Building Material Salvage and Recycling
There are many ways to reuse and recycle building materials—from both demolition and new building projects. Benefits to your project include lowering costs and earning green building points (e.g., Built Green™ or LEED™). The environment benefits as natural resources are saved, less waste is landfilled, and fewer greenhouse gases are produced.
For help, contact the Resource Venture, or call them at (206) 343-8505.
Demolition Phase
- To maximize reuse, plan ahead and provide time for removal of desirable items like large timbers, wood flooring, wood trim, cabinets, double-pane windows, dimensional lumber, and (non-hollow core) doors.
- Salvage can begin at the beginning of a construction project, before demolition and hazardous waste abatement.
- Consider salvaging materials from an old building for reuse in a new building, on the same site—such as high grade lumber or concrete.
- Removing items before a building is demolished will reduce disposal costs.
- If you need help, contact used building material stores listed on our Resources to Reduce and Reuse page.
- An alternative to using a salvage company is to hold a “Demo Sale” before a building is demolished.
Construction Phase
- Using salvaged and recycled-content materials in new projects encourages steady markets for these materials.
- Consider how to integrate salvaged materials early, during the design phase.
- Look for recycled-content materials when ordering gypsum wallboard, plastic-composite deck materials, metal materials, and acoustic ceiling tiles.
- To minimize waste of “left-over” materials from new construction projects, consider used building material stores, on-line exchanges, and one-time used building material sales.