BIOREGIONAL RECLAIMED

Finding Homes for Reclaimed Materials

When looking to maximise reclamation there are three options:

• sell them directly to the end-user of the materials;
• sell them to a salvage/reclamation operator; or
• give them away.

The latter can still save money by avoiding landfill tax, and in some cases those taking items for free will also extract and remove them from site.

BioRegional Reclamation is working with the salvage industry to produce a contact database of key suppliers and reclamation operators who offer to reclaim and then sell materials. Most of these organisations run salvage yards which specialise either in architectural salvage or certain materials such as timber, steel or bricks. The following are useful tips for finding homes for materials:

1. Whether selling direct to the end-user or to a salvage yard, web-based markets are an excellent place to start. Through them you can post photos, quantities, prices and wait for responses. Examples include: Salvo, Architrader and WhatToDoWithThis.

2. In addition, Salvo provides a directory of salvage yards that can be searched by desired location or material. If there are only a few operations in your region, don't give up: they will often know someone who can be of help!

3. Internet searches can often be successfull, using identifiers such as: reclamation + "material/item" + "your town". However a number of the smaller local yards do not as yet have a web presence so the Yellow Pages is still a useful resource.

4. It can also be usefull to check with building sites in your area to see if they have a need for the type of construction materials you are offering.

5. Finally many charitable, community-benefit or voluntary organisations have limited funds but great needs. Before skipping any materials it is a good idea to check with your local groups to see if your waste can be their resource.

Almost all materials can be reused from light fittings to ceiling tiles and structural steel. Follow this link for further information on commonly reclaimed materials.

In addition we have compiled a number of case studies of projects within which reclamation has featured. Follow this link for more infomration.

Reclaimed steel joists

Crisis reused a number of old school tables during their Open Christmas activities.