How to re-use and recycle materials from your renovation

ARTICLE David Wright IMAGE Junk Run

It is very rare these days not to drive down any residential street and see a skip bin or flexi bin on the side of the road, filled with renovation waste and other goods that could be given a second life.

Unfortunately, once the items are in the bin, the next stop is off to the landfill to be buried (often including the flexi-bin that has been filled).
Up to 50% of landfill is made up of construction, building and domestic renovation waste. This is a real shame because with just a few changes in how we have done things traditionally, it is possible to divert your building waste very easily.
As a country with a clean green image, it might be shocking to learn that we aren’t even in the top ten of sustainable countries in the world (based on the Environmental Performance index rating system designed by Yale and Columbia University).
To change this, think about the choices you make. For example, if you are pulling down walls with plasterboard and timber, by taking the time to separate and sort those materials, this can be recycled.
If you are renovating or upgrading your deck or outside area, all timber can be recycled and in many cases re-used.
Bathrooms are full of re-usable and recyclable materials. If you search for businesses in your area that have a community focus and are committed to sustainability then you will probably find a company that cannot only recycle, re-use or redistribute your renovation waste, but they will almost certainly pick it up and take it away for you!

You might be interested in reading: Upcycling tips and tricks.

 

This article by David Wright featured on page 32 in Issue 018 of Renovate Magazine. Renovate Magazine is an easy to use resource providing fresh inspiration and motivation at every turn of the page.

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