When renovating a house or doing a construction project, you might be shocked by the amount of debris, trash, and recycling to do all throughout the project (I was on my renovation projects, anyway).
One of the most important things is how you’ll get rid of all the debris. Not only do you want to properly dispose of waste but keep it green too. So how do you do that?
Some of the most popular ways to sustainably (and cheaply) remove construction debris include:
- Reusing materials
- Donating to charity
- Using an eco-friendly junk removal company
- Recycling through local waste management companies
In this post, I’ll review 15 innovative ways to sustainably remove construction debris (cheaply). Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly junk haulers or want to repurpose materials, there’s an option for everyone. So let’s get started!
1. Reuse and Repurpose Materials
There’s always room for reuse and repurposing when it comes to construction.
Nails, screws, wood pieces, glass bottles, and bricks are only a few construction materials you can repurpose.
Whether giving new life to an old piece of furniture or using leftover wood to build a birdhouse, reusing and repurposing construction materials is a great way to go green and save money. It’s fun too!
So next time you’re starting a construction project, think about how to give new life to some old materials.
If you want to know how to use old wood for sustainable construction, read this article.
2. Donate to Goodwill
Donating to Goodwill is an excellent way to clear out your home while helping others in your community.
Goodwill accepts furniture, appliances, and other large items and sells them in its local stores or donates them to someone in need.
Your donation is tax-deductible, which means you can lower your income tax expense by donating. When you donate, keep your donation receipt so you can document the donation for your taxes.
Donating to Goodwill is a win-win. You get rid of items you no longer need while helping those in need in your community.
So next time you want to declutter your home, consider donating to Goodwill.
3. Hire a Junk Remover on Craigslist
Hiring a junk remover on Craigslist can eliminate large items and construction debris.
Many local businesses specialize in junk removal and post their services on Craigslist for a fraction of what you’d typically pay.
The best thing about hiring a junk remover on Craigslist is that you can choose which items you want to get rid of, saving you money in the long run.
Plus, you’re helping out a small business trying to make ends meet.
Hiring a junk remover on Craigslist is the perfect solution if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to eliminate construction debris.
4. Call 1-800 Got Junk or Other National Eco-Friendly Brands
If you’re looking for a more reliable option to get rid of your construction debris, then calling 1-800 Got Junk may be the answer.
1-800 Got Junk is a national junk removal company that offers reliable, eco-friendly services.
You schedule a pickup time, and they’ll take care of the rest. They will remove everything from furniture to construction debris and recycle or donate whatever they can.
Additionally, their services are competitively priced, with available discounts for military personnel and members when they book online.
5. Check With Your Local Transfer Station or Recycling Center
Here’s some good news. Your local transfer station or recycling center can help you with all your construction debris.
Transfer stations dispose of large, bulky items like furniture and appliances. Recycling centers accept a variety of materials, such as metals, plastic, glass, and paper.
So before you start hauling everything away, be sure to check with your local facility to see what their policies are.
You may be surprised at how easy it is to get rid of your construction debris while still being a responsible citizen!
6. Rent a Dumpster From a Waste Company
It’s time-consuming and physically demanding to haul debris away yourself, and leaving it for the municipal waste collectors is only sometimes an option.
Fortunately, another solution is renting a dumpster from a local waste company.
This provides many advantages over other methods of disposing of construction debris.
First, it’s much more convenient, as you can fill up the dumpster and have the company haul it away when it’s full.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about sorting and disposing of the debris yourself; the company will take care of that for you.
Before renting a dumpster, contact your local waste company and find out about their policies and fees. They usually charge about $75 per week for a standard-size dumpster that can hold up to 400 lbs (180 kg).
7. Contact Habitat for Humanity To Pick Up Reusable Items
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps build homes for those in need.
While many people think of Habitat for Humanity as a construction organization, they’re also active in donating and repurposing furniture and other home items.
If you’re doing a home renovation, consider donating reusable items to Habitat for Humanity. They will come and pick up the furniture or other items at no cost to you and put them to good use.
