New Junk Removal Business Emphasizes Recycling and Reusing

People in the Deer Park area with a little too much stuff on their hands have a new option for getting it removed. Two weeks ago, Elk resident and business owner Mark Burgard unveiled his bright orange trailer for his And It’s Gone junk removal company, and has already seen demand for his services.

Those looking closely, however, might notice the triangular recycling symbol also on the trailer. It’s there because Burgard said he is committed to reusing, recycling, or donating what he can from what he hauls away from people’s homes and businesses. “I don’t like to just take stuff to the landfill if I can help it,” he said. “I was raised to respect the environment.”

For example, a recent load included both metal cubicle frames and construction debris. Burgard said he sorted as he loaded to separate what could be recycled. That way, only part of what he removed ended up in the landfill. “The last thing I want to do is clean up one space by trashing another,” he said.

The only drawback is that most recyclers are in Spokane, but Burgard said what he makes from recycling should cover the time and fuel he spends driving to Spokane. “There’s additional labor that’s involved to recycle,” he said.

If something is usable, safe, and in good condition, Burgard said he’ll donate it if possible. Places like Goodwill are an option, but Burgard said he’ll only do that if an item is of high quality. “It depends on the item,” he said. “I don’t want to give them something they have to pay to throw away.”

Burgard said he selected a bright orange trailer so it would stand out and be noticed. “You can see Mark,” he said. “You remember Mark.”

Most people will likely notice that the “T” in the business name on the side of the bright orange trailer looks like a cross. Burgard said he did that as a nod to his faith. “We’re not supposed to be bashful about it,” he said.

Burgard works four days a week in the insurance industry and was looking for a way to diversify his income. He said he loves to drive, and he loves to haul, so he settled on junk removal. “I’m loving it,” he said. “You know the saying. Guys, we don’t grow up, we just get bigger toys.”

He said he was looking for a side job partly to show his three daughters what can be done with an entrepreneurial spirit and partly because he wanted to help people. “You can really do a lot of good for a lot of people,” he said. “I want to give them their space back, I want to give them their time back, I want to give them their peace back.”

Burgard said he did his research, so he made sure he was doing it right. He got his common carrier authority, a Department of Transportation number, and a general contractor license so he can do light demolition. He’s also bonded and insured.

“I’ve done the work,” he said. “I’ve learned about the regulations, rules, and procedures.”

Having a day job in addition to his business does limit his availability. He is open to doing cleanups on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons, as well as a couple of evenings per week.

He said his prices vary by volume. He has a $199 truck minimum, and anything above that is based on how much room is taken up in his trailer. The price can also vary depending on the distance Burgard has to drive.

Burgard said he typically likes to take a look at what needs to be hauled away so he can give the most accurate estimates. “My goal is to have a nice, transparent price for the customer before I start work,” he said.

Burgard encourages people to consider him if they have a shed, garage, or storage area they need decluttered.  

“I don’t sell junk removal,” he said. “I sell outcomes. I sell clean garages.”

Though he’s only been in business a few weeks, things are going well, Burgard said. “It’s been great,” he said. “I’ve already done a few larger jobs and some smaller ones.”