Starting a shingle recycling business can be a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills while also providing a valuable service to your community.
Here are the 9 steps you can take to get started on building your very own shingle recycling business.
9 Steps to Launching a New Shingle Recycling Business
1. Name Your Shingle Recycling Business
Give your shingle recycling business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your shingle recycling business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your shingle recycling business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so people are more likely to use your services.
2. Determine Your Shingle Recycling Business Model
There are several possible types of business models for a shingle recycling business including:
- Shingle recycling drop-off centers: Customers bring their shingles to your designated location for recycling.
- Shingle recycling pick-up service: Customers schedule a time for you to come and pick up their shingles from their home or business.
- Shingle recycling mobile service: You travel to different locations to collect shingles from customers.
No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the services you offer.
Read more about choosing the right business model for your shingle recycling business.
3. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your shingle recycling business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your shingle recycling business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common shingle recycling business structures.
4. Write a Shingle Recycling Business Plan
All shingle recycling business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
When developing your shingle recycling business plan and strategy, you should think about the following questions your customers might have:
- What services do you offer?
- What kind of shingles can you recycle?
- How much does it cost to use your service?
- What are the benefits of recycling shingles?
- How does your service work?
Answering these questions will give you a good foundation for developing your business plan and marketing strategy.
Read our article about how to write a shingle recycling business plan.
5. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your shingle recycling business.
For example, if you plan to operate a mobile shingle recycling business, you will need to get a business license from the Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as other permits that may be required in your state. If you are operating a drop-off center, you will need to obtain a permit from your local Solid Waste Management Authority.
You must also register your shingle recycling business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper shingle recycling business licenses.
6. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your shingle recycling business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your shingle recycling business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your shingle recycling business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a shingle recycling business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your shingle recycling business.
7. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your shingle recycling business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in a truck or van if you plan to pick up shingles from customers. You may even need a storage container for the shingles you collect, until you are ready to recycle them.
8. Market Your Shingle Recycling Business to Potential Customers
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the shingle recycling industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Shingle recycling businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Develop a strong branding strategy.
- Start a social media campaign.
- Send out press releases to local newspapers and trade journals.
- Make personal connections with potential customers.
- Participate in industry tradeshows and events.
Read our article about how to market your shingle recycling business for more tips.
9. Get New Customers & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential customers.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these customers. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your shingle recycling business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your shingle recycling business to learn more.
Starting a Shingle Recycling Business FAQs
Why Start a Shingle Recycling Business?
There are numerous reasons to start a shingle recycling business. Shingle recycling businesses provide an important service to the community by helping to reduce waste and environmental pollution.
Shingle recycling businesses also have the potential to be profitable ventures. With the right marketing and business strategies in place, shingle recycling businesses can attract a steady stream of customers.
What is Needed to Start a Successful Shingle Recycling Business?
To start a successful shingle recycling business, you need to have a passion for helping the environment and a strong desire to succeed. You also need to be knowledgeable about the recycling process and have access to the necessary technology and equipment.
In addition, it’s important to have a solid marketing and business plan in place to attract customers and grow your business.
How Can I Start a Shingle Recycling Business From Home?
If you have the passion and desire to start a shingle recycling business from home, establish a workspace and home office. You’ll need to have a computer with internet access and accounting software to track expenses and revenues. You may also need a truck or van if you intend to pick up shingles from customers.
How Can I Start a Shingle Recycling Business Online?
If you want to start a shingle recycling business online, you need to create a website that provides information about your services and how they benefit the customer. You should also promote your website through social media channels and consider networking with other people in the industry. It’s also important to have a solid marketing and business plan in place.
As with home-based shingle recycling businesses, you’ll need a storage space and a truck or van if you’re going to provide pickup service.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Shingle Recycling Business?
Here are some tips to help you start a successful shingle recycling business:
- Research the market. When starting any business, it’s important to do your research to understand the industry. This is especially true for the shingle recycling industry because of specific industry regulations you must comply with.
- Create a business plan. A business plan is essential for any successful business. Be sure to include a marketing and promotional strategy to attract customers.
- Find the right location. When starting a shingle recycling business, it’s important to find a location that has a steady stream of traffic. This will ensure that you have a constant flow of customers.
- Invest in the right technology. Shingle recycling businesses need to have the right technology and equipment to be successful. This includes a truck or van for picking up shingles, a storage container, and a shingle recycling machine.
- Promote your business. Be sure to promote your shingle recycling business through social media, local advertising, and word-of-mouth.
- Train your employees. Proper training is essential for any business, but it’s especially important for a shingle recycling business. Employees need to be properly trained on how to operate the machinery and follow the regulations.
- Have a passion for helping the environment. To be successful in the shingle recycling industry, you need to have a passion for helping the environment. This will help you stand out from the competition and attract customers.
- Stay up-to-date on industry news. It’s important to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. This will help you make informed decisions about the direction of your business.
- Persevere through challenges. There will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but it’s important to persevere. This is a rewarding industry with the potential to make a difference in the world.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Shingle Recycling Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a shingle recycling business is as follows:
- Name Your Shingle Recycling Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Determine Your Shingle Recycling Business Model: Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
- Write a Shingle Recycling Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Shingle Recycling Business to Potential Customers: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Customers & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a shingle recycling business can be a great way to make a difference in your community and help the environment. It’s important to research the market and plan carefully before starting out, but with the right tools and resources you can be on your way to success. Follow these tips to get started and continue marketing your business.