VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — What started as a simple idea to make extra money this summer is quickly turning into a growing business for one Valdosta teen.

18-year-old Jamal Arnold, a recent graduate of Valdosta High School, is spending his summer helping residents clean and sanitize their trash cans all while saving for college and building trade skills.

Arnold says he plans to attend Lincoln Tech to become a welder and wants to use the summer months to stay productive and financially prepared for his future.

His business, “Jamal Trash Can Cleaning Business,” offers trash can cleaning services for $10 per can. Using his own water, Arnold says the service helps eliminate odors, remove dirt and grime, and disinfect trash cans during the hot summer months.

With temperatures rising across South Georgia, Arnold says the idea came naturally.

“People don’t always realize how dirty trash cans can get in this heat,” Arnold said. “I wanted to do something helpful for the community while also saving money for school.”

Arnold says learning a trade and starting a business at a young age are both important to him, and he hopes his story encourages other young people to find productive ways to spend their summers.

Residents interested in supporting Arnold’s business, or simply donating to help him prepare for college, can contact him at 229-630-0746.

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