers?
    Any advise would be greatly appreciated contact me on stephan_woodall@hotmail.com
    Cheers
    Stephan

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  26. I use just a standard spreadsheet and just update it manually, theres software for window cleaners called George, not sure if that would work but I know you get a free trial.

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  27. hello all I am currently building up a bin cleaning round at the moment. I am trying to find a direct manufacture for either the hydrolic bin lifter, or the self contain van. Any help would be fantastic as i am using a pressure washer at the moment. If any one can help please contact me @ brownpants2006@yahoo.co.uk

    Kind regards

    A.D

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  28. gmv also do the hydraulic lift machines

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  29. Hi

    My name is Grant Allen from Mr Wheelie Clean, the wheelie bin and window cleaning franchise company. I would like to continue from a couple of other comments left.

    Firstly the cleaning of wheelie bins is very much a growing market, partly from the increased number of wheelie bins and partly because of fortnightly collections most bins are left foul smelling as a result most people would much rather pay a small amount of money to have a company come and clean it professionally.

    For the point of the 8 hour day. If you are setting up a new business, franchise or not, you should never expect to work just an 8 hour day. Every business will require a great deal of time investment in its early stages, but the rewards for this come later when you are able to employ people to take a proportion of this workload away.

    It is absolutely right that you should be buying a franchise from a company that operates that business themselves. Essentially you are paying for, along with the extensive support, their knowledge and experience in setting up and developing that business. This is to give you as a franchisee the best chance of success by having a proven business model and the confidence of being able avoid the many pitfalls that you would otherwise face. If that franchise company has not built its own successful operation how can it direct you to that path to success?

    Finally the financial projections offered to you should be thoroughly scrutinised from the point of achievability, not from the point of the number of customers, but the speed at which it is said that those customers are gained and the amount of profitability. Ensure that the franchise company can demonstrate how you can achieve the rate of growth predicted and that they are not just targets. For information contact franchising@mrwheelieclean.co.uk or visit www.mrwheelieclean.co.uk

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  30. hi does anyone know or have a bin cleaning van or equipment for sale good price and bin cleaning chemicals supplier please call me on 07984830982

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  31. I am interested in setting up my own round for bin cleaning. Has anyone got any advice they could give me i.e canvassing, type of products for cleaning bins etc. Also has anyone got a trailer or truck for sale at a realistic price. If you wish to reply direct to me my email address is andymacmaintenance@gogglemail.com.

    Thanks

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  32. visit gmvnorthwestltd.co.uk they have started renting wheelie bin cleaning trailers and you get everything you need to start ie leaflet templates, business card templates letter heads and even give you software to help with the round building. rental is £500 deposit and £400 a month

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  33. Action Handling Equipment Ltd is one of the most trusted names in the UK when it comes to material handling equipment, lifting equipment, office supplies, industrial weighing equipment, packaging and warehouse equipment

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  34. HI my name is Andy
    I AM VERY INTERESTED IN SETTING UP A WHEELIE BIN CLEANING BUSINESS
    Could anyone please tell me what software would you use to keep a check on the rounds at say 1 clean a month
    Where would I put the old waste water
    Any info like this please just any info I would need to help me on the
    Way Please email me at XSAS777@YAHOO.CO.UK
    I LIVE IN THE BOURNEMOUTH (DORSET) AREA SO I WOULD NOT BE STEPPING ON YOUR TOES OK
    AS I WAS MADE REDUNDANT JUST OVER A YEAR NOW
    SO IF ANY ONE CAN PLEASE HELP ME PLEASE SEND ALL THE INFO I WOULD NEED
    IT WOULD HELP ME OUT A LOT THANK YOU
    ANDY

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  35. HI my name is Andy
    I AM VERY INTERESTED IN SETTING UP A WHEELIE BIN CLEANING BUSINESS
    Could anyone please tell me what software would you use to keep a check on the rounds at say 1 clean a month
    Where would I put the old waste water
    Any info like this please just any info I would need to help me on the
    Way Please email me at XSAS777@YAHOO.CO.UK
    I LIVE IN THE BOURNEMOUTH (DORSET) AREA SO I WOULD NOT BE STEPPING ON YOUR TOES OK
    AS I WAS MADE REDUNDANT JUST OVER A YEAR NOW
    SO IF ANY ONE CAN PLEASE HELP ME PLEASE SEND ALL THE INFO I WOULD NEED
    IT WOULD HELP ME OUT A LOT THANK YOU
    ANDY

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  36. Hello Everyone
    If you would like advise on the rules and regualtions on bin washing, drop me an e-mail to info@nawbw and we will try to help. Foe existing Bin Washers, if you would like to join us please go to www.nawbw.co.uk and download an application form.

    General Secretary
    The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washes (NAWBW)

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  37. Hello Everyone
    If you would like advise on the rules and regualtions on bin washing, drop me an e-mail to info@nawbw and we will try to help. Foe existing Bin Washers, if you would like to join us please go to www.nawbw.co.uk and download an application form.

    General Secretary
    The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washes (NAWBW)

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  38. We emigrated to Canada 4 years ago, and have only just got the 'Wheelie Bin'.
    There is nobody here offering the cleaning service, so we are seriously thinking of setting one up.
    If anyone could give us advice on home made equipment, as i'm sure many people of you started out with something that was manufactured in your own garage over a weekend to get started,also what Organic/biodegradable liquids you use, and who your source is etc..
    email..Tracy & Andy wolfmountains@hotmail.com
    Thanks in advance!

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  39. With regards to software.

    We do exactly what you are looking for. Already used by wheelie bin cleaners.

    I hope its ok to post this, if not admin please remove

    www.acacia-technologies.co.uk

    Hope that helps

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  40. Which pc software (not mobile device software) do you guys use to keep track of customer accounts? Have been looking at a program called 'george' which was designed for window cleaners but seems to be ideal.

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  41. Can anyone tell me where to buy a bin washing machine from. cheers

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  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  44. Is GMV northwest in operation
    I am trying to contact them for a week
    Marc

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  45. re gmv yes poss this company has gon in to recevership if it has then i for one will sadly miss it as its directors ie gary was one of the most helpfull person i have had the pleasure of meeting regards peter s

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  46. Thanks Peter for that information
    Does anybody know where I can get a good and cheap system made for me?
    As GMV are not in the game
    Marc.

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  47. The National association wheelie bin washers:-

    Government legislation is that you only need an effluent liscense that is purchased on a yearly basis from your local water authority. and people need to check with their local council to see if a traders license is required. NB/; not all councils require you to have one.
    and the usual insurance is required as for any business.

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  48. Hi All.
    I hope to have a business set up within the next two weeks. Can anyone recommend any publishing/design/printing companies to design some good flyers? All the ones I've been in touch with so far are charging far too much and won't even show a demo type flyer therefore you don't know what type you'll get!!!

    Any help is much appreciated.

    Aide

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  49. You will also need a "Waste Carriers Licence" from the EA if you are removing any waste from site that was in the bin.

