Darren Jamieson: On this week’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, I’m joined by Phil Ridgway from All My Waste, a waste disposal company. And I know what you’re thinking—Mafia, The Sopranos, it’s a cover story, right? He’s really a mafioso who shoots people and deals drugs. Phil, is this true?
Phil Ridgway: Well, I did live in New Jersey.
Darren Jamieson: Seriously?
Phil Ridgway: I actually lived in Boston for a year, and before we had kids, we moved to New Jersey—the home of The Sopranos!
Darren Jamieson: And you’re in waste management?
Phil Ridgway: Yeah. So, go figure.
Darren Jamieson: I’m going to be a bit more careful about my jokes now…
[01:12]
Darren Jamieson: Waste management might not be glamorous, but I imagine it’s extremely interesting. People can’t hide much from you when you’re going through what they throw out.
Phil Ridgway: Oh, absolutely. Some jobs involve clearing out a shed in the spring, but others are much tougher. Just this morning, we got the go-ahead for a job in Warrington where the owner had lived in the house for a long time before passing away. The place is like stepping back in time—ridden with bugs, cockroaches, and it stinks of nicotine. You have to wear masks just to go in.
Darren Jamieson: So, nothing salvageable there?
Phil Ridgway: No, but sometimes we get properties where there’s good stuff the family just doesn’t want. That’s why I started collecting and storing items in a shipping container at our yard. I built up enough to open a shop in January, just outside Chester in Saltney. It’s called Love Retro.
[02:24]
Phil Ridgway: The shop is full of everything—crystal, art, clothing, lighting, furniture—85% of it pre-owned.
Darren Jamieson: Is that common for someone in waste clearance?
Phil Ridgway: Some do it, but many just take everything to the tip. I wanted to reduce landfill impact and focus on reuse, upcycling, and recycling. If a 24-year-old grandchild doesn’t want grandma’s mahogany sideboard, I clean it, value it, and sell it.
Darren Jamieson: Did you always have an interest in antiques and collectibles?
Phil Ridgway: Not at all! I fell into this business after COVID shut down my previous one. I had a van left over, started helping friends move furniture, and then it snowballed into a professional waste management service. I saw what others were doing and thought, I can do this better—be professional, show up on time, look presentable, charge fairly.
[06:21]
Phil Ridgway: The problem is, many waste disposal services aren’t licensed or insured. A sofa you pay someone a fiver to remove might end up fly-tipped a mile away, and if there’s any traceable evidence—like a utility bill—you could be fined.
Darren Jamieson: Plus, if you let them into your house, you don’t know what they’re scoping out.
Phil Ridgway: Exactly! They could be checking your locks, your shed, your valuables. Three weeks later, they’re back at 2 AM for another house clearance… without your permission.
[11:46]
Phil Ridgway: We’re growing steadily, aiming for five to six vans, expanding across Chester, North Wales, and beyond. We partner with estate agents and letting agents for regular work.
[34:13]
Darren Jamieson: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found?
Phil Ridgway: Creepy dolls! We’ve had some nightmare-fuel ones—one is currently in the shop! But the most valuable find was a pair of Japanese hand-painted Siamese cat figurines, worth £400.
Darren Jamieson: And someone just threw them away?
Phil Ridgway: Yep.
[41:34]
Phil Ridgway: People are getting wiser about not throwing away valuable items, but great finds still slip through the net. I’ve got boxes of China and vintage glassware I haven’t even opened yet.
[58:26]
Phil Ridgway: At the end of the day, waste management isn’t glamorous. There are times when I’m covered in bin juice, dealing with nappies, cat litter, and rotting food. You don’t want to come near me until I’ve been hosed down at the end of the drive.
Darren Jamieson: That’s a lovely image to end on…
Phil Ridgway: Living the dream!
