Sometimes it is difficult to find a single source for recycling and reclaiming materials. Over the past several months, I have read and received references for recycling information and places to take my building materials. The benefits of recycling include:

• Extending a product’s lifecycle by reusing for other projects/projects;
• Saving money by not paying landfills to take your debris;
• Practicing sustainability in agriculture and construction industries;
• Materials such as drywall and roof shingles can take up a lotta space in landfills. Building debris accounts for more than 100 million tons of waste each year; we can repurpose a lot of it. Example: Used drywall can be remade into new drywall;
• Easier than whistlin’ Dixie. Many contractors will do the dirty work for you (i.e., find a recycler and haul the materials away).

Here are just a few resources. Other suggestions are welcome!

Where to recycle asphalt and other construction debris? Before you send it to the landfill, try finding a place in your area that will recycle asphalt, concrete, frame metal, drywall, shingles, and wood.

• The Construction Waste Management Database contains information on companies that haul, collect and process recyclable debris from construction projects;
• Habitat for Humanity also accepts certain materials for reuse;
• Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) provides a directory for recyclers and reusers of heavy-duty materials like concrete and drywall;
• Earth 911 – enter roof shingles or whatever you have and your zip, and this site will bring up a list of recyclers in your area;

Want to know what incentives your state offers to clean up your energy act? Visit that Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Where to drop off items like old cabinets and sinks: Reuse and Reclaim Centers provide a great source to support sustainability. You can drop off things like old cabinets and sinks. Not only does this save landfill and landfill fees, but it also provides a source for cheap useful materials for consumers. The Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate building deconstruction and the reuse/recycling of recovered building materials.

Item to note: When getting quotes from potential contractors, ask if they will take care of recycling the materials, so they are handling it for you.

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