    The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers

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  50. Hi there;

    I am very interested in setting up my own wheelie bin cleaning business, so any advice any one can give me would be very gratefully received.

    thanks Alan

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  51. A cowboy cleaners van goes up in smkoe, HA HA

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t1kT-zB1yE&feature=related

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  52. i am very interested in setting my own bin wash company up and was wondering how much i would be looking at to set this up and how i would go about it any comments my email is amymulvaney@live.co.uk many thanks

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  53. Hi
    If you are thinking of taking on a franchise, Don't just read the contract. You may end up paying more than you thought. Get independant advice, it may not be all it's cracked up to be. The important thing to do is take off your rose tinted glasses, ignore the potential earnings and look at the figures by being realistic. Think in terms of time. How long do YOU think (not the franchisor) take to wash a bin, don't forget driving time, collecting the bin time, taking the bin back time, knocking on the door for payment time. Remember they will want their money each month, even if you have not got as many customers as they say you should have. Also bare-in-mind the type of bins you will need to wash. If you have bins that are for food and garden waste. You will find it hard to do more than 100 bins a day, and that is pushing it, that's if you wash and dry them. Say the average time to wash a bin is 10mins, taking in to account, driving, collecting etc.. you work out the maths.

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  54. Here is a copy of an email I received today. I guess it is in reply to my last post. Not sure why they did not put the comments on here?

    Of course all "Bin Washers" should be dedicating 100% of their working day (0830-1630) towards their business, that is how to make it a success as do the majority of "Bin Washers" in this country.


    If they make excuses and do not go out and wash bins and/or find new customers (even in this weather they could be out canvassing) then they will not make any money only find they have lots of time to sit at home and "winge" and play on the computer and send people silly messages.

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  55. Hi my name is craig. I live in scotland and there is nothing in my area that cleans wheelie bins im thinking this could be a good idea to start cleaning them myself any info on how much it would cost for me to start up help would be great email me on crg.blair@hotmail.co.uk

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  56. hi im really interested in starting up a wheelie bin cleaning service, but doesnt know where to start. Im just doing some research at the moment.
    Any advise or tip would be very muck apprecited.thank u

    lavine51@hotmail.com

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  57. Hi ive just set up a wheelie bin cleaning service over in ireland and have being canvassing and delivering flyes for about 3 months and finding it hard to even get to 1000 customers never mind 3000.Any help guys would be really appreciated theblackroo@gmail.com cheers

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  58. How many cowboy cleaners was the bins in the street and leave all the gunk behind, nice one Environment Agency,you're really doing your job well.

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  59. I am looking for some chemical products for the floor cleaning and some carpet cleaning Southampton companies. i think I should once try some professional carpet cleaners.

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  60. Try cleaninovations, they sell lots of cleaning products

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  61. If you start a wheelie bin cleanig service in your area. Don't bother getting membership of the National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers.
    Its not worth the paper it's written on. After all, VIP, the biggest Bin Cleaning Franchise company in the UK are not members and they seem to do ok. Rang NAWBW once to find out about joining, spoke to a guy, cant remember his name, but very arrogant, egotistical jumped up twit. I would not join even if they gave me free memembership.

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  62. I'm a member of NAWBW and they helped me report a cowboy in my area doing bin cleaning illegaly to my local council who took no notice of me when I reported them on my own! I have a VIP in my area I think they are not members because their equipment doesn't qualify to join!

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  63. They're probably not members because the NAWBW are run by Green Cleen which is their main competition.

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  64. hi i am thinking of starting up a wheelie bin cleaning company in my area an any help or advise would go along way on building up rounds
    on door to door or leaflets internet
    and where to get equipment
    thank

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  65. Hi, Im trying to start up my own wheelie bin cleaning co but having trouble trying to get a cheap van or trailer to clean the bins with.I was going to buy of gmn northwest ltd but then realised the company had gone. Is there any other companies similar to gmv in the manchester or surrounding areas, any help or advise would be appreciated, thanks.

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  66. Check ebay for set ups,theres always a few on there

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  67. Hi martin,

    i am currently selling a weelie cleaning van as a going concern on eBay take a look at

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/200617080384?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_npmv%3D3%26_trksid%3Dm570%26_nkw%3D200617080384%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

    or call me on 07787 155370

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  68. Hi,
    i am a VIP Bin Cleaning franchisee and have been for many years. im over the moon with my business and am pleased i choose to join with the company and as stated above they are the world leaders in bin cleaning operations and franchising in this field. the reason they are not members of the NAWBW is because there is no need...i spoke to VIP H/O and they confirmed they receive many letters asking VIP to join, but VIP always refuses. anywho, check them out if you think im fibbing. just type VIP Bin Cleaning into google or similer.

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  69. If you want NAWBW so bad can't you bite the bullet and pay for it yourself??? Or is this just many shameless plugs?

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  70. hi there looking to start but cant find a place to hire or buy van with Machine for normal price, any help guys.

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  71. What the hell is this person talking about?
    "If you want NAWBW so bad can't you bite the bullet and pay for it yourself??? Or is this just many shameless plugs?"

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  72. They are suggesting, rightly so, the the NAWBW are advertising themselves without being honest enough to admit it.

    The General Secretary of the NAWBW is owner and MD of Green Cleen UK Ltd. This company sells franchises.

    Not happy with fleecing people for the franchise price, they wish to get more money out of them

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  73. Oh I see! There does seem to be many Green Cleen Franchises that are unhappy. I wonder if they are waking to the fact that they fell for all the sales hype. I here that they not only pay a monthly fee. They also have to pay a percentage of annual turnover, that’s on top of the thousands they paid in the first place, Sounds a bit iffy to me.

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  74. Perhaps "Anon" would like to reveal himself and also confirm who all these Green Cleen Franchisees who are "unhappy" as we have been speaking to0 them and all bar 1 is happy as far as we can tell.

    Come on Anon put your money where your mouth is !!!

    Yours

    Marius Coulon
    Managing Director
    Green Cleen Ltd

    & Gen Sec NAWBW

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  75. In answer to Anonymous!

    Green Cleen Ltd do own and run The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers and inform all their potential Franchisees and anybody else who asks about this. They set up the association to help police the industry by making life as difficult as possible for any rogue traders or cowboys who operate illegally often without insurance, correct chemicals or being registered with the relevant authorities. This allows them to unfairly undercut registered, legally operating bin washing companies.

    All Green Cleen Franchisees are automatically members of The NAWBW as they comply with all of the laid down guidelines as well having the correct machinery. There is no cost to Green Cleen Franchisees for joining the NAWBW as Green Cleen pay for this on their behalf.

    Green Cleen do charge a Franchise Fee which covers things like a manned head office for taking franchisees calls, engineers for any repair work, spare vans and bin washers if required by their Franchisees, stocks of parts and chemicals plus all back up and support. Green Cleen also charge a % of turnover which is smaller than any other UK wheelie bin washing franchise and is a similar set up to all Franchise opportunities offered in the UK.

