You wouldn't believe how many homeowners go through with a major renovation and watch as workers cut out portions of the house with a chain saw and then throw everything into the container. In other words tons of demolished building materials will add another 8-10 cubic feet to a landfill.
So, what can you do to stop or at least slow this waste generation?
1. Fixtures: Put aside toilets, tubs, sinks, showers and other hardware to give to a second-hand building place. If you look around there are charities involved that get money for them. If not, they won't go to the landfill. Do the same with unwanted appliances.
2. Boards: Get the contractor to reuse the old boards. It may take a bit more time to take the structure down but at $3 a 2 X 4, it could save your money. Do this for plywood and other wood too. If they don't use it in the reno give it away.
3. Bricks: A lot of the time the mortar in old bricks separates with a light tap of a hammer. If the chimney is being dismantled get them to toss the bricks down on an old mattress and you can clean and stack them. Use them for a fire pit or give them away.
4. Windows: Old windows make great greenhouse parts. if you don't have a greenhouse now is the time to start one.
5. Non-Toxic Fill: If your lot is on a hill or you have a hollow in it that you want filled use your own fill. Broken brick, cement, cinder blocks and drywall make great fill. Just don't put wood in the ground.
Now, use your imagination!
We save a great deal of money by reusing renovation wastes. My dad has always been particular with this. Some boards and plywood from renovation were used to build a couple of dog-houses.
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