An interview with the franchisee behind Just Clear Scotland and its approach to sustainable waste management.
As Scotland reinforces its commitment toward a greener, more circular economy, Just Clear Scotland is leading the charge with responsible, ethical and fully transparent waste clearance services. At the heart of this mission is Euan Martyn, Just Clear’s first franchisee north of the border; an eco-leader combining operational expertise, community values and a passion for sustainable waste management.
In this exclusive spotlight interview, we explore Euan’s journey, his approach to ethical clearance, and how he’s helping shape a cleaner, more responsible future for Scotland.
You’re the first Just Clear franchisee in Scotland…
What drew you to clearance services, and what made you feel Just Clear was the right fit for you?
I’ve always been drawn to work that has a clear purpose behind it, and clearance services — when done properly — have a huge impact on people, communities and the environment. What really attracted me to Just Clear was the strength of the brand and the values that underpin it. This isn’t a company that simply moves waste around; it’s a business built on responsibility, transparency and a genuine commitment to sustainability.
“Our mission is to recycle Scotland — and that’s a movement I wanted to be part of.“
When I first encountered Just Clear, it was obvious that the organisation was tackling Scotland’s recycling challenges headon. The mission to “recycle Scotland” resonated with me immediately. I wanted to join a business with both commercial ambition and social value, and Just Clear ticked every box.
From Operations to Leading Just Clear Scotland
Before joining Just Clear, you built a strong career…
How has your previous experience shaped the way you now run the Scotland operation?
My background in business development and operations management has been invaluable. Just Clear brings those two worlds together perfectly. I’ve always enjoyed building teams from scratch – spotting potential, developing people’s skills and creating a culture where everyone is aligned and motivated.
“My career taught me the power of having the right people on the bus – all facing the same direction.“
That philosophy shapes everything we do in Scotland. We set ambitious targets, but we also invest in our people, so they have the confidence and capability to meet them. Watching the team grow alongside the business is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
What does it mean to you personally…
…to be the person bringing Just Clear’s ethos and standards to Scotland?
It’s a huge responsibility, and one I take seriously. Just Clear’s founders Brendan and Cindy O’Shea have worked tirelessly to build Just Clear into the respected, valuesdriven organisation it is today. Being the steward of that brand in Scotland is both an honour and a challenge.
But it’s also incredibly exciting. Growing a new business from the ground up is energising, especially when you know the work genuinely improves people’s lives. Whether we’re helping a family through a difficult probate clearance or supporting a business to reduce its environmental impact, the work matters.
What Responsible Clearance Looks Like in Practice
Sustainability is at the heart of Just Clear…
What does responsible, ethical clearance look like to you and your team?
Responsible clearance starts with honesty. Many domestic customers don’t realise they have a legal duty of care when disposing of waste, and Scotland has seen the consequences; flytipping, illegal dumping and environmental damage.
We take the time to explain the different disposal routes available for each waste stream and how we ensure everything is handled legally and ethically. When customers understand that their clearance can support the circular economy, it changes the whole conversation.
“To keep Scotland beautiful, we must contribute relentlessly to the circular economy.”
Scotland’s recycling rates still lag behind the UK average, so ethical clearance isn’t optional; it really is essential.
You work with everything from families dealing with probate to local authorities, retailers and NHS…
What motivates you most about serving such a wide range of people and organisations?
Working with families going through probate – or Executry, as we call it in Scotland – is one of the most meaningful parts of the job. These customers are often recently bereaved and facing emotional and practical challenges. Helping them navigate what can feel like an overwhelming process is incredibly rewarding.
On the commercial side, the motivation is different but just as strong. Our business clients rely on us to keep things running smoothly. Clearance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential, and when we’re reliable, relentless and professional, we make their lives easier.
Can you share a moment where the impact really hit home?
We recently supported an elderly customer who described herself as a hoarder. Reduced mobility had caused her home to become cluttered, and she was deeply distressed. We visited immediately, created a decluttering plan and got to work.