    If Anonymous wishes to reveal himself or anyone else has any questions please contact me on 0800 0150880 or franchisemanager@greencleen.com

    regards

    Daniel Coulon
    Franchise Manager
    Green Cleen Ltd

    & Enforcement Officer
    The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers

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  76. I had a VIP Bin Cleaning guy come and wash my bins monthly up until this year when he suddenly stopped coming. Apperently he went out of business and packed up but still owes me and some of my neighbours money that we paid him up front for his service in Stone in Stafffordshire. Not very professional! has anyone else had this?

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  77. With ref to the last comment! Now, my guess is that you are not a genuine VIP customer. If you were, then you would of rang the telephone number which is on the yellow sticker on your bin and you would of got your money back. If you are a genuine VIP customer, Ring the number and you will get a refund.

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  78. There is lots of talk on here about buying into a franchise or not. My suggestion is, anyone wanting or even thinking of buying into a franchise. Don't buy into any franchise that are not members of the British Franchise Association. If the Franchise company is a member of this organisation you will have certain protections. If the company is not, then you have no protection at all.

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  79. in response to green cleens post regarding what a franchisor offers is right but remember that they charge for everything they have mentioned over and above the franchise fee and the% they charge

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  80. A few months ago, I was thinking of getting a Greencleen franchise. Now after reading the posts from Greencleen, I am glad I didn't. It's not true that only 1 franchisee is unhappy. I rang six Franchisees and four were not happy at all. I found a guy selling some bin cleaning equipment and I am now happily cleaning bins. I will say though it’s not that easy getting customers and it’s a dirty stinky job sometimes. But at least the money I earn is all mine and not lining the pocket of a franchisor.

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  81. With ref to the last comment! I expect you were not a genuine potential Franchisee but a Green Cleen competitor trying to give Green Cleen a negative online image which is why you are anonymous. Unfortunately there will always be a couple of Franchisees who will have negative points to make about the Franchise they have bought into but these will be the Franchisees who do not follow the proven system as their training shows them and do not put 100% effort into building their business in the early stages. If you do not put 100% effort into building your business whether as part of a Franchise organisation or as an independant you will fail! If you would like the contact details of over 20 successful Green Cleen Franchisees who will gladly tell you about running a successful bin washing business then please contact Green Cleen Head Office on 0800 0150880 or visit www.greencleen.com and we will forward you their contact details.

    From The Green Cleen Team

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  82. With ref to the comment made on the 8th Sept. If that is true, Green Cleens comments dated 1st Sept, Is clearly a misrepresentation of what they give there franchisees. Green Cleens post suggests that this is all free but you say it is not. Are green cleen members of the British Franchise Association? I can’t find them on the BFA site. My guess is that they are not members.

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  83. In reply to Anonymous,

    Green Cleen do provide for their Franchise network a manned Head Office where they receive and forward new customers to the relevant operators which come in through our booking website which is a free service for our franchisees, the only additional charge is for Franchisees who wish to use Green Cleen's 0800 freephone number and employe Green Cleen Head Office to run their database for them. Green also have engineers and a workshop to do constant research and developement into our market leading company built bin washers. Green Cleen alway's have spare bin washers and trucks to lend to Franchisees when theirs are of the road this also is a free service.

    Green Cleen were members of the BFA for some years but found the membership over priced for what they got out of it so to keep franchisee costs to a minimum cancelled their subscription.

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  84. Having followed this site for quite a while i am interested to know if Green Cleen offer another database system that is free of charge to its franchisees. What you have been saying in your blogs seem too good to be true.

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  85. For any information on Green Cleen's Market leading bin washing equipment, bespoke online customer database, high ranking website and available franchise areas call us on 0800 0150880 and we will arrange a free no obligation demonstration of our equipment and package for you at our Head Office.

    Regards

    The Green Cleen Team

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  86. Does anybody know where I can buy some cheap equipment from?

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  87. Like green cleen say, they are not members of the British Franchisee Association because they didn't get anything for the fee they put in. I thought being a member of the BFA was for the benefit and protection of franchisees, not the franchisors. I think somehow, green cleen miss the point of membership. Surly it is designed to install confidence to anyone looking to get a franchise. Confidence, that they are a reputable company because they are a member of the BFA.

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  88. Can someone recommend a chemicals supplier who you don't need to buy in bulk from please?

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  89. Try Clean Innovations for chemicals I use them and you can buy them in 5 litre cans! Go on their website www.cleaninovatios.com

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  90. That gives me an idea! comments from green cleen that saying that they are not members of the British Franchise Assocation because they get nothing for the fee they pay. Well I am a memeber of green cleens NAWBW. I will not be renewing my membership to the NAWBW. for the same reasons. I pay a fee but get nothing in return. Oh sorry, I do get a newsletter. wow! There is know other benefits.

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  91. I'm a member of the NAWBW and know they worked closely with the Environment Agency to help them construct their guidelines for bin washers. I have a big problem with gypsies trying to undercut me in my area so I just hope the NAWBW carry on their good work someone needs to be doing something!

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  92. Hi everyone I found out this morning that my council are going to a two weekely empty has this affected your business?

    From Dave
    Sparkle Bins

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  93. I'm a member of the NAWBW and found them a big help getting rid of a cowboy in my area who was stealing my customers I will definately be staying with them!

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  94. To find out more about what The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers do look at the British Cleaning Council Manifesto

    http://www.britishcleaningcouncil.org/bcc_manifesto.pdf

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  95. Hi Dave don't worry about fortnightly collections it's good for business means the rubbish is in there for longer which makes them smell more!

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  96. Hi Dave we went to fortnightly collections this time last year! Usually means the council will give each house one or two more bins each which means more money happy day's all round!

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  97. Ive just been made redundant and am looking for a new career. Can anyone give me a realistic figure on how many bins it is possible to clean in a day. After reading the many posts on this site what are the benefits of joining a franchise.

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  98. With decent equipment if they were all together you could wash around 200 household wheelie bins in a normal 9 hour day! With driving, collecting money and Paperwork etc it's more realistic to do between 100 and 150.

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  99. i would recomend looking into a franchise if you are new to the industry it wont hurt, plus you can make an informed decision as to whether to invest in a proven franhcise model of which you can benifit from thier knowledge and awards, plus they may have contracts that you may be able to draw work from. the largest franchise is VIP Bin Cleaning. maybe worth a start there.

