Metal Recycling: Everything You Need to Know

When Renovating, What Household Waste Can You Recycle?

8 August 2023

Melissa Stanley

Renovating your home can be a big undertaking, but it's also a great opportunity to declutter, get rid of old items and start fresh. But what do you do with all the waste that comes from a renovation project? Can you recycle any of it? What do you need to know about recycling household waste as you move forward with your renovation?

Metal

Recyclable metal includes aluminium, steel, copper and brass. During a renovation project, you might find metal in the form of old pipes, radiators and fixtures. You can take these items to a scrap metal facility, where they will be melted down and recycled. Not only does this divert waste from landfills, but it also saves energy and resources needed to mine and produce new metal.

Wood

Wood is another material that can be recycled during a renovation. If you have old cabinets, doors or window frames, consider taking them to a wood recycling facility. These facilities will sort, grind, and process the wood, which can then be used for mulch, animal bedding or even new products. Make sure to remove any screws, nails or other attachments before recycling.

Electronics

If you're renovating your home office or entertainment area, you might have old electronics that need to be disposed of. Many electronics can be recycled, including computers, printers and televisions. Look for an electronics recycling facility in your area or check if your local waste management service offers electronics recycling.

Concrete

Concrete and masonry waste can also be recycled. If you're tearing down a patio, walkway or retaining wall, you can take the broken pieces to a concrete recycling facility. The concrete will be crushed and used as a base material for new construction projects.

Carpet

Finally, old carpets can be recycled too. Carpet recycling facilities will separate the fibres from the backing and turn them into new products, such as insulation or backing for new carpets. Make sure to remove any padding or adhesive before taking your old carpet to be recycled.

What Is Your Bottom Line?

Renovating your home can be a great way to breathe new life into your living space. But remember that with any renovation project comes waste. Before tossing everything into the landfill, think about what materials can be recycled. By recycling metal, wood, electronics, concrete and carpet, you can help reduce waste, conserve some of those vital resources, and do your part for the environment.

For more info, contact a local recycling centre.

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About Me

If you have a large amount of metal which you no longer need, you may be trying to figure out what you can do with it. While it may be tempting to dump old metal, if you do this you could be making a serious mistake. By recycling the metal you can enjoy two major benefits. The first benefit is that, because the metal will be reused, you will be helping to protect the environment. The second benefit is that you will receive some cash in return for the metal. Last year, I recycled some metal and I was surprised at how easy it was to do this. If you want to find out more, read on!