Whether you are remodeling your kitchenrepainting the bedroom, or putting in a new terrace, odds are you’ll have some building materials leftover. Wood, paint and bricks are three commonly used construction materials which often end up in the garbage or sitting at a backyard or garage for far too long. Instead of letting these substances go to waste or simply take up space at a landfill, take advantage of them! Use them up, or eliminate them in an environmentally friendly way. Here’s how.
TILES
Use them:Bigger tiles could be redeemed as trivets or coasters at the kitchen. Tiles of any size could be divided and used for mosaics on tables, frames, mirrors, or some other surface. If the tiles are broken up into small pieces, they may be used for garden paths, or for filler in the bottom of planters so water may drain simpler. Bigger bits (or unbroken tile) may be utilized as a colorful border in a backyard.
Reduce themTry putting tile up on Craigslist or Freecycle — you would be amazed how many people will be ready and eager to take it off your hands.Donate them to a college, non-profit group, or arts and crafts organization to use in their classes.Donate them to a scrap or salvage yard. Look on Salvoweb’s directory or on Earth911 to find one close to you. Photo from Melanie Grimes
BRICKS
Use them
Make something! Reclaimed brick has a special patina that really adds something to a room. Construct or border a garden walkway.
Construct a firepit.
Construct a barbecue.
Construct raised vegetable beds. Photo from Fallsroad
Reduce them: if you would like to make some cash from your spare bricks, try selling them to local bricklayers or landscapers. Create a couple of calls to see about how much your supply is worth.Put them on Craigslist or Freecycle. A lot of people are working on construction and craft jobs that demand bricks, which may get expensive.Donate them to Habitat for Humanity or other non-profit building organizations. (Call first to make sure that they really need them.) Photo from Amanda Kovattana
WOOD
Use it: There’s no limit to the uses for scrap timber. Get creative, and start surprising yourself. Construct a birdhouse.Build a quirky bookshelf or storage unit.Put together a trellis to your garden.Build raised vegetable beds.Use smaller bits to make picture frames or handmade toys. Use untreated wood .
Reduce it: Attempt donating pieces of timber to Habitat for Humanity, a scrapyard, or a high-school woodworking shop.
Like bricks, people are always able to use scrap timber. Try putting it on Freecycle or Craigslist.
Check with your city or the regional recycling facility to see what any other choices could be. Some facilities will put clean timber through a chipper and combine it with other substances to use as a soil enhancer. Photo from Grundvold
decordemon
PAINT
When you purchase paint, try to buy only the quantity that you want to finish the job. If you are not certain, try getting less instead of more. You may always make another trip to the shop, and it saves paint from going to waste and end up in a landfill.
Use it: If you have a good deal of paint leftover, store it so which you may use it again in the next few decades. Cover the opening of the can with plastic wrap, put the lid securely on, and keep the can upside down to make a tight seal. Use it! Try performing a smaller job, such as repainting an old dresser or chair, or any touchups around the house. It’s amazing what a little paint can do.
Reduce it:
Give the paint to a neighborhood organization like a school, church, shield, or nonprofit. Many of these organizations could use a fresh coat of paint to freshen up their facilities.
In case you really do have to eliminate the paint, do it properly. Some countries have specific disposal techniques for different sorts of paint, so ensure your procedures are environmentally friendly and legal.
Latex and oil paints (water-based): Water-based paints could be thrown away in the garbage, provided that they are completely dry. Solidify any leftover paint by means of a paint hardener, or simply by putting kitty litter or shredded paper to the can. If there’s only a little left, you can allow it to air dry. After it’s all dry, then you can scoop it out to the garbage, and recycle the can.
Alkyd (oil-based) paint: Oil-based paint is considered toxic waste. Additionally, it is incredibly flammable, therefore it should never be thrown in the garbage. Bring it to a local recycling station to eliminate it properly. Call or check online before seeing, since many facilities have different policies.
Photo by Alvalyn Lundgren
More:
Up Close: DIY Salvaged Wood Wall
Lose It: The Way to Get Rid of a Mattress
Lose It: 4 Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Carpet
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