Smash My Trash Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$372,050 - $492,200
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total US Locations
520
Business Summary
Smash My Trash operates businesses that provide waste compaction services, utilizing a proprietary machine to smash trash in open-top roll-off containers. These services primarily target commercial and industrial waste companies, and the business operates under the Smash My Trash brand. The market for these specialized waste compaction services is relatively new and developing.
Corporate History
Smash Franchise Partners, LLC, which operates as Smash My Trash, was organized in Indiana on May 22, 2018. The company began offering franchises in August 2018, though some of its affiliates have been operating Smash My Trash businesses since 2016. The parent company is SMT Holdings, LLC. Smash My Trash is affiliated with other entities like Heavyweight Waste Franchise Partners, LLC (which franchises waste removal businesses), Smash Franchise Partners Canada ULC (which previously offered Smash My Trash franchises in Canada but no longer operates), Heavyweight Waste Ventures, LLC (a waste removal services supplier), Custom Hydraulics, LLC (a truck parts supplier), and Innovative Waste Technologies, LLC (which coordinates truck purchases and supplies waste containers).
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$372,050 - $492,200
Franchise Fee (Low)
$30,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Royalty %
8%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$282,200
Equipment Costs (High)
$363,700
Working Capital
$40,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial condition, as indicated in Item 21, raises questions about its ability to provide services and support to franchisees. As of December 31, 2024, Smash Franchise Partners did not meet the required financial covenants, including minimum income, cash flow, and tangible net worth requirements, for its loan agreements. However, the company has received a compliance waiver from its lender as of March 26, 2025.
Financing Details
Smash My Trash does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, the company does not guarantee any franchisee notes, leases, or other obligations. Franchisees are responsible for arranging their own funding.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
520
Franchised Units
504
Corporate Units
16
Franchising Since
2018
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
7
Litigation Summary
Smash My Trash has been involved in several legal disputes. Currently, Smash My Trash has four pending actions. Rebecca and Thomas Voss, former franchisees, filed an arbitration in December 2022 against Smash My Trash and its CEO, alleging fraud and breach of contract related to their franchise termination. The arbitrator denied their claims in March 2024, but the former franchisees filed a motion to vacate the award in June 2024, which is pending. Additionally, former franchisees Dean Cheetham, Camden Cheetham, and Slate Mountain, LLC filed an arbitration in November 2023 against Smash My Trash and its CEO, claiming fraudulent misrepresentation, violations of franchise laws, and tortious interference related to their franchise sale and territory population; this case is pending. Allied Services, LLC (Republic Services) sued Smash My Trash and a franchisee in April 2021, alleging property damage, customer interference, and false advertising. The court ruled in favor of Smash My Trash in May 2024, but the plaintiff filed an appeal in June 2024, which is ongoing. Lastly, former owners of Smash My Trash's parent company, Ryan A. Haskin and Little Business, LLC, filed a lawsuit in April 2022 against Justin Haskin (current President/CEO) and SMT Holdings, LLC, alleging misrepresentation of the parent company's value. The court granted summary judgment for the defendants in May 2024 and awarded Justin Haskin legal fees, but the plaintiffs appealed in December 2024, and that appeal is pending. Smash My Trash has also concluded three other cases: In May 2022, an arbitrator awarded Kevin Blanchat and other former franchisees over $2.8 million in restitution and damages, finding Smash Franchise Partners and a broker liable for misrepresentations in Item 19 of the disclosure document (including inflating profit margins, selective revenue inclusion, and misrepresenting revenue streams). In April 2021, Smash My Trash settled an arbitration with former franchisee Craig Nathanson for $80,000 and a truck deposit return, resolving claims of intentional misrepresentation and violations of franchise and trade practices acts. Lastly, in July 2024, Smash My Trash and Justin Haskin entered into a consent order with the Washington Securities Administrator, agreeing to cease and desist from violating antifraud provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act and paying $8,350 in investigation costs, following findings of misrepresentations and omissions in Item 19.
Bankruptcy History
Smash My Trash has no bankruptcy history to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Smash My Trash franchise agreement, franchisees must notify Smash My Trash in writing between 12 and 15 months before their current term ends. They must have substantially complied with all terms of the agreement throughout its duration and be in full compliance at the time of notice and when the successor franchise begins. Additionally, before the new term starts, franchisees must renovate or remodel their business location, replace or add operating assets, and generally update their business to meet Smash My Trash's then-current standards for new locations. Upon renewal, franchisees must sign Smash My Trash's current franchise agreement (which may have different terms and fees), pay a successor franchise fee of $10,000, and sign a general release of claims.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Smash My Trash provides franchisees with assistance both before and during the operation of their business. Before opening, Smash My Trash approves the territory, sells or leases the necessary trucks and computer system components, accepts the lease for the business location, and may review construction plans. It also provides initial training for the franchisee's personnel and grants access to its Operations Manual. During operation, Smash My Trash requires franchisees to acquire additional trucks if certain sales thresholds are met. It advises franchisees periodically on business operations, including standards, pricing, purchasing, and administrative procedures, through its Operations Manual, bulletins, electronic media, phone consultations, and on-site visits. Smash My Trash also updates the Operations Manual and System Standards, maintains and administers a Brand Fund for marketing, and manages a System Website. It may establish a National Accounts program that franchisees must participate in and may provide customer services such as booking systems and remote payment processing.
Initial Training Hours
46
Training Location
Our facility in Carmel, Indiana, or virtual
Ongoing Support
After opening, Smash My Trash may require franchisees and their staff, including the General Manager, to attend various ongoing training courses, programs, and evaluations, including online training. They may also be required to attend conventions or other specified programs, for which fees may be charged. Smash My Trash provides ongoing guidance on business operations, including standards, pricing, purchasing, and administrative and accounting procedures. This guidance is delivered through the Operations Manual, written communications, electronic media, telephone, and on-site consultations. The franchisor continuously updates the Operations Manual and System Standards. Smash My Trash also maintains and administers the Brand Fund and the System Website, and may establish and oversee a National Accounts program where franchisees must participate. Additionally, Smash My Trash may offer customer services like booking systems, a back-of-house customer service center, and remote payment processing, for which reasonable fees may be charged.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Staff Count
2
Territory Size Requirements
Smash My Trash typically defines territories using geographic boundaries and population, determined by a third-party mapping service using zip code data. Generally, each territory will have a minimum population of approximately 200,000 people. If a territory's population significantly exceeds 200,000, Smash My Trash may charge an additional population fee.
Staffing Notes
Smash My Trash anticipates that initial operating expenses will cover payroll for a minimum staff of two individuals, typically consisting of one driver and one salesperson. Additionally, the franchisee's Principal Executive must dedicate sufficient time to directing and controlling the business's management and policies, though not necessarily participating in day-to-day operations. A General Manager must be designated to devote full business time to the management and operation of the business, holding authority over all daily business decisions. The Principal Executive and General Manager can be the same person.