‘Waste’ no time: Meet the owners of Coastal Junkers
It’s time for spring cleaning. Declutter the house. Deep clean the garage. Spruce up the yard. But, what to do with all that junk? Don’t leave it in your trunk.
Call Coastal Junkers.
Local couple Halle Hartell, 21, and Wyatt Myers, 25, started the company in December 2023. Together, they built a business that offers residential and commercial junk removal, cleanouts, and demolition and construction site cleaning services. Their service area covers Astoria to Tillamook.
With their branded truck, the couple often shows up to a job together ready to haul away anything unwanted. But, they truly believe that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Yet, each haul doesn’t necessarily end up in the landfill. Sometimes, items are donated, rehomed, or recycled.
“The systems we have, in terms of how your junk is taken care of, is a priority for us,” Hartell said. “Our number one concern is how to correctly and efficiently divvy up where things are going so that all materials are getting their best life.”
Hartell and Myers each recently completed Tillamook County’s Master Recyclers program, which provided a wealth of knowledge to the young business owners about the trash and recycling industry.
“We’re going to take care of your items properly,” Hartell said. “We can tell the customer why we can’t take something and give them advice on what to do with it. If it does have an opportunity for another life, what is the best and most ethical thing to do with it.”
Hartell and Myers understand that people’s “stuff” can be hard to part with. Both said they like to take the time to connect with customers and understand how best they can assist in their goals.
“Hearing peoples’ stories about why they’re getting rid of something is fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking. Stuff can be an emotional burden for people, and there’s no judgment here. Maybe it wasn’t easy for you to get ride of something. How can we make this process easier for you? We’re just thinking of how can we get [your wishes] accomplished.”
Relationships and professionalism are a huge part of what they do, and it starts as soon as they pull up to a job site.
“Each customer deserves a clean truck and our crew to be in a good mood when we show up,” Myers said. “They deserve that. No matter who the customer is.”
Hartell and Myers’ commitment to their customers is just the start of their passion for their community. Myers grew up in north Tillamook County. The duo met through mutual friends after Hartell relocated from Missouri and was working in real estate. After becoming a couple, they sought out a business where they could spend more time with each other, and give back to the area. Coastal Junkers has sponsored local events and the two have dedicated time to local cleanups.
“Living here my whole life, I am beyond grateful to be here and let alone have a business,” Myers said.
Coastal Junkers offers a menu of prices for services on their website, but can also provide free estimates for a project. And, more likely than not, you’ll see their truck roll through your area and be reminded of that pile of debris in the yard that needs to go.
“People will see the number on the truck and call us and say: ‘We just saw you in our neighborhood, can you turn around?’”
For more information visit coastaljunkers.com. Contact them at 503-739-3434 or junk@coastaljunkers.com.
