A resourceful father-of-four from Derbyshire has unlocked a surprisingly lucrative income stream by tackling one of the least glamorous household chores: picking up dog waste. Kyle Newby, 39, estimates his unconventional side business brings in the equivalent of £24,000 annually, working just two days a week.
From American Inspiration to East Midlands Enterprise
Kyle, a builder by trade, launched Pet Poo Pick in March 2025 after he and a friend noticed the popularity of similar services in the United States. Spotting a gap in the UK market, they decided to test the waters in the East Midlands. "We've only seen a few people doing it in the UK," Kyle explained. After placing a simple Facebook advert, the response was immediate and overwhelming. "We were stunned, the customers just started rolling in," he said.
He has since built a solid base of 35 regular clients, each paying £15 per week for his garden cleaning service. A significant portion of his customer base, around 20 people, are elderly or have disabilities that make bending down to clean up after their pets difficult or dangerous. "A lot are on crutches," Kyle noted, emphasising the service's role in supporting community members with limited mobility.
The Economics of an Unusual Trade
The financials of the business are compelling. Kyle charges a £30 initial visit fee, followed by the weekly £15 rate. Working Wednesdays and Saturdays, he services 15 and 20 gardens respectively. With each visit taking roughly 10-15 minutes, he calculates his earnings can equate to nearly £44 per hour. In a typical month, the venture can generate around £2,000.
"I earn more on this for one day than I do on a longer day of construction, so it pays well," Kyle revealed. His process involves using a scoop and bag to remove the waste, followed by disinfecting the area to eliminate stains and odours, ensuring a thorough clean. He holds a waste carrier's licence, operating as a fully official service.
More Than Just a Business: Building Community Support
For Kyle, the venture has evolved beyond a simple side hustle into a valuable community service. He has expanded his offerings to include lawn mowing for clients who struggle with garden maintenance. The demand has stretched beyond his local area of Littleover, with inquiries coming from as far as Liverpool and County Durham. The furthest he has travelled for a job so far is 50 miles to Newark.
Customer testimonials highlight the essential nature of the service. Peter Fisk, 48, from Derby, has relied on Kyle since December 2025 while recovering from a broken leg. "With the weather, I can't get out to do it in case I slip. So Kyle's great for that," Peter said. He praised the thoroughness of the service, noting the use of a hose to finish the job properly, and expects to use the service for the rest of the year.
Kyle addresses occasional online critics who label clients as lazy by pointing to the practical need. "You walk down the street and you see poo all the time. Not every owner picks it up," he stated. "For those moaning, say if their mum was disabled and they can't pick up the poo, I'd be ideal." His goal is to help people maintain clean and pleasant outdoor spaces, turning a smelly problem into a thriving, helpful enterprise.
