When storms changed the local business landscape in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Phillip Stoltz saw not an end – but a new beginning. Drawing inspiration from his time with Junk Recyclers and with full support from his family and former colleagues, Phillip launched Reduce Reuse Junk Recycling – now Western North Carolina’s greenest junk removal service. With more than a decade of experience, his team is committed to one mission: keep as much as possible out of the landfill, giving unwanted items a second (or third, or fourth) life.
Based in Asheville and rooted in community and sustainability, Reduce Reuse Junk Recycling offers full-service junk removal with a thoughtful twist. Whether clearing out a single item or an entire home, the team brings professionalism, creativity, and eco-conscious care to every job. As a small, family-owned business, Phillip and his wife Laura are building more than a company – they’re nurturing a legacy of environmental responsibility and service that they hope will benefit generations to come.
Check out our Q&A with Phillip below.
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
I’m Phillip Stoltz, founder of Reduce Reuse Junk Recycling, Asheville’s greenest junk removal service. Whether we’re hauling away a single couch or an entire home’s worth of contents – including baby grand pianos – we focus on ensuring as much as possible avoids the landfill.
With over 10 years of experience, we’re proud to continue the legacy of environmentally responsible junk removal that started with Junk Recyclers. Our mission is all about sustainability, reuse, and community care, and I lead the company with that vision in everything we do.
How did you come up with the idea for your business? How did you decide on the name?
After Hurricane Helene, it became clear that Junk Recyclers couldn’t continue. I’ve always been passionate about the environment, so with support from my family and the original Junk Recyclers owner, I launched Reduce Reuse Junk Recycling to carry on that mission.
The name reflects our purpose and uses alliteration to clearly communicate what we do: help customers reduce clutter, reuse what’s salvageable, and recycle what we can—only tossing what truly can’t be saved.
What makes your business unique?
We combine a strong focus on customer service and professionalism with a deep commitment to waste diversion. Our goal is to make every job not only efficient and respectful, but also environmentally meaningful. We’re not just clearing junk – we’re rerouting it from the waste stream.
How many employees do you have? What do you look for when hiring?
We currently have three part-time employees. When hiring, I look for honesty, a strong work ethic, and the ability to think outside the box. Great customer service and moving experience are also major pluses.
What has your first year in business taught you?
We’re just three months in, and the biggest lesson so far is: save, save, save. Building something sustainable – financially and operationally – requires patience and smart planning.
Where do you see your business in the next year? The next five?
Within the next year, we plan to add another truck and hire more staff to improve our turnaround times and serve more clients. Over the next five years, I hope to see us become a trusted name across the region for eco-friendly junk removal and community partnership.
Why did you join the Chamber?
I’ve had a positive experience with the Chamber in the past and knew it would be a great resource for connecting with other business owners and staying engaged in the Asheville business community.
What’s your favorite part about doing business in Asheville?
Hands down, it’s getting to know the people. The Asheville community is full of passionate, creative, and environmentally conscious folks. I love being able to serve them and build relationships along the way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?
Thank you for supporting our small, family-owned business. My wife, Laura, and I met here, married in Leicester, and are now raising our family here in Asheville.
Our promise to the community is simple: to be an asset in waste management and help lay the foundation for a more sustainable future – one that generations to come can thrive in.
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Learn more about how Reduce Reuse Junk Recycling can help you declutter with care at reducereusejunk.com.