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  100. Regarding the last post what awards are avaliable from joining a franchise

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  101. Hi everyone my name is Lisa and I have a Green Cleen Franchise in the Chesham/High Wycombe area in Buckinghamshire. I started my business in 2003 and it has been one of the best decisions I ever made. I currently serve around 2000 customers once every four weeks at £3.80 a wash. On average and thanks to my bin washing machine I wash around 100 domestic wheelie bins a day and am capable of washing the very grotty garden waste bins as well as commercial size bins. Green Cleen are a great franchise to be a part of they assisted me with the launch of my business including dealing with the local council, water provider and Environment Agency on my behalf as well as teaching me how to get the customers on board by following their marketing plan and training. Green Cleen also provides me with a brilliant on-line computer database system for recording my customer’s information as well as producing my daily round sheets and customer tickets. I have a great website that Green Cleen do for me which always performs well on Google and allows my customers to find me and book and pay for the service on-line. The most important thing for me being part of a franchise organisation is knowing that there is always somebody at the end of the phone to help and support me with any problems I come across. Green Cleen Head Office always have an engineer available to do any servicing or repair work to my bin washer and if mine is off the road for any reason they always have spare bin washers to lend me which is a great service as you lose a lot of money if you are off the road in this business. If anybody is looking to start a bin washing business I definitely recommend taking a look at Green Cleen. However please be aware that any business is hard whether it is as part of a franchise or as an independent and you will only get out of it what you put into it! The first six months to a year will be hard work and you have to get out there every day marketing the business especially if there is competition in the area. If you have any questions about the franchise you can contact me on Chesham@greencleen.co.uk
    Lisa Seech
    Director
    Green Cleen (Chesham) Ltd
    Visit my website at:
    http://greencleen.co.uk/chesham

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  102. I agree with comments made in a post of September this year. Steer clear of any bin cleaning franchise company that are not members of the "British Franchise Association". But if you do want to go with a company that is not members of the BFA. I would suggest that you do a lot of homework on the company. That may mean ringing or writing to as many franchisees of that company to get a good picture. But remember if it goes wrong you will be on your own.
    It will cost you more in the long run, because if the company are not members of the BFA. You will have to spend more money on getting legal advice, (if you are wise you will).

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  103. regarding the question about the awards, look on the websites of the bin cleaning franchisess you are interested in, they will list them there, i would note down some i know but that would take space and will not be relivant to all companies. and ofcourse as above the company should be reglated by the BFA for yours and thier benifits.

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  104. For green cleen chesham do you wash 100 garden bins on your own also how much of your work has been generated from green cleen or how much have you got yourself.
    Have green cleen won any national contracts and passed the work onto you and other franchises

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  105. hi my names nigel i have read all the comments on here and thers alot of people wanten information about how to get started. i am lookin in to starten my own buisness in wheelie bin cleaning but just need a little push into how to get started like what will i need equipment and licence wise and rufly how much would it cost to get me goin i am hard workin and work hard to get good results thank you any one with information that will help me please email me at ntlucas@hotmail.co.uk thank you so much for takein the time to read this.

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  106. Hi Nigel, building a business is hard work and very time consuming. if work hard you will see results and ofcourse recomendation will happen too.. a decent machine will cost you plus a van or if you want a vehicle based machine they can be as exspensive as the two items seperate and remember if your van brakes down and you have your kit bolted to it your knackered maybe worth getting a trailer....have a look at VIP Bin Cleaning they can offer both... also as above VIP Bin Cleaning do have contracts and they pass thier franchisees work.

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  107. Hi Nigel if you want my advise stay away from trailers they are useless to manouver in tight estates and culdasacs. I used to use a trailer that was much smaller than the VIP trailer and that was terrible so I hate to think what the VIP one is like to use. I now have a pick up mounted machine which I found on ebay which is a hundred times better and allows me to wash considerably more bins a day and make much more money!

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  108. Is the above comment posted by Green Cleen as they have mounted kit

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  109. In reply to the last comment no the comments made on the 4th November were not made by Green Cleen however we do agree with them!

    The Green Cleen Team

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  110. I've noticed a couple of posts in this thread by people looking for software to manage their bin cleaning business. Please take a look at ARMA at DonsOnline which has been recently launched.

    We've been in development for over a year, and running for real for 2 companies since January 2011 (including my own cleaning business) - ARMA is constantly being improved with new features added either by request, or as we identify the need.

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  111. While I'm here, there are good and bad points re: franchising or independent...

    Franchise - help getting started, some customers trickle through from H/O, support when things go wrong.

    Independent - Lower costs, not tied to an area, can do things your own way.

    There's many more, but I'm late starting my round!

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  112. hi all i use to own GMV North West ltd and i am currently playing about with an idea for a new design of a bin cleaning machine that will be quick and simple to use and will fit into any size van or trailer with ease and will be at a very affordable price and i will be able to ship this world wide and fitting could be done by a child it will meet all current regulations and legislation relating to wheelie bin cleaning.
    im hoping to have this up and running in the next few months but im just testing the market to see what is going on as been ive been out of it for the last 2 years but im thinking the time may be right.
    please watch this space thanks.

    G.Gouldson

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  113. hi all
    where can u buy disinfectant in big bulk. and buy recycleing the water is it safe to go through my petrol power washer. many thanks

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  114. Hi G Gouldson. I am starting a wheelie bin business in New Zealand. Although the concept is not new here, it is not a business that has been properly pushed throughout our country. I am setting my business up to do this. I would be very interested in seeing your idea and if so could be interested in bringing them into New Zealand as i setup more vehicles. you could send info to info@binwashed.co.nz. Cheers

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  115. hi
    i was thinking of starting a wheelie bin cleaning business.how do i get a waste water carriers license do i need any other license.im in devon any help as im lost with it all many thanks jon

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  116. Hi You need to get in contact with Environmental Health. It should be plan sailing from there. Good luck.

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  117. hi
    buy recycleing the water is it safe to go through my petrol power washer. how does the recycleing side of it work thanks steve.

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  118. hi
    buy recycleing the water is it safe to go through my petrol power washer. how does the recycleing side of it work thanks steve.

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  119. http://www.freshbins.com.au/video/video-presentations.html

    If I paid 25k for a bin cleaning set up this is what I want

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  120. hi
    buy recycleing the water is it safe to go through my petrol power washer. how does the recycleing side of it work thanks steve.

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  121. www.vipbincleaning.com world No 1

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  122. 19 November 2011 01:34
    still not the answer i need thanks any way

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  123. You can run recycled water through your washer but you need to run the water through filters before it enters washer because you'll have all heaps of problems.

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  124. thank u. im planing on making a set up for my van....transit.... where can i buy the filters from.i was thinking 250 for a water tank.any help would be good thanks,

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  125. I would suggest 400 litres, 2 tanks, dirty/clean, that should last all day and if need more then recycle it.
    Theres someone selling filter material on ebay if you want to do your own design,trick is to keep all the solid waste out from the start and filter it through a couple of different sizes, the filter from machine mart made by clarkes is suitable as the final pass.

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  126. thanks u so much. this is all new to me do u use 2 tanks your recycle the water.and a never 1. were can i buy disinfectant in big bulk.what disinfectant do u yours.thanks

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  127. hi
    just reading some of the comments.
    and im in the same boat as im starting up as well. only thing i can not get my head around is..
    how many filters do u use ?
    what filters do u use. heard that there is diffrent grades ?
    were can i buy it ?
    thanks tom.. any replay will be good

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  128. Check out www.greencleen.com best bin washing equipment on the market

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  129. thanks Green Cleen (Head Office) but need a bit more info. not looking to go into a Franchise.???

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  130. hi
    just reading some of the comments.
    and im in the same boat as im starting up as well. only thing i can not get my head around is..
    how many filters do u use ?
    what filters do u use. heard that there is diffrent grades ?
    were can i buy it ?
    thanks tom.. any replay will be good

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  131. Use as many filters as you like, two or three will do the trick. Remember you will only need to use the filters to stop all the crap from the bins blocking up the system.

