Reclaimed or salvaged building materials come from development projects or buildings that have been deconstructed, demolished, or remodeled. Salvaged building materials can also be sourced from the excess construction material of building sites to reuse in other projects.

For builders or DIYers, incorporating these reclaimed construction materials into projects is better for the planet and more financially responsible—since building out of all new materials can be expensive. Plus, recycled building materials often come with a unique history or one-of-a-kind appearance that adds a special touch to your project.

Read on to learn some tips and tricks on how to recycle, reuse, and salvage building materials.

Before finding salvage materials for your project, check your local Builders’ Associate and your state or provincial environmental agency for information on your region’s best practices. These organizations can help you plan your project and also help ensure that your project adheres to the local government regulations.

If you receive clearance to demolish part or all of a building, deconstruct it first to remove all salvageable items as early on in the project as possible. Then, separate all the different types of debris into categories to keep everything organized (wood, metal, concrete, etc.).

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