Valet trash service is quickly becoming one of the most sought–after amenities in multi-family communities across the United States. It provides unparalleled convenience for residents and allows property managers to keep their properties cleaner and better organized overall. But, how much does valet trash service even cost – and what exactly goes into that price? In this guide, we will lay out how valet trash pricing works, what goes into pricing for property managers and residents, and how pricing models can be used as a potential profit center for multifamily communities.
How Valet Trash Pricing Works
Valet trash pricing reflects a variety of different aspects, including service frequency, property size, location, and contract terms. While the average resident pays somewhere around $25 $35 a month, property managers may pay somewhere around $8 to $15 a unit, depending on their contract and service level.
This price difference creates an opportunity for property managers not only to provide a premium service, but also a revenue opportunity where they might be able to capture some of that value through a fee structure that is charged back to the lease; in many instances residents will be required to pay for valet trash as a service that is a mandatory, non-optional amenity.
1. Service Frequency
The frequency of nights trash pickup is performed each week is one of the biggest pricing drivers. Most providers, like EcoClear Solutions, offer trash collection three to five nights a week, with five being the industry standard. Some premium service communities or high-traffic complexes may opt for seven-day coverage for higher levels of cleanliness and convenience.
3 Nights/Week – Ideal for smaller or lower-density communities. Lower Cost. More cost-effectiveness.
5 Nights/Week – Standard for most properties. Balanced service and pricing.
7 Nights/Week – Exceptional service option for high-end or large urban properties.
Higher frequencies require more labor, vehicle use, and operational planning—so naturally, pricing increases accordingly.
2. Property Type and Size
Big garden-style apartment communities (300+ units) typically achieve a better price per unit because of economies of scale. Smaller communities may pay a higher price per unit for this reason: a technician on a dispatch costs the same whether they have 100 units or 300 units in the property.
For example:
A 300-unit property paying $10 per unit = $3,000/month
A 100-unit property may pay $12-$15 per unit = $1,200 to $1,500/month
3. Geographical Location
Location plays a big role in cost. Urban centers with higher labor rates and dumpster regulations typically cost more. Additionally, proximity to recycling centers and local regulations on plastic bags or sustainability can raise overall service fees, especially for communities aiming to promote eco-friendly practices.
4. Special Collection Times
Some communities—like student housing—may request weekend service after events. These Saturday night pickups are often added at a premium and are greatly appreciated during busy or high-trash-volume periods.
5. Contract Length
Valet trash contracts typically span 12 months or more. Longer terms (24 or 36 months) may include pricing discounts. These help both parties—reducing turnover for the provider while offering better value for clients.
For instance, a $1/unit discount on a 300-unit property over two years could save $7,200. Service planning and scheduling through our valet trash app also becomes smoother over longer-term agreements.
Common Valet Trash Pricing Models
To meet the varied needs of communities, valet trash services typically offer four types of pricing models:
1. Flat-Fee Model
A fixed rate per unit per month, regardless of service frequency or volume. This is great for budgeting and communities with consistent waste build-up.
2. Volume-Based Pricing
Pricing typically fluctuates based on the amount of trash collected. This model works well for communities looking to incentivize the best waste reduction.
2. Volume-Based Pricing
Pricing fluctuates based on the amount of trash collected. This model works well for communities looking to incentivize waste reduction.
3. Tiered Pricing
Flexible pricing based on chosen service tiers. A basic plan may offer 3 pickups/week, while a premium plan includes recycling and bulk item removal.
4. Customized Pricing
A fully tailored plan that considers community layout, resident demographics, sustainability goals, and more. At EcoClear Solutions, we specialize in this personalized approach, ensuring each client pays only for what they need.
What Do Residents Pay?
Though property managers pay service providers between $9 and $15 per unit, residents are typically billed $25 to $35 per month, either directly or through their lease agreements. This markup enables the service to act as a profit center for property managers.
Example:
Provider charges: $12 per unit
Resident fee: $25 per unit
Profit per unit: $13
For 100 units: $1,300/month in net revenue
Multiply that across a large property portfolio, and the revenue can reach six figures annually—all while improving the living environment for residents.
Regional Factors to Watch
Besides base costs, regional dynamics play a big role in pricing:
Labor Rates – Higher in metro areas like Dallas, Austin, or Los Angeles.
Municipal Fees – Local governments may impose costly waste handling or recycling regulations.
Market Demand – Popular amenities command higher fees in competitive rental markets.
Environmental Laws – Stricter green regulations can increase operational costs.
In many cases, valet trash is mandatory and included as a non-optional amenity. Services typically run on a nightly basis, with staff arriving during off-hours to collect trash, including trash bags placed in containers outside each unit. Some plans also include recycling services, ensuring recyclable materials are separated from landfill waste, supporting a cleaner, greener community.
Valet trash provides measurable benefits like improved cleanliness, better resident retention, and increased appeal to new residents in any apartment complex.
What factors determine valet trash pricing?
Valet trash pricing typically depends on three main factors:
Number of units – Communities are usually billed per door, with rates ranging from $10–$20 per unit monthly.
Service frequency – More pickup days per week (e.g., 5–7 nights) increases the total cost compared to limited service.
Community size & logistics – Larger properties or those with multiple buildings may qualify for bulk discounts, while spread-out complexes may have higher service fees.
- 👉 For example, EcoClear Solutions LLC offers flexible per-door pricing designed for multifamily apartments, student housing, and senior living communities across Dallas–Fort Worth. This ensures property managers get transparent costs while residents enjoy reliable doorstep collection.
| Evidence Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Number of Units | Communities are billed per door. Larger properties may qualify for bulk discounts. |
| Service Frequency | 5 nights per week is standard, but 6–7 nights raises the overall rate. |
| Community Layout | Spread-out complexes or multi-building sites may have higher logistics costs. |
| Add-On Services | Services like dog park sanitation and dumpster cleaning increase per-unit pricing. |
Understanding Valet Trash Pricing with EcoClear Solutions LLC
At EcoClear Solutions LLC, we offer a straightforward and transparent valet trash pricing model that scales easily for property managers. The average apartment community pays $10–$20 per unit per month, depending on:
- The size of the community – Small properties may pay slightly more per unit, while larger properties obtain bulk pricing.
- Weekly service frequency – Our standard service is five nights a week, but we have the option to also customize your service schedule.
- Additional service options – Additional services such as sanitizing dog parks, cleaning dumpster pads, and pressure washing can all be bundled together to save you costs.
By tailoring valet trash pricing to each property, we help apartment owners boost NOI, increase resident satisfaction, and maintain cleaner communities across Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and surrounding areas.
| Factor | Typical Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Per Unit Monthly Cost | $10 – $20 per unit | Standard pricing for apartment valet trash service, scalable per community. |
| Service Frequency | 2 – 7 nights per week | The most common is 5 nights weekly; more nights increase cost. |
| Community Size | Small to 500+ units | Larger complexes often qualify for bulk discounts per door. |
| Add-On Services | +$5 – $15 per unit | Extras like dog park sanitation, dumpster cleaning, or pressure washing. |
| Average Total Cost | $1,500 – $5,000 monthly | Varies by property size, service level, and included amenities. |
Valet trash service isn’t just about convenience—it’s also a powerful tool for boosting tenant satisfaction. Here’s how smart pricing contributes:
Affordability – Reasonable pricing ensures high adoption rates.
Transparency – Clear fees build trust with residents.
Consistency – Stable pricing allows residents to budget with confidence.
Customization – Tailored plans give residents what they truly need.
