When envisioning landfills, many of us picture decaying diapers, fruit peels, and worn-out clothing. Rarely do we consider the vast amounts of discarded construction materials. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the country generated 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste in 2018. This figure is more than twice the annual production of municipal solid waste.
Materials like wood, concrete, bricks, glass, asphalt, and plastic are often dumped in landfills rather than being recycled or reused. This issue presents a significant opportunity for improvement. Repurposing these materials can significantly decrease the environmental footprint of construction projects, adding aesthetic value to renovations and landscaping while also reducing costs for homeowners.
Here are some straightforward strategies to help you begin.
Plan Ahead
Reclaiming materials requires more time and planning compared to purchasing new items.
Using salvaged materials is not a one-size-fits-all approach. When building or renovating, customization based on available materials is often necessary. One approach is to first assess the materials on hand and then design the project. Conversely, you can design your project first and then source the reclaimed materials needed. In this case, using commonly available salvaged materials can be advantageous.
Regardless of your approach, planning in advance and having ample storage space is beneficial.
Check Whether Your City Requires Deconstruction
Increasingly, cities mandate that older homes be dismantled by hand rather than demolished, increasing the availability of salvaged materials. Portland, Oregon, was the pioneer, passing its first ordinance in 2016. Currently, it mandates deconstruction for any house or duplex built in 1940 or earlier, requiring certified deconstruction contractors to document every salvaged board.
San Antonio has taken the most significant steps. As of January 1, 2025, its ordinance prohibits mechanical demolition for any single-family home, multi-unit building, or accessory structure built in or before 1945 anywhere in the city, and in or before 1960 in protected areas. Officials report that about 70% of a building’s weight is recovered, with over half of that being reused rather than recycled.
Many cities, including Pittsburgh and Boulder, have similar policies, with organizations like the ReBuilding Center advocating for minimum salvage requirements. These ordinances result in more old-growth lumber, doors, trim, and fixtures being available in local salvage yards.
Find Good Sources of Salvaged Materials
Visiting demolition sites is an effective way to find free materials and keep them out of landfills. These sites offer windows, doors, woodwork, fixtures, and even appliances. Construction sites can provide surplus or slightly damaged materials, as dumpsters are often filled with valuable items.
Before taking any materials, it is crucial to get permission from the site foreman. If you’re looking for something specific, ask the on-site contractors if they can set aside the materials you need, but always ensure you ask first.
Other excellent sources include antique malls, architectural salvage stores, and home improvement donation centers, where you can find anything from windows and doors to hardware and plumbing fixtures.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore network offers new and used building materials, with proceeds supporting a good cause. Build Reuse provides a directory of salvage stores and deconstruction contractors, while ReuseWood.org offers a searchable list of reclaimed wood sources by ZIP code.
Peer-to-peer platforms like Craigslist, Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp, and local Buy Nothing Project groups are also great for finding leftover materials. Setting up alerts can help you snag items quickly, as they tend to move fast.
Some people even buy properties specifically to reclaim materials, such as old barns, which contain beautiful weathered lumber suitable for repurposing.
Utilize Repurposed Materials
Enhance your home with reclaimed wood beams and ceramic tiles.
Use cleaned bricks from construction debris to build patios, pizza ovens, pathways, and other appealing features.
Transform shipping containers into storage sheds or stack them for multi-tiered structures like guest rooms.
Employ crushed concrete as aggregate for walkways and driveways.
Reinstate sinks, vanities, bathtubs, cabinets, shower stalls, light fixtures, and even toilets.
Find Supplies with Recycled Materials
Some construction materials are made from recycled content.
Recycled plastic bottles can be turned into composite lumber or bricks, while recycled glass is used for tiles and countertops. Old newspapers and blue jeans are repurposed into insulation products, and cork bottle stoppers make flooring and panels. Although these materials may not be as cost-effective, they help conserve resources.
Incorporating salvaged materials in building and renovation projects not only adds character but also reduces waste. Embracing reuse is a vital step in conserving natural resources and preserving the environment.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on October 3, 2019, this article was updated in July 2026.
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