Every year, every American throws away an average of five pounds of trash and sometimes recyclables. Of the 292.4 million tons thrown out in 2018, only 94 million tons were recycled or composted. It’s not enough, and part of the problem is that some items that aren’t easily recycled end up in the trash.
Have you ever been to Houston, home of the Beer Can House? It’s a home that a retired Southern Pacific Railroad worker sided completely with beer cans. His home and yard have more than 50,000 beer cans forming the home’s siding, fence, wall art, and landscaping. It’s extreme home remodeling with recycled materials, but it’s one that started with a bit of creativity and lots of recycled materials.
Home Remodeling Using Recycled Materials
Upcycling and home remodeling projects using recycled materials are trending. When you upcycle or repurpose, you find a new way to use an old item. Years ago, the HGTV show “Flea Market Flip” provided a comprehensive look at the possibilities of upcycling..
In that show, contestants were given $500, set out in a large flea market to purchase items they would upcycle for no more than $100 in supplies, and sell at a flea market. The team that sells at the highest profit was named the winners of $5,000.
Ladders became plant racks or bookshelves. Rows of lockers became shoe storage benches. A garden cart became a bar trolley.
When you’re remodeling your home, upcycling is one way to lower your budget and end up with some amazing features. All it takes is some creativity and time.
If you don’t mind putting a little work into stripping varnish, staining items to match your color palette, and fixing any damage, upcycling is a great way to complete your remodeling project with recycled materials. Here are some of the different ways people have done it.
1. Bathroom Vanities Made From Recycled MaterialsOne of our favorite remodel ideas is to take reclaimed wood and turn it into an open bathroom vanity. The boards form the legs, base, and fascia board. Wire baskets add storage and hide the pipes leading to the faucets and sinks. The sinks fit into whatever vanity top you choose. Find a recycled vanity top to complete your design.
2. Countertops Made From Recycled MaterialsRecycled glass and metal are two of the more popular options for kitchen remodels using recycled materials. Recycled glass counters use crushed glass and either concrete or resin to form the hard, smooth surface. The counter is sanded smooth and sealed.
Reclaimed wood is a great choice if you want a butcher block counter. They take more work when it comes to care. You will need to keep them oiled, but they’re an attractive counter in a country kitchen remodel.
Metal counters are made from recycled aluminum, copper, or steel. Like the recycled glass counters, the metal scraps are sealed in an acrylic resin to form the countertop.
Another, slightly unusual idea, is a recycled paper countertop. Shredded paper is sealed in an acrylic resin. The paper’s color is preserved in the counter, creating the colorful specks that complement your design.
3. Reclaimed Wood FlooringWood floors don’t have to use new materials. Use reclaimed boards for your wood floors. Sand and polish them before you finish them with a clear varnish.
If there are nail holes, they can be filled with wood putty that matches the board’s color. The rest of the weathering, burn marks, and wear on the board is a nice touch in any home design.
4. Used Paint CombinationsWhen a person finishes a painting project, the leftover paint shouldn’t go into the landfill. Instead, many districts accept paint. The paints are sorted and repackaged for sale. You get some fun color blends this way.
Other Tips for Remodeling Using Recycled Materials
Where can you find recycled materials to use in your remodeling project? You could purchase new boards, furnishings, and pieces made using recycled materials, but that gets expensive. Instead, source materials by yourself.
1. Ask Area Construction Sites for AccessIt’s not always likely the construction company will agree, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Find demolition projects in your area and ask the company if you can purchase or take some of the items they’re not reusing.
If you have permission, you may be allowed to enter a demolition site after a building is torn down. Bricks and reclaimed wood are two options that may be offered, provided you load and haul them out.
2. Browse Sites Like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, or CraigslistLook for items you need for your remodeling project online. Freecycle is a community found across the U.S. Sign up for your area, look at the posts for items people are giving away, or post what you’re looking for and see if someone will give it to you.
Do the same on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. You’ll often find many possible options that ensure you don’t spend a lot to acquire the furnishings and building supplies for your remodeling project.
3. Check With Your Local Waste and Recycling FacilitySometimes, municipal trash and recycling facilities have stores where you can purchase used, refurbished appliances, paint, and other household goods. The items are dropped off by the owner or picked up by the hauler and refurbished in the store. Usually, there are guidelines like carpets must not have holes or tears, furniture must not be broken, and appliances need to be relatively clean.
These stores offer training programs for those looking for careers, so appliances are fixed following the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s a great way to get affordable appliances for a kitchen or laundry room remodel.
4. Drive AroundYou’d be surprised what people place out in their yard to give away. Look for free items when you’re out driving. When I’ve driven to the grocery store or am out running errands, I’ve seen free patio doors, old windows, and bathroom sinks with a vanity sitting at the side of the road. In my own neighborhood, someone is giving away two bookcases at the end of their driveway.
5. Shop at an Architectural SalvageSee if there’s an architectural salvage store or yard in your area. These stores take items from homes that are being torn down or undergoing renovations. While the item didn’t fit the remodeling project, they’re still valuable to others.
Some of the items sold in architectural salvage stores include barn boards, vintage light fixtures, wooden doors, old doorknobs, claw-foot tubs, arched windows, and antique fireplace mantels. The prices make the pieces affordable, and it keeps these items out of the landfill.
6. Visit Habitat for Humanity ReStores or GoodwillCharities like ReStore or Goodwill accept donated goods that they sell to raise money for their nonprofit. ReStore carries items like plumbing materials, counters, furniture, fixtures, lighting, cabinets, and even paint. Goodwill has everything from light fixtures and paintings to carpeting and cabinets.
One of the first steps to finding recycled materials for your home improvement project starts with seeing what resources are available. Recycle Nation has a comprehensive list of recycling facilities in every state across the U.S. Use that to find your nearest recycling center and see if they have a store or reach out to learn more.
