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Poop Scoopers Rake It In

'Waste specialists' see increasing profits with a business 'always picking up'

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Apr 14, 2008 2:45 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The economy might be slowing, but one man's poop-scooping business is, well, piling up. A sixth sense for sniffing out the goods is earning Ron Johnson's Poo-B-Gone $75,000 yearly, the Chicago Tribune reports. Pet owners who are too busy or grossed-out to handle their dogs' waste pay up to $25 a week to avoid doing the dirty deed.

Nearly 500 businesses, some claiming to have earned millions and aspiring to be the McDonald’s of scooping, comprise the decades-old industry. Many are drawn to the low overhead: A rake and dustpan (and maybe a sense of humor) are all you need to start. Friends tell Johnson, "It’s a crappy business." His reply: “Yes, but it’s always picking up.”

The poop scooping industry has drawn many for its low entry costs: All it takes is a rake and dustpan to get started.
The poop scooping industry has drawn many for its low entry costs: All it takes is a rake and dustpan to get started.   (KRT Photos)
Pet owners pay $10 to $25 a week to have poop scoopers pick up after their pets.
Pet owners pay $10 to $25 a week to have poop scoopers pick up after their pets.   (Getty Images)
As the American work ethic ever increases, pet services like poop scoopers are becoming a necessity.
As the American work ethic ever increases, pet services like poop scoopers are becoming a necessity.   (Magnum Photos)
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pets • weird news • poop • pet waste • Poo-B-Gone • Ron Johnson • poop scooping

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