Many communities pay outside vendors to run their valet trash service, even though the math often shows they could earn far more by bringing the program in-house. Valet trash is one of the highest-margin services offered in multifamily housing. Yet most properties overlook how much profit they leave on the table simply because they assume outsourcing is easier. With tools like Valet Hero, that assumption is no longer true. In fact, it is now easier for communities to run their own program while keeping the majority of the revenue.
The Real Numbers: Why In-House Valet Trash Makes Sense
Let’s use a realistic example. Many third-party operators charge around $25 per door each month. For a 300-unit community, that creates:
- 300 units × $25 = $7,500 per month in gross revenue
Vendors keep nearly all of that. Your community receives little or nothing, even though the residents are the ones paying for the service.
However, when a community runs valet trash internally, the financial picture changes immediately. The same $7,500 stays within the property. As a result, that revenue can be used to pay maintenance staff more, improve operations, and still leave a large profit margin every single month.
What It Costs to Run the Program Internally
Here’s where property managers are often surprised: running valet trash in-house does not require a large team or a major budget. One or two existing maintenance employees can handle collection with the help of efficient software.
Let’s run the numbers:
- Pay two maintenance techs $20/hour
- They work 2 hours per night, 5 nights a week
- Total hours per month: 2 × 5 × 4 = 40 hours each (80 hours total)
- Total labor cost: 80 hours × $20 = $1,600 per month
Even if you pay them $22–$25/hour, the costs remain low. Many communities even use valet trash to increase employee wages, which improves retention and morale.
Your Monthly Profit After Labor
Using the basic example:
- Gross revenue from 300 doors: $7,500
- Labor cost: $1,600
- Software + supplies: about $300
Remaining profit = $7,500 − $1,600 − $300 = $5,600 per month
That is $67,200 per year in net profit for the community.
This is money most properties are giving away to outside vendors. When you run your program in-house, the numbers flip. Your maintenance team earns more, the property stays cleaner, and the community keeps the extra revenue.
How Valet Hero Makes It Simple
Most properties hesitate because managing a valet trash program used to feel complicated. However, platforms like Valet Hero remove the operational stress. The software handles:
- Pickup verification
- Staff tracking
- Reporting and compliance
- Resident communication
- Automated reminders
As a result, communities get the same level of professionalism as a third-party operator, but at a fraction of the cost.
Why Property Managers Love the Valet Trash In-House Model
Switching to an in-house system has several advantages:
1. Higher employee satisfaction
Maintenance techs appreciate earning extra pay for predictable nightly tasks.
2. Greater community control
Managers decide the schedule, standards, and service quality.
3. Stronger financial performance
The program becomes one of the most profitable amenities on the property.
4. Improved resident experience
Cleaner hallways, consistent pickup, and direct communication all increase satisfaction.
A Smart Move for 2025 and Beyond
Across the country, properties are rethinking their vendor expenses. As budgets tighten, in-house valet trash stands out as a reliable revenue stream with low operational costs. Many communities are already transitioning because the numbers are too strong to ignore. With a platform designed specifically for this model, the shift is even easier.
To learn more about how the system works, property teams can explore Valet Hero’s About Page or submit interest through the main site. This single change can add tens of thousands of dollars per year to your NOI while improving staff satisfaction and resident experience.
