Most property managers have heard of valet trash, but many still ask the same question: Is valet trash worth the investment? When you look at the real numbers, the answer becomes clear. Valet trash is one of the highest-margin services in the multifamily industry. More importantly, it delivers predictable revenue, stronger resident satisfaction, and a major boost to operational efficiency.
Although many communities outsource the service, the growing trend is shifting toward in-house programs. With structured tools found through resources like valet trash ROI models, communities can manage everything themselves — and keep far more of the revenue.
Understanding the True Value of Valet Trash
Valet trash used to be viewed as a simple convenience. However, it has evolved into a strategic operational tool. Residents reward clean hallways, simple routines, and nightly pickup windows with stronger satisfaction scores and longer lease renewals.
At the same time, property managers see major financial benefits. When outsourcing, vendors typically charge $20–$30 per door while returning only a small portion to the community. Those numbers shift dramatically when the service is handled in-house, which is where the real ROI begins.
The Math: How Much Can a Community Earn?
Let’s start with a standard example. A 300-unit property charging $25 per door creates:
- 300 × $25 = $7,500 in monthly revenue
- $90,000 in annual revenue
Most vendors keep nearly all of this. Communities get nothing besides cleaner hallways.
However, when running an in-house program with guided routes, digital pickup logs, and scheduled workflows, the community keeps the majority of that revenue. Let’s break down what the costs look like.
Labor Costs for In-House Valet Trash
Most communities use their maintenance team or hire a part-time evening worker. Because pickup typically takes 1.5–2 hours per night, the labor cost is far lower than managers expect.
Example labor model:
- 2 hours per night
- 5 nights per week
- $20–$22/hour pay rate
- Total hours per month: 40 hours
- Monthly labor cost: 40 × $22 = $880
Even if two employees work together, the total might reach $1,600–$1,800 per month.
Compared to a $7,500 revenue stream, labor barely scratches the surface.
Operational Costs and Net Profit
Other expenses include supplies and a software platform. Tools found at smart waste management solutions start at a low monthly cost, making overall expenses very manageable.
Typical cost layout:
- Revenue: $7,500
- Labor: $1,600
- Supplies/software: $300
Net Monthly Profit: ≈ $5,600
Annual Net Profit: ≈ $67,200
This profit goes directly to the community instead of leaving the property.
Is Valet Trash Worth the Investment for Smaller Properties?
Even smaller properties see strong returns. A 150-unit building at $25 per door generates:
- $3,750 per month
- Labor: ~$1,000
- Profit: ~$2,500 per month
That still delivers $30,000+ per year.
Therefore, valet trash remains profitable whether a property is large or mid-sized.
Additional Benefits Beyond Money
The ROI is not just financial. Communities also experience:
1. Higher resident satisfaction
Clean hallways and predictable service make life easier for residents.
2. Stronger property reviews
Online ratings improve when trash-related complaints disappear.
3. Increased team productivity
With structured tools found through waste service automation, staff complete tasks faster and with less strain.
4. Better retention and renewal rates
Residents often stay longer in cleaner, better-managed communities.
5. Improved operational consistency
Digital pickup verification ensures tasks are done correctly every night.
When Valet Trash Isn’t Worth the Investment
There are only two situations where valet trash may not deliver strong ROI:
- The property has very low occupancy
- The community cannot schedule consistent nightly pickup
Outside of those cases, the numbers overwhelmingly support the investment.
Final Verdict: Yes, Valet Trash Delivers Exceptional ROI
When backed by structured workflows and digital tools, in-house valet trash becomes a reliable, high-margin program that improves both revenue and resident experience. Communities keep thousands more each month while offering a premium amenity that renters appreciate.
With access to valet trash ROI insights and related tools, managers can calculate their exact savings and build a simple, profitable in-house operation. The data makes it clear: valet trash is no longer just an amenity — it’s an investment that pays for itself many times over.