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  132. Guess you'll be using a trough to catch the waste water, from there you can a kind of metal mesh with smallish holes to stop solids getting into the recycling system, then on the next filter you use a small grade to remove ALL small debris

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  133. hi
    thanks for the comments.
    ive made the set up today.and im happy with it.but still need a fine fileter..,. were can i buy it from...thanks

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  134. http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/filter-cartridge?da=1&TC=SRC-filter

    Would work.

    Someone also asked where do you get disinfectant from, buy it in bulk from your local cash and carry, brookers and Macro tend to have the best deals,well the ones round here do anyway.

    Also deodouriser to spray in the bin after to keep it smeelling fresh, you can try different sellers online,most will send out a free sample.

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  135. hi to all
    is there any 1 selling a bin cleaning trailer or van thanks

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  136. Bin Washed New Zealand6 December 2011 at 10:21

    Hi All. I have just built my setup on a trailer. I have 2 1000litre tanks onboard(overkill but cost me $50 for both) water blaster, catchment area with 2 homemade filters using Stainless mesh, catchment tank with a bilge pump to pump water back into 2nd tank. My setup is very primative but it works very well. It now gives me a platform to develope and the whole setup including purchasing a tandem trailer has cost me less than $1500.00. I am the only Bin Washing company within a 7hour drive radius so i am designing and building on the fly.
    Next i will develope my water recycling system and remove one of the tanks, then i will design and build the hydraulic lifter to lift the bins up into position.
    The key to getting customers in a completely new market(for me anyway) is advertising and marketing like crazy. I have radio ads on 3 different stations, i have ads in the local newspapers, i have been dropping off eye catching flyers into the letter boxes of customers who have wheelie bins out for empty and i have designed and had built a simple but very effective website where the customers can sign up online www.binwashed.co.nz This is a new concept in my part of New Zealand so i am having to come up with my own ideas and adapt ideas from companies overseas.
    I have proved that you don't need big budgets just big ambition and the motivation to succeed.

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  137. any 1 sellimg a trailer or van bin cleaning. in the uk thanks

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  138. Hi,I have a wheelie bin cleaning round for sale. With it comes one ford transit van with a 1000litre water tank 3 karcher jetwashes a brand new generator still under warranty, 2 wet and dry hoovers also a trailer with a jeep. I have over a thousand bins per month. I charge 2.50 per bin.
    I am looking around the 6k mark for the business. Also more customers are booking on everyday
    The round is in heywood and rochdale.
    Anybody intestred please ring me on 07794835595

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  139. any 1 sellimg a trailer or van bin cleaning. in the uk thanks

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  140. ANY THE DOMESTIC TRAILER Wheelie Bin Cleaning Machine 4 SALE?SECOND HAND?MUST BEE IN GOOD CONDITION.CASH ON THE HAND.PLEASE CONTACT ME ON :MAXIMLUCIAN2005@YAHOO.CO.UK

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  141. just been on a green cleen website thats followed by a british franchise association form as green cleen are not members of the BFA surely this is misrepresention or have the BFA made a huge mistake

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  142. Hi Paul,

    In response to your last comment, there are no links to the BFA from the Green Cleen website www.greencleen.com as we are not members of the BFA. Green Cleen try to keep our franchise costs to our franchisees as low as possible and therefore have the cheapest on going franchise fees out of all of the UK wheelie bin cleaning franchises. In order to achieve this we only join the associations that we feel benefit our franchise network. We felt the BFA were very expensive for the little Green Cleen and our Franchise network receieved from them. However Green Cleen are members of the FSB, NAWBW, BICSc, CIWM, The Green Organisation and the safeCONTRACTOR Scheme. For any further info email us at sales@greencleen.com

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  143. Greencleen again! I think they must be desperate to try and convince people that they are a good franchise company to go with. I have never heard so much b****** about reasons for not being members of the BFA.
    I was looking into starting a bin cleaning business last year. I did enquire to Greencleen as I thought, (wrongly as it turns out) that they had the best equipment. I rang some of the franchisees and got a very negative view of greencleen. So i went it alone. I bought a van and trailer unit and doing ok. Much more difficult getting customers than I thought and even more difficult getting people to pay on time. But I am making a living. There's a greencleen guy and a vip guy not far from me. They both have more customers than me, but they have been going longer. Because they have to pay a franchisee fee, I earn more money from my business than they do. I would say that if you do decide to start a bin cleaning business. Do it properly and get registered with the your local water authority and the environmental agency. I wouldn't bother joining NAWBW or any other scheme. You don't seem to get anything for your money. The most important scheme that you may want to join, would be any scheme that your local council may have running. In October last year I joined the Councils Trading Standards scheme "Buy With Confidence" As long as you have all the correct paperwork and registered your business properly, you should get your membership. You will also have to have a CRB check done.
    I have picked up 75 customers since joining this scheme and this is because I am the only bin cleaning company in my area with it. It gives customers confidence in you.
    Another thing you may want to do is offer your customers discounts for advance payments and offer an online payment system.
    Also you should be aware that anyone claiming to be washing 200 bins a day, is rubbish. If you clean the bins properly you will be lucky to do 100 bins a day. and that will depend on how far apart your customers are.

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  144. Thanks anonymous,
    You do seem to have a point, I don't recall reading any posts from VIP Franchisor. Maybe they don't feel the need to be defensive. Thanks for the advice, very useful.

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  145. I would love to know where you got your trailer unit from. I too got poor feedback from greencleen. I don't want a trialer unit as big as the ones that VIP use. I have seen someone using a small trailer unit and it looked very handy. They also had a buy with confidence sticker on too.

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  146. Guys I have a wheelie bin cleaning machine for sale for whoever is keen.... You can check it out here http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/businessopportunities/2570226

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  147. I spoke to Green Cleen franchises and got a very good feedback. I don't personally like the look of these trailers surely they are a nightmare to drive with, any advise please?

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  148. I don't know who this guy is that say's "If you clean the bins properly you will be lucky to do 100 bins a day. and that will depend on how far apart your customers are." You need to get a better machine or work harder I do 180 on my busiest rounds and at least 130 on my quieter day's!

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  149. I would like to comment on the post Dated 2nd Jan. I had a truck that had a washing unit on the back and yes it was good for getting in tight areas. I now have a trailer unit and wished I got it when I started. It is great. To be honest I may have one or two roads that are a struggle to get down. I have a Green Cleen guy in my area, a nice bloke he tells me how he hates being tied to his franchise contract. He told me he wished he had gone for the trailer unit because the kit he has is rubbish.

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  150. Hi about last comment can you tell me the advantages of using trailer? Also whats your business called and where do you cover? Thanks I might get in contact!

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  151. Hello everyone, there seems to be a lot of people trying to sell second hand bin washing trailers on this blog, have you all had a go at starting a bin washing business but are now selling up for some reason please can you explain?

    Thanks Peter

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  152. Hi Peter
    I can only speak for myself. I sold my trailer unit because I bought a newer, more powerful one and that the angle of the bin when lifted was better for me. I was able to sell my old unit as a start up for someone. When they get more business they too can buy a better one. There a many VIP bin washing companies around and they use a big yellow trailer which to me is far to big. I have to admit that I never seen a green cleen trucks around. I think they are ome of the smaller bin washing compaines. Hope that answers your question.