Donating your used items can make a massive difference in the lives of those in need, and you’ll be doing your part to promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
8. Have a Garage Sale and Donate What Doesn’t Sell
Doing a home renovation means you’ll likely need to remove some furniture, appliances, and other household items.
Rather than simply throwing these things away, why not make a few extra bucks by having a garage sale?
You can price the items reasonably and even donate what doesn’t sell to a local charity or thrift store.
This is a fantastic way to make some extra money while reducing waste going into landfill. It can also help you get organized and declutter your home simultaneously.
9. Ask Family and Friends if They Need Any Materials
Home renovation often produces leftover materials like lumber, paint, or tools.
Rather than letting these items go to waste or taking them to a recycling center, why not see if any of your friends or family members need them?
They might be able to use the materials for their own projects, or they may know someone who can. This is a smart way to save money and help out your loved ones at the same time.
So before you discard any leftover materials, be sure to ask around and see if anyone can put them to good use.
10. Check Craigslist and Freecycle for Suitable Items
One of the most sustainable ways to recycle or dispose of construction debris is to pass it on to someone else who can use it. The easiest way to do this is by checking Craigslist and Freecycle.
These online marketplaces allow you to post listings for free items, and you can often find people interested in taking your leftover materials off your hands.
So not only is this a great way to recycle, but it can also help you make a few extra bucks.
Consequently, if you have any materials you can still use, explore these websites to see if anyone would like to take them instead of you having to throw them away.
11. Exchange Materials With Other DIYers
Are you a DIYer who often has leftover construction materials? Or a contractor who finds themselves with too much debris?
Either way, you can find a solution by exchanging materials with other DIYers or contractors.
Now you can eliminate unwanted materials while acquiring new supplies for your projects. It’s also environmentally friendly since it helps to reduce waste.
Oh, and it’s a great way to meet new people and build relationships with other DIYers and contractors in your area. Exchanging material is an easy and effective way to recycle your construction debris.
12. Recycle Through Local Waste Management Companies
Suppose you have leftover scrap metal, wood, plastic, or glass from your renovation project.
In that case, you can take them to local waste management companies for recycling. These companies will safely dispose of the materials in an eco-friendly manner.
Recycling construction debris can help protect the environment while reducing waste in landfills.
In addition, recycling these materials can also save you money on disposal costs. You can also check with your local recycling center to see if they will accept these materials for free.
You can avoid throwing away construction debris and save money by checking with your local recycling center.
13. Repurpose Materials on Pinterest or Craft Websites
You’d be surprised how much use you can get from leftover construction debris. So instead of throwing these materials away, why not repurpose them into something new and creative?
Pinterest and other craft websites are excellent sources of inspiration for turning debris into something beautiful.
You can find thousands of ideas online, from turning scrap wood into shelves to making jewelry out of leftover bits and pieces.
Repurposing construction materials could become your next enjoyable pastime. So get creative and see what you can come up with.
14. Post on Local Facebook Groups
Facebook is a great way to find people looking for specific materials.
You can post pictures of your construction debris on local community groups and see if anyone is interested in taking it off your hands.
You can also check if any members have projects they need help with and offer to drop off leftover materials for free.
You can help out your community while getting rid of the debris in an environmentally friendly manner. You could even make some friends in the process!
15. Get Rid of Construction Debris With OfferUp
OfferUp is a platform to connect buyers and sellers who can agree on a price for your leftover materials.
In addition to recycling items, OfferUp is a smart way to make money from what would otherwise be considered waste.
This way, you won’t have to worry about disposing of construction debris. It’s a win-win for both you and the environment.
So if you have leftover materials from your renovation project, use OfferUp to ensure they don’t end up in landfills.
Sources
Goodwill.org: Donate Stuff | IRS.gov: Charitable Contribution Deductions | 1800gotjunk: Our Environmental Commitment | Military.com: 1-800-Got-Junk? offers a 10% military discount | Coupon feed: 1800 Got Junk Coupon Codes | HowStuffWorks: How Recycling Works | EPA.gov: Waste Transfer Stations | Fixr: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dumpster? | Habitat.org: Homepage | Freecycle.org: Homepage | Safety culture: Waste Management System | OfferUp.com: Homepage
