Composting and Recycling During Home Repairs or Remodeling
Waste is a natural consequence of making repairs or remodeling one's
home. Items that one may potentially feel the need to dispose of may
range from plastics to construction materials that can fill up landfills
that are already overflowing. Additionally, some of the items produced
during these home improvement projects may be toxic to the environment
and human health. When remodeling or repairing one's home, there are
environmentally friendly ways to handle waste or unwanted items, such as
composting or recycling. In some cases, the remains of one's remodeling
project can be repurposed for other uses around the home, or they may be
reused by someone else for their home improvement project. How waste is
used or managed depends on the specific project and the materials or
items that one is considering getting rid of.
Before disposing of a specific item, a homeowner should consider what it
is made of, as that can help dictate if and how it may be recycled.
Organic materials, for example, such as sawdust and certain types of
paper may be composted. The untreated wood that is used in construction
for home repairs may be made into wood chips and can also be used for
composting purposes. Composting is a natural and environmentally healthy
process that breaks down organic materials from the yard and from food
waste to create a rich humus or compost that can be useful for enriching
the soil of new or existing gardens. Composting may be done in a large
garbage can, a pile, or a bin in one's yard and is a practice that is
beneficial beyond the completion of the home improvement project.
Recycling is one of the best ways to manage home waste. One should check
with their state to see if there are any recycling programs or locations
where debris that comes from construction around one's home can be
disposed of. Hazardous waste such as caustic materials can often be
disposed of at local hazardous waste sites, but one should also call
private companies in advance to make certain that specific materials are
accepted. Items such as bricks or wood can be used for other projects
around the home or the yard. Check plastics to see which items may be
turned in at local recycling programs.
When remodeling homes, there may be items that are in good condition but
are no longer needed or wanted. Outdated or unwanted cabinetry, mirrors,
countertops, doors, and fixtures that are in good condition are just a
few of the items that shouldn't be thrown away, as they are easy to
recycle or reuse. One can donate these items to building supply programs
that accept, refurbish, and sell items as used and recycled goods to
consumers or organizations that will use them in building projects for
those in need. A homeowner may repurpose their items themselves by
looking for craft or DIY projects that allow them to use these items in
creative ways or turn them into something that is useful in other areas
of the home. Not only should homeowners recycle their waste and unwanted
materials, but they can be equally eco-friendly by purchasing and using
recycled items for their home improvement or repair project.
Click any of the following links for more information on recycling when
making home repairs or while remodeling:
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