    Mike

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  153. To the "anonymous" company that wants to know what the advantages of a trailer are.
    Well where do I start? easier and quicker to clean and the bins. The green cleen guy in my area let me help out on his round a few times. The way it works for him is that first he uses a lance the clean the bin but sometimes get splashed with smelly water. Then he puts the bin on the lifting device on the back of the truck. He then lifts the bin up and turns on the rinsing jets. He may have to do that 2 or 3 times, depending on how dirty the bins are. With my trailer unit I have one action. Put the bin on the lifting device, and lift, when the bin is at the right angle I use my lance to wash and rinse the bins. I never get splashed with the contents of the bin. There is never any mess left. All the muck and recycled water falls into a trough. And I must admit I do have some awfully mucky bins.

    Frank
    The CleanBin Company

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  154. Hi Frank thanks for comments still not convinced yet how a trailer is quicker or easier than truck machine! Is yours a Freshbins trailer as these are all I can find on web? Also can you let me know which green cleen guy let you spend the day with him as I wouldn't mind contacting him and doing the same. Also would you mind me doing this with you so I can compare? Which "The Bin Clean Company" are you as I can only find one on web but they don't use trailer which area do you cover?

    Thanks for your help!

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  155. Hi Again anonymous

    To me it sounds like you already think a truck based unit is better, so far be it from me to tell you otherwise. I have a close working relationship with the greecleen guy. He isn't up for it and neither am I, besides, as I said, it looks like you have already made your mind up.
    Frank

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  156. sounds a bit suspicious to me not sure you are genuine as can't find The Clean bin Company on internet that uses a trailer and couldn't understand why your competitor would let you spend the day with him but thanks anyway!

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  157. Hi Frank

    I have at last found a trailer unit. Thanks. I would also warn you that the anonymous person replying to you on here maybe from greencleen.

    Alan

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  158. HOW CAN THE THE ENVIROMENT AGENCY'S SAY THAT USING RECYCLED WATER TO CLEAN A WHEELIE BIN OUTSIDE A CONTAINED UNIT IS GOOD,EVEN IF IT HAS GONE THREW FILTERS ITS STILL NOT CLEAN AND CAN CARRY ALL KINDS OF DISEASES HARMFUL TO THE PUBLIC.SO REALY WHAT IS LEGAL REQUIREMENT WHAT ISNT.

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  159. hiya, just stumbled apon this post and its quite interesting.. if i may i think the last regulation discussed on here is better than no regulation, there was a problem with people cleaning bins in the street, letting the water go everywhere which is ilegal and not good really. we had a guy where i used to live and he soon disapeared when people complained. i do know VIP who is my bin cleaner uses a antibacterial deodoriser after he cleans the bin and this coates the bin and help to cut down the bacteria in the bin after cleaning with recycled water...this is quite new as i have recently been told by my cleaner that the deodoriser has been changed. im happy but i do see the point.

    Pat

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  160. Hi if you recycle the water you use less water which is better for the environment, also if you use proper registered bio-degradable chemicals they kill 99% of all germs which if tipped down a proper registered drain with the water company is much safer and better for the public than those who just tip in the street!

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  161. For bin wash chemicals follow this link!

    http://www.cleaninnovations.com/cart/home.php?cat=57

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  162. The chemicals that are put in the bin after cleaning to kill germs ok, but the recycled water still harbors bacteria which will become are born this is why bins should be cleaned in contained units away from the public. and any way wheelie bin cleaning isnt policed in any shape or form.

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  163. Most bin cleaners that recycle the water use chemicals that are added to the tank of water itself killing the germs in the water, not add them to the bin after its been cleaned, it's usually a smelly product they add after it's been cleaned to make it smell nice. Wheelie Bin Cleaners are policed by the environment agency who can give large fines for tipping water in the street!

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  164. what about the water that runs off the bin on the outside that still goes down the surface drain but thats ok, i think it will be very hard to convict there seems to be alot of grey areas.

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  165. Hi i am currently researching on starting up my own bin cleaning business, could any please advise on a website of where to hire the cleaning van? as i guess thats a start!

    :-)

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  166. can any 1 tell me what chemicals do i use to clean up my recycled water and any names off a company the can supply it thanks.

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  167. Toying with idea of starting wheelie bin cleaning company. However I got very excited earlier in this thread when I saw GMV and went to website. However further down thread it said they had ceased trading. Later on still someone said they were considering manufacturing systems.

    I'd be very grateful if someone could tell me where to get gear from. Some of GMV devices looked very handy but I've not found any others.

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  168. hi in replie to the above post do not buy any thing from gmv or its owner we had a van off of them it began falling apart after 3/4 months use, the back was constructed of ply only 10mm and not even marine then 2mm sheet alloy stuck on with lead seal we paid 4.5k for it live and learn as for those debating the trailer option what can i say DONT you we regret it

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  169. https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/environmentagency/posts/10150675689248026?notif_t=feed_comment

    Open the flood gates.

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  170. WOW. News travels fast. Thank you to all, well you all know who you are.
    I would say one thing though, Whilst I am happy to chat and give any help I can, I would really apprecaite you letting others know that daytime is not a good time to ring me. Evenings are better. Also bear in mind that I will be pretty well tired up for the next month while I launch the business.

    Thanks again
    I will be in contact soon.

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  171. some tit cleaned some bins outside my house and left loads off shit on the road,going to have to report them !!!!!

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  172. Hello All
    Your help would be apreciated, Im in the process of setting up a wheelie bin cleaning company and now am looking for a trailer! Was wondering how if any one knew where they sell them? Id be happy to get a good second hand one if any one knows of one for sale?:)
    Ive checked online and only have found one company selling them called Morclean! is there any others that you guys know of?
    Please let me know
    Thanks. terancet@gmail.com

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  173. Hello, I am looking to start a bin cleaning service. Does anyone have the blueprints for sale for a cleaning machine that will recycle the water like the morclean machine or the freshbins machine. Thanks.
    Paul.

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  174. Just to confirm that the Environment Agency does not enforce the Pollution Prevention Technical Information

    http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/wheeled_waste_bin_cleaning.pdf


    from their own website. Please be aware before buying equipment that isn't needed.

    RE:- Wheelie Bin Cleaners

    Thank you for your e-mail of 16 November 2012. I am sorry you still feel that the Environment Agency has not helped you sufficiently with this matter.

    In relation to your concerns, where pollution is identified to a water course by a third party then we will take appropriate action. In our last correspondence on 6 November we highlighted that this is not an easy task. It is difficult to trace the originator of effluent into the surface water drains. It remains the responsibility of the sewerage undertaker to control discharges into the public sewerage systems. Anyone discharging into a public sewer should consult and obtain consent from the sewerage undertaker to ensure that it is suitable to receive these types of waste.

    As stated in our previous letter to you on 6 November we have made the water authority aware of this issue in the area. I can assure you that we will also continue to take forward the actions as listed in that letter.

