Green Home Remodeling II: Dumpsters, Demolition, Deconstruction, and Donation

After you've hired professionals and discussed how you can embrace as many green practices as possible in your home renovation, you will move on to what has traditionally involved really large dumpsters in driveways--the demolition phase of the project.

But, instead of thinking of it as "demolition," you and your contractor would benefit from viewing it as "deconstruction," with the goal of reusing, selling, recycling, or donating as much of the material as possible. In fact, setting up a waste management plan before starting the project is the way to go. Be sure to allot enough time in your schedule for deconstruction as it takes more time than straight demolition.

Salvageable materials include:

For reuse or resale: Framing lumber, brick, hardwood flooring, stair units, windows, appliances, plumbing and electrical fixtures, doors, slate, stone

For reuse/donation: Tubs, toilets and sinks; fixture, outside doors, shelving, kitchen cabinets, appliances

For recycling: Metals, cardboard

Keep in mind, however, that reusing appliances, windows and fixtures that are not energy efficient will hurt your long-term savings, so think about replacing them with Energy Star® products instead.

Deconstruction requires that different kinds of material be separated, which will add to the cost of demolition part of the project. However, you will wind up with a net gain if you reuse as much as possible, sell items on eBay for Craig's List, and donate items (for which you can take a charitable deduction). And reusing, donating and recycling will reduce what you have to pay for disposal.

Two organizations, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore (located in Mine Hill off Rt. 46) and Green Demolitions (with a location in Fairfield) accept gently-used, resaleable fixtures, appliances, building supplies, and furniture; you'll get a receipt for taxes, and you'll know that the items will find a good home. They will send someone to look over everything you want to donate prior to demolition (or you can send them photos) including cabinets, countertops, plumbing and electrical fixtures, sinks, wood moldings, appliances, exterior doors, and furniture. They will then come to your home and remove and transport the items they want at no cost to you, which saves you money two ways--first, on the labor cost of deconstruction and waste removal itself, and later with a tax deduction for the items donated. Proceeds from the ReStore go toward building affordable housing, and Green Demolitions' proceeds fund addiction recovery. Both are also excellent places for contractors and homeowners to purchase quality items at a fraction of the "new" price.

You can also donate cabinets, shelving, fixtures and small appliances in working order to the Summit Free Market, which has seasonal events at the Summit Transfer Station (April 28, May 5 and 12 this spring), or post your items on their easy-to-use website. Take a look at the Summit Recycling Advisory Committee's Recycling Resources flyer for a longer list of local donation and recycling venues.

Next Up: Innovative Green Remodeling Ideas

By Beth Lovejoy, on behalf of the Summit Environmental Commission