Is it possible to build entirely out of recycled building materials? We all want to protect the environment and natural resources, but is it cost effective? Are the recycled materials durable and is it really safe? Recycling starts at home, separating our garbage into different containers and ends in manufacturing plants repurposing wastes into new materials or objects. The construction industry also reuses old (salvaged) materials in remodeling or new constructions.Using recycled building materials presents the same advantages and inconvenients as the recycling of wastes such as aluminum cans, tires, newspaper:
- Avantages: recycling protects the environment by reducing energy usage in the manufacturing process as well as mining and refining. It diminishes the need for raw materials therefore preserving natural resources, and minimizing air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions as well as landfill filling.
- Inconvenients: it is not always cost effective because of the necessity of separate types of factories and because of the initial cost. Certain recycled products may be of lesser quality, the recycling sites may be unsafe (lack of testing to put them on the market quicker),and it is not widespread enough to be as effective as it should be just yet.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) contends that what is different for recycled building materials is that deconstruction - although demanding more careful planning than demolition, in order to not damage what we are trying to salvage - is good for the construction company’s bottom line and the customer’s budget. And it’s also better for the environment by preserving the resources of the planet, saving non renewable virgin materials. EPA also emphasizes the performance of recycled recycled building materials and promotes green and sustainable building.
What can be recycled?
When it comes to building materials, there are 2 types of products that can be recycled:
Building materials
Plywood, lumber, flooring, windows, doors, brick, concrete, plumbing fixtures, door knobs, hinges, handles, paneling, insulation, stairs and railings, asphalt roof tiles, moldings, baseboards, wainscoting and countertops. They are integrated into remodeling projects and new construction as is or as decor elements.
Waste products
Paper and cardboard are made into wood or countertops.
Sanitary products and nappies become roofing tiles.
Plastic bags and packaging become blocks used as room dividers or in outdoor areas.
Animal blood is used as adhesive mixed with sand for bricks making.
A combination of different corks become tiles and panels or even flooring.
Fly ash has many applications in all aspects of green building, notably concrete and asphalt products.
What kind of new life can recycled building materials get?
In this recycling industry, creativity is unlimited. If anything, technology and engineering present challenges and obstacles, but we’ve come a long way from just transforming an old door into a tabletop.
Some of the products that are “reinvented” include doors, sinks, toilets, lumber, flooring, appliances, cabinets, bricks, lighting, hardware, fireplaces, roofing, windows.
An old house or building can be as easily deconstructed as demolished and the recovered materials be recycled into building materials.
When referring to recycled building material, we are talking about materials either used as is, or in need of a facelift and some transformation before being usable. If you watch any home remodeling show you must have noticed that certain materials such as vintage doors, gates, door handles and more have become popular and are treated as antiques; they give your house or building some character, history even.
Using recycled building materials for new buildings or remodeling projects is a win win for the builder, the customer, and the environment. Not everything is worth salvaging or transforming, but eco friendly materials can easily be included in a project, at least those that have proven durable and safe.
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