Been bitten by the HGTV bug? Remodeling projects are on the rise. Whether we are tackling our own DIY projects or recommending projects to clients to get their homes in sell-ready condition, we have to wonder what we are going to do with all the old building materials we will be replacing with bright, shiny, new stuff.
Too much of it goes in the dumpster or to the curb where it will end up in our landfills. But with a little thought and action, we can recycle much of what we throw out. If you Google "recycle building materials" you may find local sources that will take your old stuff and reuse it. Some of these also offer new, vintage, or recycled products that you can use in your remodeling project.
Here are a few ideas:
www.craigslist.org: The great thing about this site is that you can sell materials and get some money for your next project or you can give it away. Because it is a local market, whoever wants it will come and take it away.
www.freecycle.org: Like Craigslist, this is also a local market but items must be given away. There are rules that state that if you take something for free, you may not resell it. Photos of items are optional, the response is very speedy, and within (sometimes) an hour, someone will be at your door ready to take your items. Some of my clients have cleared out entire houses (quickly) on freecycle and craigslist.
www.build.recycle.net: This is also a swap or sell or buy site geared specifically for building materials.
www.reconnstructioncenter.org: This is a local non-profit enterprise that accepts donations of building materials and resells them.
Whether you sell it or give it away, you will be keeping it out the landfills. Happy remodeling!
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