If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bath, chances are you’re not thinking too much about recycling debris from the tear-down and new construction. But kitchen and bath remodels can actually generate quite a bit of recyclable debris and waste materials, such as reusable wood, valuable copper wiring, and other metals from old plumbing and appliances.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer homeowner or a professional contractor, kitchen and bath remodeling presents a great opportunity to help the environment and save some money through recycling. The trick is to plan ahead and begin your project with the idea that you’re going to reduce waste from the start by sorting and separating demolition debris and waste building materials into recyclable, salvageable, and disposable piles.
Repurpose and reuse
Some materials that fall victim during a remodeling or renovation project are actually perfectly fine and can be repurposed and reused elsewhere. Many homeowners take down their old kitchen cabinets and reinstall them in their garage or basement for additional storage or to create a workshop area. Or perhaps there’s some old lumber or flooring that can be put to good use in another construction or hobby project. Old lighting fixtures might take on a whole new look when used in another room.
Donate
Perhaps you’ve got some old appliance that still works fine but is a dated color that has fallen out of favor, or plumbing or lighting fixtures you’re sick of. There are a number of local and national charities and non-profit organizations that would love to take your old appliances and fixtures and generate a tax credit for you. Likewise, leftover building materials that can’t be used in another project or returned can be donated to a good cause.
Recycle
Most kitchens and baths are full of steel, copper, and brass elements, as well as copper wiring, plumbing and appliances full of recyclable materials. Check your local area for recycling centers where you can dispose of these items in an environmentally-responsible way and put them back into the manufacturing cycle.
Our waste disposal and recycling experts here at Mitrano Removal Service can help you with the right size container to fit your remodeling project and then haul away any leftover waste materials that need to be disposed of in a safe and environmentally-proper manner. Clean load containers are available to use for materials and scraps that are recyclable such as, metal, wood, brush and concrete. Keeping these separate from other waste enables us to bring those materials to a different disposal area for recycling.