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Poop Scooping Service

💰 £10-£20/yard ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Beginner

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What is it?

A poop scooping service involves offering to clean up dog waste from neighbours' gardens and yards. It’s a straightforward, beginner-friendly way for teens to earn money regularly while helping pet owners maintain a clean outdoor space.

Why does it work?

This service appeals because many dog owners dislike the chore but want their gardens clean, making them willing to pay for reliable help. Regular customers provide steady income, and the job requires minimal skills or upfront costs, making it accessible for young fundraisers.

What you'll need

  • Gloves (preferably disposable or garden gloves)
  • Poop bags or small plastic bags
  • A sturdy pooper scooper or a plastic bag turned inside out for easy collection
  • Hand sanitizer or wipes for cleaning hands afterwards
  • A bucket or bin liner for carrying waste
  • Flyers or posters to advertise locally
  • A simple price list

Step-by-step plan

1
Prepare your equipment: gather gloves, poop bags, a scooper or bags for collection, and a container to carry the waste.
2
Set your prices clearly, for example charging £10-£20 per yard depending on size and frequency (weekly or one-off).
3
Advertise your service locally by putting up posters in community centres, parks, and local shops, and by handing out flyers to neighbours.
4
Contact neighbours directly or ask friends and family if they know anyone who might need the service.
5
Arrange a convenient time to visit customers’ gardens, making sure to confirm appointments and ask about any special instructions.
6
Wear gloves and use your scooper or bags to collect dog waste carefully, disposing of it in your bin liner or bucket.
7
Dispose of the waste responsibly, following local council guidelines or placing it in the customer’s bin if agreed.
8
Sanitise your hands after each job and maintain good hygiene throughout.
9
Keep a simple record of customers, dates, and payments to manage your earnings and schedule repeat visits.

How to advertise it

  • Create bright, clear flyers with your contact details and price list to distribute in local parks, pet shops, and community centres.
  • Use local Facebook groups or neighbourhood apps like Nextdoor to promote your service.
  • Ask satisfied customers for referrals and offer a small discount for repeat business.
  • Word of mouth: tell friends, family, and neighbours about your service.

Realistic earnings

Typical earnings are around £10-£20 per yard cleaned. With 3-5 regular customers each week, you can realistically raise £100-£200 a month, making steady progress towards your fundraising goal.

Top tips

✅ Be reliable and punctual – happy customers are more likely to recommend you.
✅ Use gloves and hand sanitiser to stay hygienic and professional.
✅ Offer discounts for regular weekly bookings to encourage repeat business.
✅ Keep your advertising simple and professional-looking to build trust.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Not confirming appointments, which can waste your time and frustrate customers.
⚠️ Ignoring hygiene by not wearing gloves or sanitising hands after scooping.
⚠️ Setting unclear prices or not communicating costs upfront, leading to confusion.