Question:
Do you have any recommendations for how to minimize what I send to the landfill when tearing down an existing home and building a new one?
Answer:
The publication, A Guide to Deconstruction (2000) would be an excellent place to start. It is available through HUD’s publications website at www.huduser.org/Publications/PDF/decon.pdf. Some outlets for used building materials include:
- Municipal services
- Architectural antiques stores
- Reuse in the new home
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
ToolBase.org has a fact sheet and a series of brochures about deconstruction, Construction Waste Management.
The EPA maintains a website on waste management that is also helpful at www.epa.gov/ebtpages/wastsolidmunicipalsolidwaste.html.