Colts Neck Hairdresser Makes Local Connections With Recycling Company

COLTS NECK, NJ — One Colts Neck resident has brought the beauty industry and trash industry together with her company, Capital Waste Recycling.

Sonja Gregoire, 54, is both the president of Capital Waste and a part-time hairdresser in the film industry.

Gregoire’s credits include films and shows such as “Wonder Woman,” “Westworld,” and “A Complete Unknown,” but in the past couple of years, she’s expanded her work to providing waste services for communities throughout Central Jersey.

“It’s beauty and trash together,” Gregorie said. “Whenever I tell people, they’re always like, ‘What?’ and I’m like ‘I know, it’s crazy.’ On one side, I’m dropping off these dumpsters and jumping out of the truck, but on the other, I’m making people look great for the film industry.”

According to Gregoire, both the name of Capital Waste Recycling and the idea to start the company originated from a Washington Capitals hockey game in 2015.

After growing up just outside the Washington D.C. area and bonding over hockey with her father, Gregoire said she was inspired to take the “Capital” part of “Washington Capitals” and use it to base her company's name.

It was at that hockey game that Gregoire also met her husband, who would later ask about starting their own trash company.

“That’s how it all started,” Gregoire said. “I started to do the paperwork from there and it was almost a two-year process to get the 901 license [needed for solid and medical waste transportation].”

Today, Capital Waste Recycling services residents, businesses and municipalities throughout Central Jersey. Residential trash collection, dumpster rentals, and trash disposal are just some of the services the company offers.

As a female business owner in the industry, Gregoire said she feels like she’s been able to both connect with other women throughout the area and bring compassion to the trash business.

“There’s a soft side to it that I feel like I provide,” Gregoire said. “Like when someone’s passed away and I’m speaking to somebody and I have that softer tone with them, I have that compassion for them.”

“I think that’s what I bring to the table that others don’t,” Gregoire continued. “You know? It’s not just ‘Hey, we’re dropping this off,’ it’s getting to know people too.”

Since opening in Monmouth County, Gregoire said Capital Waste has not only been welcomed by residents but has also been well-received by other small businesses who have shown their support.

Going forward, Gregoire said she hopes to continue the company's growth and keep assisting people throughout New Jersey.

“It’s just so exciting to see people when they’re building a new home, or they’re excited to start something fresh," Gregoire said. "You just see people having their dreams come true. Even if it’s something like getting a new roof or new couples moving into a house and cleaning it out.”

“We have a good team,” Gregoire continued. “I definitely want to keep growing and try to do the best that I can.”

To learn more about Capital Waste Recycling, you can visit their website.

Capital Waste Recycling Inc. is located at 396 Highway 34, Matawan.