At Clark’s, each item picked up is separated, transported to the appropriate local facility, and disposed of responsibly.
In the quiet town of Elmira, New York, Nicholas Clark spent his early career doing what many would call a traditional grind—working full time at a car dealership. Sales were steady, the work was familiar, and it paid the bills. But underneath the surface, Nick was growing restless. He wasn’t interested in just selling cars anymore—he wanted to build something of his own. More importantly, he wanted to make a difference.
With a single roll-off dumpster and a simple idea, he did just that.
What began as a side hustle to earn extra cash on weekends has since evolved into Clark’s Dumpster & Hauling Services—a trusted, locally owned waste removal company serving residential and commercial clients across New York and Pennsylvania. But this isn’t just a business story. It’s a sustainability story. And one that proves going local can often mean going greener.
Turning a Side Hustle Into a Purpose
When Nick first got into dumpster rentals in 2021, he didn’t have a fleet of trucks or a long list of clients. He had a single yellow dumpster and the desire to be more dependable than the corporate providers he saw constantly letting people down.
Homeowners needed help with cleanouts. Contractors needed flexible timelines. Families needed affordable pricing. The big names in the industry weren’t delivering—so Nick did. One job turned into another, and before long, his phone was ringing off the hook.
But it wasn’t just the demand that inspired Nick to go all in. It was what he saw at the dump.
A Firsthand Look at Waste—and Wastefulness
Day after day, Nick would haul dumpsters to local disposal sites and watch as tons of recyclable and reusable materials were dumped into the landfill. Perfectly recyclable cardboard. Valuable scrap metal. Heavy debris that could have been crushed and reused. It didn’t sit right with him.
He realized there was a missing layer of responsibility in the dumpster rental industry—an eco-conscious edge that big companies had no incentive to offer. So he made it a pillar of his business.
Building a Business That Prioritizes People and the Planet
Today, Clark’s Dumpster & Hauling Services operates within a 50-mile radius of Elmira, offering 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40-yard roll-off dumpsters for everything from weekend cleanups to large construction jobs. But unlike national brands, Clark’s focuses on reducing waste—not just removing it.
Specialty Item Disposal
Where many large providers say “no,” Clark’s says “we’ve got it handled.” The team takes in hard-to-dispose-of items like:
- Tires
- Refrigerant appliances (fridges, AC units)
- TVs and electronics
- Paint cans
- Concrete and heavy debris (in dedicated containers)
- Yard waste and brush (for composting)
- Cardboard (taken to local recycling facilities)
- Scrap metal (delivered to Staiman Recycling in Elmira, NY)
Each item is separated, transported to the appropriate local facility, and disposed of responsibly. This effort doesn’t just keep hazardous materials out of landfills—it saves customers money by reducing weight-related overages and landfill surcharges.
Expanding Into Junk Removal
Beyond dumpsters, Clark’s offers full-service junk removal, giving clients a hands-off solution for bulky cleanouts. Whether it’s a garage full of clutter, an estate that needs clearing, or a business closing its doors, the team handles it all with professionalism and zero judgment.
And just like with dumpster rentals, recyclable materials are diverted, not dumped.
Educating Customers, One Haul at a Time
Nick believes that responsibility starts with information. That’s why every conversation with a customer includes insights on what can be recycled, how to load their dumpster for maximum efficiency, and why certain items require special handling. It’s not just customer service—it’s community service.
He’s also working on developing more content and outreach to help homeowners and contractors understand the long-term environmental impact of waste mismanagement.
Why Local Really Is Greener
It’s easy to overlook how waste is handled—but the truth is, local businesses have the power to disrupt bad habits in big ways.
Here’s how Clark’s makes a difference:
Shorter routes = fewer emissions
Staying within a 50-mile radius means trucks burn less fuel, create fewer emissions, and get to customers faster.
One-on-one service = better results
From live load services to last-minute pickups, Nick’s team is responsive, flexible, and ready to help.
Recycling-first approach = less landfill waste
Every load is evaluated for diversion potential. If it can be recycled or reused, it’s routed accordingly.
A Sustainable Future, One Dumpster at a Time
Nick Clark didn’t start this business with a mission to go green—but as he grew, so did his commitment to making waste disposal more responsible. Today, Clark’s Dumpster & Hauling Services is known not just for its reliability, but for its accountability to both people and the planet.
And the vision doesn’t stop here. Nick plans to grow his fleet, forge stronger recycling partnerships, and lead the way in showing that dumpster rentals and sustainability can absolutely go hand in hand.
For him, this isn’t about flashy branding or volume-driven growth. It’s about making sure his customers get the best possible service—and that the waste they generate doesn’t cause unnecessary harm.
From car dealership floors to landfill drop sites, Nick’s journey proves that when small businesses step up, they can make a big environmental impact.
To learn more or request a dumpster, visit www.clarksdumpsters.com.
