FAQs

Do you accept donations of materials? Where can I donate [X]?

Build Reuse is a national membership and advocacy organization and does not accept material donations or sell used materials ourselves. To find a reuse business in your region, you can explore our Member Directory or browse ReuseWood.org or the All For Reuse Ecosystem Map. If you don’t find your region covered in these resources, you may want to check with your local government for recommendations.

Do you offer deconstruction training?

At the moment, Build Reuse does NOT offer deconstruction training. We do sell the textbook, Introduction to Deconstruction, which many deconstruction trainers use. 

How can individuals reduce their contribution to the C&D waste stream?

Unlike other kinds of waste, most individuals are not routinely contributing to the C&D waste stream. But that doesn't mean they don't have a stake or cannot have an effect.

We are all affected by the building demolition practices that happen around us and not just in terms of environmental sustainability. Most of us have a general idea that the careful and sustainable use of natural resources is important but it feels big and abstract. What people may not know is that mechanical demolition can also have public health implications through the spread of lead dust, asbestos, and particulate matter. Everyone has a stake in how buildings are taken down in their neighborhoods, even if it's not their own building.

And individuals can have a big impact! Even those of us who are not involved in construction or renovation of our own homes or buildings can support businesses that are helping keep material out of the waste stream. Get to know your local salvage warehouses and reuse retailers. Turn to them when you need lumber, furniture, fixtures, etc. Support local artists and craftspeople using reclaimed material. People can also get involved on a political level. Because the regulations (or lack thereof) around demolition are not usually very well-known and vary from city to city, it's important for all of us to learn how our own cities approach C&D waste and identify where change should be made. 

For those who are renovating their homes, involved in a construction project, or pursuing a demolition, check out the EPA's Deconstruction Rapid Assessment Tool to quickly assess if their building is a good candidate for full deconstruction. And even if full deconstruction is not possible, almost all buildings contain at least some material that can be salvaged. 

How/where can I find an architect, contractor, or ‘deconstructor’ who understands the importance of material reuse?

Build Reuse maintains a list of all its member organizations, where you can search for deconstruction contractors and reuse retailers across the country. All For Reuse has a list, and Reusewood.org has something similar for lumber. Your local, regional, and/or state government may also maintain a list, or can point you in the right direction for organizations near you.