How to Choose the Right Garbage Can Cleaning Company
How to Choose the Right Garbage Can Cleaning Company
Trash bins are some of the dirtiest, smelliest, and most bacteria-ridden items around your home—but they’re also the most overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. Whether you’re dealing with persistent odors, insect infestations, or sticky buildup, hiring a professional garbage can cleaning service can make a massive difference.
But not all bin cleaning services are created equal.
Before you hire someone to handle your sanitation needs, it’s important to know what to look for—and what to avoid. In our previous post, The Dirty Truth About “Guy with a Hose” Bin Cleaning Services, we broke down the risks of hiring unqualified operators. This post will help you choose the right company with confidence.
They use high-temperature water—at least 200°F
Sanitizing a trash bin isn’t about just making it look clean. It’s about killing bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and even C. diff. Cold water and bleach can’t reliably eliminate these threats—especially if food residue or organic waste is still present.
Look for a company that uses pressurized water heated to 200°F or more, which kills 99.9% of bacteria without relying on harsh chemicals.
They safely collect and dispose of wastewater
Improper wastewater runoff is one of the most overlooked—and most legally risky—parts of bin cleaning. If the dirty water from your trash bin flows into storm drains or your yard, you (and the person who cleaned it) could be violating local environmental laws.
A reputable company will use an enclosed cleaning system with a vacuum recovery unit to capture and dispose of wastewater legally and responsibly.
If they’re just spraying your bin in your driveway? That’s a red flag.
They’re licensed, insured, and local
Professionalism matters. A legit trash bin cleaning company will have:
- A business license or permit to operate in your city or county
- General liability insurance in case something goes wrong on your property
- A physical or registered service address
- Clear contact information and customer support
If you can’t find any of the above, you may be dealing with an unlicensed side hustle—not a professional cleaning service.
They specialize in bin cleaning—not just general pressure washing
There’s a big difference between a pressure washing company and a dedicated bin cleaning company. A pressure washer may clean your driveway or siding effectively, but they’re often not equipped with the proper bin-specific sanitation tools.
Trash can cleaning systems are built to:
- Lift bins using hydraulic arms (no damage to wheels or lids)
- Rotate bins during cleaning for full coverage
- Apply steam and deodorizer evenly
- Sanitize inside and out without overspray
Companies like The Dirt Destroyer use custom-built trucks made specifically for this purpose—so every cleaning is consistent, thorough, and safe for your bins.
They follow EPA and local sanitation guidelines
A quality bin cleaner should follow federal and municipal guidelines for:
- Wastewater disposal
- Detergent/environmental safety
- Storm drain protection
- Service area boundaries and local laws
Ask: Where does the dirty water go? If they don’t have a clear answer, walk away.
They’re transparent about pricing and plans
Professional trash can cleaners should offer straightforward pricing for one-time cleanings, monthly, and bi-monthly service options. Make sure they:
- Publish pricing on their website
- Offer online booking or contactless payments
- Provide service in your specific area
For example, at The Dirt Destroyer, our pricing is easy to understand, and we cover Saint Johns County, Saint Augustine, Jacksonville, Nocatee, and Palencia. No surprises, no hidden fees.
They have strong reviews and community trust
Look at Google, Facebook, or Nextdoor reviews. What are people saying? Do customers mention:
- Prompt service?
- Friendly team members?
- Results that lasted?
- Fair pricing?
It’s not just about stars—it’s about reading patterns in how a business treats its customers and follows through on promises.
They don’t just rinse and run—they sanitize and scent
Truly clean bins aren’t just empty—they’re germ-free and odor-free. The best companies will finish each cleaning with a natural deodorizer, like the citrus rinse we use at The Dirt Destroyer. It leaves bins smelling fresh instead of like bleach or moldy food waste.
If a company skips this, chances are they’re skipping other corners too.
Your trash bins deserve professional care
Hiring the right garbage can cleaning service isn’t about pampering your bins—it’s about protecting your health, avoiding fines, and keeping your property clean and odor-free.
If you’re still considering that “guy with a hose,” read our blog on the hidden health and legal risks of hiring unqualified cleaners. Then come back when you’re ready for the pros.
Book with confidence
At The Dirt Destroyer, we’re veteran-owned, locally operated, and fully equipped to handle trash bin and commercial dumpster cleaning the right way. We offer:
✅ Eco-friendly sanitation
✅ 201°F water cleaning
✅ Legal wastewater disposal
✅ Flexible cleaning plans
✅ Results you can see—and smell
Check out our service plans and pricing, or get started today with our online booking.