    We now consider that this issue is closed as we are unable to offer further information other than what has been previously provided. If you are not satisfied with our response to your email you can contact us to ask for our decision to be reviewed. If you are still not satisfied following this, you can then make an appeal to the Local Government Ombudsman at:-

    The Local Government Ombudsman, PO Box 4771, Coventry, CV4 0EH, telephone – 0300 061 0614, fax – 024 7682 0001, Website – www.lgo.org.uk

    If you would like to discuss this further please contact us by email MIDLANDSCUSTOMERSERV@environment-agency.gov.uk. Alternatively please write to us using the below address.

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  175. Having read the entire site, can anyone doing this type of work tell us where you dump the dirty water at the end of your working day?

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  176. Hello All
    Your help would be apreciated, Im in the process of setting up a wheelie bin cleaning company and now am looking for a trailer!or Van Was wondering how if any one knew where they sell them? Id be happy to get a good second hand one if any one knows of one for sale?:)
    Ive checked online and only have found one company selling them called Morclean! is there any others that you guys know of?
    also advice legitilation requirment or what licenses are required prior to start the business and what prevention i'd have to do to avoid any fine please help me out to business start up guideline i would appreciate your support
    Please let me know
    Thanks. Naeemamjad49@yahoo.co.uk

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  177. Subject pops up every so often, the commen conception is the page from the EA:

    http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Business/wheeled_waste_bin_cleaning.pdf

    I have always said on here do your research before purchasing any equipment , check the areas where you're planning to work, find out what your competition is using, if they are washing bins in the street its going to be a struggle to compete with them, cheap overheads, the following emails shows they no longer enforce it.

    If anyone has also made any complaints to the EA and had no proper follow up and would like to contact me then feel free to email me,
    you will have 100% privacy. ea_wheelie@hotmail.com

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  178. RE:- Wheelie Bin Cleaners.

    Thank you for your email of 7 January 2013. I have again reviewed the guidance available from the Agency regarding wheelie bin cleaners. As previously mentioned the Environment Agency is a regulatory body and it is our duty to make potential businesses within your trade aware of their legal duties when looking to start up their company. Our Head Office team has advised that there have been no changes to the legislation and as such our guidance on the matter is still the current.

    In relation to the equipment needed, we offer a recommendation of what we consider to be the appropriate tools to deal with the resulting effluent from your business activity, however this is a recommendation and each company is ultimately responsible for choosing the equipment which best suits their needs whilst maintaining their legal responsibilities.

    I understand that you have sent the details of a number of companies which you consider have not been complying with the legislation governing the Wheelie Bin trade. As referred to previously, I can assure you that we are looking into this and are currently working to identify and approach other operators or unlicensed carriers in the area to make them fully aware of the current legislation and guidance and to take any required action. are aware of the situation and I trust are taking all appropriate measures to monitor the effluent being discharged into their sewerage system.

    I appreciate that you have now referred your query to the Local Government Ombudsman and I will await correspondence from their office.

    Yours sincerely

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  179. RE:- Wheelie Bin Cleaner

    Thank you for your email of 3 December 2012. I have had the opportunity to read your previous correspondences and I’m sorry that you feel that your concerns have been sidestepped. I hope that I can offer some clarity to the points that you feel have not been addressed.

    I have reviewed the information available on our website regarding wheelie bin cleaners. As a regulatory body the Environment Agency is responsible for advising new businesses within your trade of the legal requirements of setting up their companies. It is our policy to enforce against companies who fail to comply with their legal duties and as such we also provide this advice to those starting up their businesses. Despite the difficulties sometimes faced with enforcement we maintain this as our aim. As such there are no anticipated changes to the information we offer. We do however recognise your complaint and have highlighted this to the Head Office team which write and review our pollution prevention documents.

    With reference to the advice you were given when you telephoned initially, clearly it is difficult to comment on the content of a conversation which happened some years ago. However, it sounds as though the officer you spoke to at the time pointed you towards legislation and national guidance which was current at the time. The Environment Agency wants businesses to comply with their legal responsibilities and it would have been inappropriate for one of our officers to provide advice which contradicted national guidance or encouraged non-compliance with the law. Even where aspects of legislation can be difficult to enforce, we cannot advise people that it is acceptable to breach legislation. The officer therefore appears to have taken the correct action that would have been expected from them at the time.

    Your e-mail refers to the research you have done contacting other bin cleaners and the Regarding correspondence with other customers we are not in a position to comment on these contacts with other customers. Communications with national trade associations, such as the , would not usually be a matter for a local Environment Management team, and it would be more appropriate for the to communicate directly with our Head Office. To this end we have asked our National Diffuse Pollution Team to contact thedirectly.

    I trust this clarifies the situation and answers the queries raised in your e-mail of 17 October.

    Yours sincerely

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  180. RE:- Wheelie Bin Cleaners

    Thank you for your email of 7 January 2013. Please accept my apologies for the length of time it has taken to respond. As I am sure you will appreciate, the Agency has been focusing on the recent flooding over the last month, and we are now returning to normal operations.

    In response to your email I have again reviewed the guidance available from the Agency regarding wheelie bin cleaners. As previously mentioned, the Environment Agency is a regulatory body and it is our duty to make potential businesses within your trade aware of their legal duties when looking to start up their company. Our Head Office team has advised that there have been no changes to the legislation and as such our guidance on the matter is still the current. There is a current Government consultation on this type of pollution www.defra.gov.uk/consult/open entitled Tackling Water Pollution from the Urban Environment, which explains current Government thinking on priorities and allows companies and members of the public to add their information and evidence to help reduce this type of pollution (the closing date is 8 February 2013).

    In relation to the equipment needed to undertake cleaning of wheelie bins, we offer a recommendation of what we consider to be the appropriate tools to deal with the resulting effluent from your business activity, however this is a recommendation and each company is ultimately responsible for choosing the equipment which best suits their needs whilst maintaining their legal responsibilities.

    I understand that you have sent the details of a number of companies which you consider have not been complying with the legislation governing the Wheelie Bin trade. As referred to previously, I can assure you that we are looking into this and are currently working to identify and approach other operators or unlicensed waste carriers in the area to make them fully aware of the current legislation and guidance and to take any required action. are aware of the situation and we shall continue to work with them in order to re-address your concerns.

    I appreciate that as a business you need to be able to operate on a level playing field and that those acting less responsibly should not take advantage of responsible companies’ who have potentially higher operating costs. Similarly I hope you may appreciate that as a public body we have a duty to spend monies on issues that cause that greatest problem.

    I appreciate that you have now referred your query to the Local Government Ombudsman and I will await correspondence from their office

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  181. seems to me that people are complicating things, yes you do need the right licenses but you don't need to blow £20k or £30k on equipment it mite look flash but its slow,i have a much cheaper and easier and faster way!!!!!!

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  182. I agree with the last comment.

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  183. Dear All

    Anyone involved with Wheelie Bin Washing needs to ensure they comply with all the rules and guidelines that cover the activity as both the Environment Agency and The Water Companies are now taking a greater interest in the industry.

    Also Public Liability is a must and is a legal requirement for any "Public" activity.

