When Ashton Meyer first knocked on his neighbors’ doors in York Region, Ontario, he was not sure anyone would say yes. The 11-year-old wanted to earn extra money and help his community, so he offered to clean their garbage bins, a task few people enjoy. His first rejection left him in tears. But Ashton kept going, and within weeks, his determination began to pay off.
By May, Ashton had launched YourBinCleaning, a small business that now serves between 30 and 40 regular clients. With his family’s support, he spends several days each week canvassing for new customers and cleaning bins, often handling two to three containers per hour. His mother manages the business’s social media, and their Instagram account quickly surpassed 100,000 followers, drawing attention well beyond their neighborhood.
The idea for the business came from a conversation with his father, Jonathan Meyer, who noticed that many elderly residents on their street struggled to move their bins to the curb. Jonathan suggested Ashton could help with the chore, giving him a way to meet neighbors and learn the value of work, while earning some pocket money. The project soon evolved: Ashton began offering to wash the bins as well, turning a simple favor into a paid service.
Ashton says his biggest challenge was not the dirty work but the fear of being turned down. The first time a neighbor declined, he was visibly upset. Over time, though, he learned to handle rejection and focus on those who were interested. Now, he approaches each house as a new chance, and his confidence has grown with every positive response.
Each week, Ashton spends two days knocking on doors with his father and two more fulfilling cleaning appointments. The family has not disclosed how much Ashton earns or what he charges, but the business’s growth is evident in the steady stream of new clients and the surge in online followers. Some supporters have also made donations, allowing Ashton to offer free services to seniors and people with disabilities in his area.
YourBinCleaning’s rapid rise has brought unexpected attention. Ashton and his father were invited to discuss the project on Fox Business, and the family has received requests for branded merchandise, including T-shirts. Jonathan Meyer says they never anticipated such widespread interest, but they are grateful for the encouragement and support.
Ashton is already planning to expand his services and keep the business active year-round. In autumn, he hopes to rake leaves; in winter, he plans to clear snow from driveways and save up for electric equipment. By spring, he aims to add garden cleaning and lawn mowing to his offerings. His father believes these experiences are teaching Ashton valuable skills, including time management and ability to recover, along with a strong work ethic that will serve him well in the future.
Stories of young entrepreneurs like Ashton are not unique to Canada. Passing practical skills on to the next generation is a challenge across many trades, as highlighted in a recent report on the shortage of young marble workers in Galicia. Ashton’s story stands out for its simplicity and for inspiring his local community, as well as a much wider audience online.