By the end of the day, the transformation was remarkable — not just in her home, but in her mood. She was so delighted that she wrote me a poem ending with the line:
“The sun again shone when the clearing was done.“
Moments like that remind me how powerful this work can be.
Clearance work is often misunderstood…
What surprises people most about what you actually do?
People are often surprised by the sheer scope of what we handle. Many have already spoken to charities or auction houses before they come to us, and those organisations understandably have limits on what they can take.
Customers are amazed when they realise they can simply hand us the keys and return to a completely empty, clean property – no matter how complex the job.
We hear a lot of “I don’t suppose you would…” at the start of conversations, and the answer is usually yes!
You handle everything from large-scale projects to urgent jobs…
How do you ensure the same level of care and professionalism across such varied work?
Our consistency comes down to our five core values:
- We turn up
- We are relentless
- We work with urgency and focus
- We are fair and transparent
- We are only at the start of our mission
Recently, for the first time, we failed on the first value, we didn’t turn up for a customer. It was a wakeup call. We reviewed our processes, strengthened our systems and made sure we build the capabilities needed to uphold these values every single time.
What’s your approach to making sure nothing of value gets overlooked?
We always begin by speaking with customers to identify items they want to keep. But even the most thorough searches can miss things — valuables slip behind furniture whilst documents can get tucked into drawers and sentimental items turn up in the most unexpected places.
Our teams are trained to look out for photographs, jewellery, personal documents, cash and anything that might hold emotional or financial value.
Last year we found and returned a lady’s Rolex watch. This year, she invited us back because she trusted us completely.
“Returning sentimental items is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.“
In your view, what sets Just Clear apart?
We offer what I’d describe as a whitecollar service in a traditionally bluecollar industry. That means professionalism, transparency, compliance, strong communication and a sustainabilityfirst mindset. Customers feel that difference immediately.
You often describe Just Clear as a partner rather than a provider…
Partnership is built on trust. When we work with organisations that share our values, we collaborate, share insights and develop models that improve recycling, reduce carbon and enhance circularity.
No single organisation has all the answers, but together we can create solutions that genuinely move the needle.
Tell us about the success of the sustainability delivery model…
Our commercial customers are highly aware of their environmental responsibilities. Once we’ve identified the best outcomes for their waste streams, and these are never to landfill, we provide accurate, timely reporting that helps them track progress against agreed targets.
It’s not just about removing waste, it’s essentially about helping organisations understand their impact and make informed decisions, helping them create an environmental legacy and find creative ways to build social value and community investment through repurposing their waste.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Clearance in Scotland
What excites you most about the future?
I keep coming back to our value that says we are only at the start of our mission. Scotland – and the UK as a whole, I must add – still has a long way to go in embracing the circular economy. That means enormous potential for innovation and impact.
Customers can expect us to lead from the front: pushing for better recycling outcomes, championing sustainability and delivering a service that is professional, ethical and relentlessly focused on doing the right thing.
How are Just Clear driving ESG and carbon insights?
I often say that policies and processes are like a map; helpful, but only if you know where you are and where you’re going. Our reporting is more like a sat nav. We are not only reporting real time data but using these insights to inform our own service proposals and how we can increase customer operational efficiencies and save them money. Our ESG and carbon reporting are integral to driving results, demonstrating compliance and showcasing environmental successes.
“We show you where you are, where you’re going and the best route to get there.“
It gives customers clarity, confidence and the ability to make meaningful changes.
Where can potential customers see you this year?
I attend around 40 networking events a year, so chances are you’ll bump into me somewhere across Scotland. And if not, I’m always on LinkedIn. Feel free to reach out and we can arrange a meeting. It’s a great way to start your engagement with Just Clear.
To contact Euan:
T. 07720 679501
E. euan.martyn@justclear.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/euanmartyn/