    If anyone needs or wants any further advise do contact us.

    NAWBW
    Tel: (01785) 281308
    e-mail: info@nawbw.co.uk
    Web Site: www.nawbw.co.uk

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  184. Nothing complicated about it, what the EA say and actually do are totally different and the emails prove it, the advice the EA give you on start up advice is useless, they know many fly by bin cleaners through out England and refuse to do anything about them so the advice on them claiming to clampdown is a joke. Its the people who do the research who get punished, after reading that you can get fined up to £50000 for operating illegally most people would think twice about washing bins in the street but you can easily get away with it. And yes you need a license but once again they never chase you up if you haven't .

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  185. And now the EA have a green light of not having to enforce it at all, more proof, so people do your research before you part with your hard earned cash , check the areas out before you buy equipment , maybe you won't need any.

    The Ombudsman’s provisional view:
    I find no fault in the way in which the Environment Agency is dealing
    Mr A’s concerns about wheelie-bin cleaning contractors who fail to
    comply with its guidelines. In these circumstances, I do not intend to
    pursue the complaint further.

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  186. Im just starting up wheelie bin cleaning.aleady have a window cleaning business.just bought a second hand gmv trailer.
    cant wait to get started.ordered 15k leaflets so looking forward to see what response i get.i already have around 20 window cleaning customers interested in having there bin cleaned.
    Hoping to start in around 6 weeks after extensive canvassing.

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  187. hi all,

    i am looking into setting my own wheelie bin cleaning company but not sure where to start??

    anyone know where to get the right equipment from? i keep looking online for second hand vans but nothing is coming up?

    much needed advice would be appricated!

    email your advice... adamweekes1@hotmail.co.uk

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  188. www.vipbincleaning.com

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  189. Thanks for sharing the information about Wheelie Bin Cleaning.. Really a nice blog!!

    Cleaning scheduling Ireland

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  190. My thoughts/opinions.
    -Franchises are a waste of time (and the those posting in this thread are acting like kids).
    -- it shouldnt take a genius to find some cleaning products and tools (mop, broom, cloths ...).
    -- i know im not following their rules but the numbers quoted in the tread seem way off.
    -- is knocking up a spreadsheet/database so hard you need someone else to do it? (all you need is name, address, contact, days etc - heck you could hire a database guru for what they charge long term)
    -- as you can see from the rest of the thread the chances are they cant help stop other companies in your area.
    --- dont get me wrong though, their cleaning trucks and trailers do work but you will be paying through the nose forever for it when there is no need (once your established your sorted, its like a window cleaning round and would you consider a franchise for one of those? (the only bit that seems of any use imo is if they offer a spare/back up truck incase yours breaks (the cleaner not your truck) and in that case go hire a jet wash for a few days (even if you have to pay a mechanic to fix it, in the long run thats still far cheaper).

    - personally i wouldnt/wont bother joining that national association either (it might be legit but it seems dodgy as f*** being run by an off shoot of a franchising company) and none of the people ive met have bothered. (google other wheelie bin companies to see how many have joined).


    -Keep an eye on ebay for second hand equipment if your starting out
    -Go and see trucks and trailers for sale. The guys selling will happily impart a bit of knowldge your way if your serious.
    -- after seeing them up close you could always considering designing your own system. (its not rocket science to put together a basic system)

    -Try to remain friendly with the local competition as at some point you or them will be retiring/selling up in the future so you want someone to buy your round off you if you split it up
    *i think the franchises retain the customers and the round to sell on so another reason not to join them.
    -More bin cleaners is always a good thing as it makes it more of a normal service.

    Its not a get rich scheme.
    -You either have a to pay initially for a someone elses round or you have to build your own up slowly.
    -You will find whole estates dont bother with getting their bins cleaned let alone whole streets.
    -At the end of the day its a numbers game. Knock on enough doors, tag enough bins, flyer enough houses and you will get the sign ups eventually.. it just takes time and leg work


    *just incase i only randomly found this blog while trying to see where online one of the local wheelie bin cleaners had sold/advertised his stuff (hes retired and sold it on) so wont be back to answer any questions - honestly though just use your head rather than paying a fortune out for ever!

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  191. Re my post just

    I guess i should add i started up my own round in 2013 so im not just weighing in with no knowledge.

    And for the record im not anti franchise in general its just there really is no need to join one in this business imo.

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  192. Waste Carriers License information from the Environment Agency for 2014

    Currently if a wheeled bin washer removes waste from a customer’s bin and takes it with them for disposal elsewhere they would normally be required to register with us as an upper tier waste carrier - which costs £154 and lasts for three years, and £104 to renew for a further 3 years. If a bin washer removed the waste, bagged it and returned it to the customers bin after washing it, they would not require waste carrier registration as they are not removing waste from the customers premises’ or transporting waste.

    On the 1 January 2014 changes to waste carrier registration regulations come into force, with those carrying waste they have produced themselves as part of their business activity having to register as a waste carrier. From 1 January 2014 a lower tier waste carrier registration will be required for all bin washing operations that contain and transport the wash waters (including recycled wash waters) created by the process. The lower tier registration is free but cannot currently be applied for. This registration lasts indefinitely unless it is cancelled by the holder or revoked by the Environment Agency. If other waste is to be collected from the customer and transported the upper tier registration will be required.

    Further information on registering as a waste carrier can be found on our website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) under the ‘Business and Industry’ section or alternatively searching our website for "waste carriers".

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  193. If the Environment Agency have rewritten the waste carriers license , its still a waste of time if they don't enforce it which is the current situation throughout England.
    Remember people do your research on current competition because if you pay stupid money for equipment you'll never compete, you'll be undercut big time against people washing bins in the streets.

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  194. Hi my name is Steve. I live in Guernsey (Channel Islands) and I don’t believe there is anything in my area that cleans wheelie bins. I’m thinking this could be a good idea to start a wheelie bin cleaning service myself and any info on how much it would cost for me to get started with a van or trailer and where to look for either one and any other equipment like leaflets, stickers etc. I’m just doing some research at the moment but any advice, tips or help would be very much appreciated. Thanking you and please Email me on stephenspencer3@hotmail.com

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  195. Can anyone recommend a good scheduling program. I have heard of midas and George, whats everyone using???????

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  196. Can anyone recommend a good scheduling program, I have heard of MIDAS and George, whats everyone using????

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  197. I am glad I found this blog. I am currently working out how to put together my setup on my truck. I have purchased a pressure washer with a built in vac recovery. but this only has a 10 litre reservoir, would an additional 80 Litre tank be enough to re fill this periodically throughout the day, id have it connected with a manual bilge pump and just do a few quick pumps after every couple of bins to make up for any lost water during cleaning. Thank you!

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  198. Im not sure how the vac recovery works really but with 10 or 80 liters even being nasty and recycling the water wont get you doing many cleans, BUT it will be enough to get you started and building a round which is what matters at the start.
    First cleans on any bins will use far more water than when you are regularly cleaning so it will get easier after the first visits - once youve got a round then you can go about upgrading stuff.
    Good luck with business venture!

    Mike

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