A renovation is a time for rebirth. Out with the old and in with the new. While all the fresh features are likely to be the focus, it’s important that you don’t overlook what to do with your old fixtures and fittings. All this waste needs to go somewhere – and you can’t just dump it in a field. There are laws and ethics to consider that can help to make sure your trash is responsibly disposed of. Below are five tips for sustainably removing your renovation waste.
Hire a dumpster
Hiring a dumpster is the simplest solution for dealing with waste. By working with a company like Yankee Dumpster LLC, you can organize a bin to be placed outside your property into which you can immediately dispose of all old fixtures and materials. The company will then haul away this dumpster and responsibly dispose of all the contents for you. No need to run items to a recycling center yourself.
Separate items to recycle
If you’d prefer to save money by managing waste yourself, consider separating waste items as you’re removing them from your property. You can then take each material to its relevant recycling point. Research where to recycle each material. This solution is only viable if you have a vehicle large enough to transport waste away yourself.
Plan for hazardous materials
Certain types of waste like asbestos, fluorescent tubes and solvents need to be disposed of in a special way. Handling these materials yourself could be dangerous and even illegal, so make sure to look into specialist contractors. You may be able to check with a dumpster company as to what materials they do not take so that you know which items to sort out separately.
Consider what you can privately sell or donate
If you’ve got old appliances or fixtures that are still in relatively good condition, consider whether you may be able to privately sell them to a new owner. Somebody might be willing to buy your refrigerator or oven if it’s still working properly. Appliances that are quite old may be better to donate – if they’re still working, someone will likely still be willing to pick them up. You may even be able to sell or donate old countertops or cabinets provided that they are not too scratched or stained. Make sure to also consider leftover paint or wallpaper – there are decorators that may buy these supplies.
Creatively repurpose items
Are there old items that you can reuse creatively in some way? For example, an old bathtub could be turned into a makeshift pond in your garden. Old wooden countertops may be possible to cut down and reuse for DIY carpentry projects. This is a way of giving items new life without having to sell them, donate them or take them to a recycling center. It’s particularly worthwhile considering how to reuse excess materials like paint – might it be possible to use that same paint for a new project in the near future?